[rsp2rsp2]

This thread goes out to the veterans here (with experience testing browsers & OS updates).

Downloading the newest OS (331/190) supposedly improves the stock BB browser. So...

For those who have downloaded it (& have also used Opera Mini 4.2), what do you are prefer?

[TroyDBrown]

Wirelessly posted (TMO 8120 4.5.0.69)

I use both depending on the site I need to visit.

[taeisme]

I use both but I lean towards Opera....

[clevebb]

With the browser for 8830 in os 4.5 I found no more need for Opera.

[kjaslow]

If I could always use the Blackberry browser I would. It's great for 95% of the websites I visit. But some sites won't render correctly, and occasionally, I get a strange message about how the request is too large for the browser. In those cases, I switch to the Opera browser.

Here's my personal pro/con list for the Blackberry:

Pro -
Home screen shortcut ('b'), none for Opera
Downloads go through Blackberry browser
Blackberry browser uses BES so I'm not charged for its use. (In Australia, we pay differently for 'Internet' use versus 'Blackberry' usexxx8230; sheesh)
Can copy/paste url's to the Goto window

Cons -
Occasional error with Blackberry saying "Request too large"
No keyboard shortcut on Blackberry browser to scroll sideways

[higleyjp]

I haven't taken the time to upgrade to the latest beta OS, so I'm stuck with the "old" BB Browser. I personally prefer Opera, however, it does have it idiosyncrasies. For instance, it asks for permissions to access the internet each time you open a new session. Also, I haven't found a way to paste a URL into the address bar. Having seen the new Blackberry Browser, but not had much experience using it, my first impression is that RIM has done a good job with integrating some of the functionality Opera users enjoy. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to upgrading, or Verizon will release the upgrade for the 8830, until then I'm happy with Opera and have hidden the BB Browser since I rarely use it anymore.

[ChestR_MolestR]

Originally Posted by TroyDBrown

Wirelessly posted (TMO 8120 4.5.0.69)

I use both depending on the site I need to visit.

Same for me. It depends what site and how long I've been browsing.

I love the side scrolling with Opera and the fact that you can download larger files.
But I hate when you have to switch windows to enter text, sometimes its good when you are writing a msg but most of the times. It just bugs me. If I could scroll sideways like I could in Opera I would use the BB browser all the time except when I need a bigger file.

All that to say it depends on your preferences and the site your on.

[Kane317]

I am using the stock browser to reply but I also tested with Opera Mini: Even with all the welcome enhancements, Opera Mini seems just more user friendly and easier to navigate. Not to mention it definitely loads this site faster (stock BB browser tends to slow down requesting for scripts). EDIT: I guess there is an advantage of using the BB Browser; all the integrated function of BB while browsing such as volume control when you're listening to music. You cannot adjust the volume in Opera without hitting the home key.

[y.bb]

Originally Posted by higleyjp

Also, I haven't found a way to paste a URL into the address bar.

Uncheck "Auto-complete address input" in Opera Mini's settings.

[M3_berry]

I find the BB stock browser quite good. One thing that bothers me (a lot) is that I am not able to scroll right and left by using a shortcut as opposed to the scrolling ball.

MiniOpera was great that way (I used it on a SE K850i). However, each time they would release a new version, I would lose the bookmarks (the new MiniOpera would not see the bookmarks set with the old version). Since I am not using the desktop version of Opera... I couldn't save my bookmarks. The second issue I have with MiniOpera is that it wouldn't play embedded video. The BB browser is not great at that but at least it does the job every now and then.

If anyone knows how to scroll left and right with the BB browser (column view won't do the trick, scrolling is still needed), telling me that would make me happy

[Midwinter]

the opera browser desnt work correctly on my bold. otherwise i'd be using it more often.

[donklishous]

Originally Posted by y.bb

Uncheck "Auto-complete address input" in Opera Mini's settings.

I found another way to enter a URL that will allow you to leave your "Auto-complete address input" on. After you have a url addy in your cut/paste clipboard, go to the location bar, delete the "www". After you do this "insert symbol..." should be in the suggested site list, click this. Paste you url here and select "ok". Done and done.

-d

[brandnewsimmy]

I would say for normal browsing I tend to lean towards Opera just because it is a speed demon. But, like mentioned, when integrating features like emailing or calling numbers directly from the browser (like on Craigslist), or downloading the BB browser is the way to go.