In an article on About.com:

“When you add it all up, BBCi Search certainly does provide a different user experience than Google’s own sites, even though the results are nearly identical. If you use Google for its combination of power, speed, relevance and detail, you won’t find anything of interest at BBCi Search. But if you like the idea of a powerful search engine so simple that the entire “how to search” instructions amount to six sentences and one graphic, this may be the one for you — especially if you have an interest in UK-specific material.”

Also has some links to stories in the British press about BBCi Search and the fuss it has caused.

» About.com: “BBC Joins the Search Engine Fray, Users Win”