Microsoft's new Bing search engine is now live, at www.bing.com. The site is getting a positive early reaction, and not just from Woz.

"Apparently Bing is Something of a Hit," is the headline on TechCrunch, rounding up a number of glowing comments from readers -- one of whom expresses surprise that Bing "doesn't suck." London's Daily Mirror also takes the site for a spin and finds some things to like.

"It’s attractive, and despite the absurdity of the name, it is short and easy to remember," the Mirror writes. "Search results looks just like they do in any big search engine, and on the plus side, we like the relevant search terms appearing in the left hand column: it’s certainly a quicker way to jog your memory than mincing around with the Google Wonder Wheel, even if it doesn’t appear for every term you search."

Microsoft is positioning the new site as a "decision engine," and one decision I need to make soon is which barbeque grill to buy for summer cooking. Here's how the search term "best gas barbecue grill" appears on Google, Yahoo and Bing.

Some subtle differences there, but overall it looks as if Bing is at least matching Google's relevance on that particular search term.

Of course, the real question is whether Microsoft, overall, can not just match Google but provide a better experience that attracts more users. Should be fascinating to see what happens to the company's search market-share numbers in the coming weeks and months.

If you get a chance to give Bing a spin, let us know what you think.

Earlier: Yep, it's official: Microsoft launches new Bing 'decision engine'