Not very convenient, when we want to search something for keyword in package title, name, or description (long or short). Sure, one can use additional search engine of choice to format that, but then we're depending on two completely unnecessary web interfaces (web interface for repos, and any_random_search_engine, both can go down anytime without notice, with repos still working).

Also, one may want to apt-get update, then browse packages - comfortably - off-line, marking packages for installation as soon as internet is accessible again. I strongly dislike requirement to be constantly on-line.
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Arien Stokowiec