Almost all Ajax apps shows a small loading indicator(usually a small rotating gif image) when they are sending or receiving data from the server. It is not there for decoration - it makes the application faster in the eyes of the user. Its not real speed - its a 'perceived speed' - an assurance to the user that something is happening behind the scenes.
Read 'Ajax 'Loading Indicator' Design Pattern'...
Read 'Ajax 'Loading Indicator' Design Pattern'...