Good notes. They are of a reformed leaning so keep that in mind, though I usually agree with them as I lean that direction as well.
The print is clear and easy to read.
When you say search isn't showing up anything, you mean searching about the ESV study Bible, or the online esv study Bible itself? I use esvonline.org and it's working fine.
Think that they JUST came out with a smaller personal edition, they just "cut back" the notes, but you do get the online esv study online with purchase, so all the notes would be out there!
How do the notes compare do you think to either macarthur or Ryrie or NIV study Bible?
Much more extensive than Ryrie or NIV Study Bible. It doesn't have the premillennial slant that MacArthur has, so that's your major point of contrast.
If you are a dispensationalist, the MacArthur Bible might be more up your alley.
If not, then the ESV Bible is a good fit.
It can also work well if you are a dispensationalist who doesn't mind a broader perspective in a study Bible.
Bottom line:
the ESV Study Bible is just plain exhaustive.
Absolutely and utterly exhaustive.
The notes would be comparable to some of the more basic commentaries in the market.