For the past several years, my browser of choice has been Opera. It has some features that I really like, so much so that other browsers almost feel unusable without them. It’s akin to trying to use Notepad after using vi for so long (programmers represent). Recently though, I’ve become more and more disappointed with my experience with Opera and I’m considering converting back to Firfox. However before I do, I want to explain the features I can’t live without in Opera and why I like them so much.
- Mouse Gestures – While I don’t take full advantage of this feature, you have no idea how handy it is to be able to hold one mouse button down and tap the other to browse forward or backward. It cuts down on browsing time and theoretically increases my efficiency, I can’t live without this because it simply makes browsing easier. It also makes me look like a complete jackass when using another browser because I use the mouse gestures and nothing happens and it takes a little bit for it to sink in that I’m not using Opera.
- Opera Sync – Opera has a centralized system that syncs browser preferences, browsing history, bookmarks, open tabs, saved sessions, and I believe saved passwords between any computer you choose to have synced to the system. This is incredibly handy when I run from work to class in the middle of something and be able to open Opera on my laptop and be right where I left off at work. I suppose its a detriment to my school work since, because of this, I rarely pay attention in class.
- Speed Dial – This really boils down to how you like to organize yourself. Are you a Bookmarks menu type person or do you put all your commonly used bookmarks on the toolbar? Or are you like me and like to have a special page devoted to your commonly visited pages that pops up whenever you open a new window/tab. Did I mention that these are synced with Opera Sync? Yeah they are.
I know that Firefox can replicate all of these feature through extensions, but I really like that by default Opera has a syncing function that just works. The other two can be replaced with an extension without any complaints from me. I also like the fact that flash actually works in Firefox on Ubuntu whereas in Opera its choppy and unusable. Plus, over time Firefox doesn’t nibble away at your system resources either and randomly leave an open lockfile when you exit.
In defense of Opera:
You left out 2 significant features of Opera, that Firefox can’t (or can’t yet) do:
1) That sync feature is accesbile by any Opera browser by logging in, but it is also available from ANY browser via Opera’s website. If you are on an unfamiliar machine, you can still get to your data.
2) Opera is on a lot more devices than Firefox, and syncing works across all of them. This means you can sync your Linux, Windows, and Mac browsers, as well as your Blackberry, Archos, Wii and DS Lite.
Plus, I have had flash issues in any browser in Linux, and natively they use about the same amount of resources, but Opera has a lot more functionality out of the box. And once you install all of the extensions to get Firefox up to spec, it will use more resources, and increase the likelyhood of performance issues. I have personally had many more performance issues with Firefox than Opera.
I’ve had a quick look at your site, it looks very interesting. Maybe you’d like to send a synopsis through for us to publish for you? Please make it as factual as possible and include a short bio of yourself and a link to your site at the end.
Oh, I’ve done the research. I’ve updated the post to include a hyperlink to the Wisconsin Law Review article I wrote on the subject.
adrianhannah.net – cool!!!!
Interesting site, but much advertisments on him. Shall read as subscription, rss.
hahaha ! this is good shit
Hi, good post. I have been woondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.
Your blog was of course amazing again even though it was terrifying for me to read what happened to you.You turned what could have been a very bad thing into something funny and positive. Do take care. Also your live radio news broadcast was also amazing.I love you xoxox
Hi, Congratulations to the site owner for this marvelous work you’ve done. It has lots of useful and interesting data.
Thank you! You often write very interesting articles. You improved my mood.
Valuable thoughts and advices. I read your topic with great interest.
Sorry but I don’t share most of these ideas.
I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
In truth, immediately i didn’t understand the essence. But after re-reading all at once became clear.
Interesting and informative. But will you write about this one more?
Very engrossing site. Trust it will ever be alive!
OMG…totally!
Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for posting. I’ll likely be coming back to your site. Keep up the good posts
Are you a professional journalist? You write very well.
Andrea, it is a great post thanks for posting it!
Satisfactory site. perform to my favorites. TNx
Having good content can only get you so far unless you also provide a good atmosphere to comment in
Why is there a top line on lined paper if we never use it?