Virtual Earth is Microsofts hot-hot-hot new mapping tool very similar to someone else’s online mapping tool.

There are, however, some obvious differences (not withstanding a horizontal zoom tool versus the vertical type). This includes a side-bar that shows things like “bookstores”, “pharmacies”, and other points of interest in the neighborhood of your viewing location. The demo was lacking as it constantly said “Loading…” in the sidebar – so I have NO idea where to get my books or drugs. However, when I went to my work address I could find local drug, stores. There’s also a neat “Scratch Pad” for notes, addresses, etc. that you can email to yourself (or others)

Also, it has a potential geolocation by IP-Address included (or a separate download tool, requires ActiveX – Windows users only need apply). This is definitely where they failed as I do not live in New York. C’mon, flex your money – use a database AND some tracerouting or some-such.

At least MSN took another note from google and slapped a big ol’ BETA for very obvious (and complaint dodging) reasons.