The Opera Mobile browser is the answer for those who want to browse the Internet on their mobile device without being taken to mobile versions, or just want an alternative to Internet Explorer.
Opera is a solid browser that matches the features of Internet Explorer, and adds a few new touches like the ability to zoom in and out on a web page, mimicking some of the functionality seen in those neat little iPhone commercials.
It does have a few minor annoyances, but it is a solid browser for mobile devices.
Opera Browser v8.65 - Pros and Cons
- Good performance and overall usability
- Multiple windows for viewing more than one page at once
- Zoom in and out of web pages
- Travel the web as if you are on a desktop
- No quick favorites button
- Some annoyances in the usability
Guide Review - Opera Browser v8.65
The Opera Mobile browser and Internet Explorer share some of the same basic features, such as ability to switch to a full screen mode, a touch and grab feature for touch users, the ability to fit a page to the screen or view the full page, etc.
But where Opera really shines is in its ability to tell web pages that you are browsing from a desktop computer, thus allowing you to view the full version for those sites that would normally send you to a mobile version. Coupled with the ability to zoom in and out, this creates a great way of traversing the web that is unrivaled by the Internet Explorer.
Another great feature of the Opera browser is support for opening multiple windows. The browser also has back, forward and refresh buttons displayed on the address bar, making navigation easier. You can also turn off images to provide faster web page loading.
There are a few annoyances, though. There is no favorites button on the main screen. It may be as simple as clicking action and choosing "go to," but I have to wonder at the choice to include back, forward and refresh buttons but no favorites button. A favorites button would have made more sense than the refresh button.
Another annoyance is the automatic word fill while typing in a web address. This is where the browser tries to complete the word for you. Handy when filling out forms, annoying when trying to type in a web address when you want the address itself to auto-fill, not a similarly spelled word.
But these annoyances are trivial compared to the many benefits the Opera Mobile browser will give you in exchange.
