Definitely. I'm surprised that keyboards don't have a "magnifying glass" key since search is entirely keyboard-oriented. (A Windows key doesn't count because it's not an intuitive search indicator. The Mac Spotlight's command-space is also unintuitive.)
I recommend Alfred too, as well as Dash (similar but targeted to programming). Both tools come up instantaneously compared to Spotlight, they're more configurable and they seem to stay out of the way better. Even though they cost money they are well worth it because of the productivity gain.
I recommend Alfred too, as well as Dash (similar but targeted to programming). Both tools come up instantaneously compared to Spotlight, they're more configurable and they seem to stay out of the way better. Even though they cost money they are well worth it because of the productivity gain.