If you click on one of the pins you do not zoom in. However you get to see on the right hand side of the map, who the pin represents.

One of the other things that you can do is move the map around in the frame. If you point with the mouse on any part of the map whilst holding the left mouse down you can move the map. A bit like sliding a document under a magnifying glass.

Once you get used to the Google map you will probably realise how powerful it is.

I use Google maps now for working out journeys etc. Its very good.