Review By: Aira Review Date: 17 Jan 2009
Opera, the most popular third-party browser after Netscape and Internet Explorer, released a public beta of version 7 this week. After taking an early look, we can say that all signs indicate that this for-pay browser could be launching a new strategy in the browser war.
Opera 7 for Windows Beta 1, like previous versions of the browser, is available as a free, ad-sponsored download, or you can register the beta for $29 to get rid of the ads and improve the built-in e-mail client and tech support. (CNET does not recommend installing beta software on your primary PC, so paying for beta software seems downright silly.)
Prettified interface
When you fire up this beta, youll immediately notice a brand-new interface, with dark- and light-blue accents, a more rounded (Windows XP-influenced) appearance, and large 3D icons on the toolbar that are somewhat reminiscent of MSNs cartoonlike tools. You can now drag and drop toolbar icons to rearrange them, tooa nice touch. Overall, the streamlined and modern new look is much more attractive than 6.5s drab interface. The new version still supports skins, but you can now change your browsers color scheme simply by clicking the View menu.
Were pretty annoyed that Operas intrusive left-hand Hotlist, which displays favorites, e-mail tools, and contacts, now lacks version 6.5s quick-close button. To hide the column, you must now click View > Hotlist, then choose Off (alternatively, you can simply press F4, a handy trick). The Bookmarks, Mail, Contacts, History, Transfers, and Windows buttons above the Hotlist have been reorganized and redesigned into six oval spheres that pulsate when you roll over them and glow white when selected.
Like both Netscape and IE, Operas Hotlist has folders, such as Bookmarks, that now expand within the left-hand pane when you click them, a welcome improvement over the previous versions toolbar-based method. But surprisingly, the Opera 7 beta didnt import any of our IE bookmarks, as 6.5 does. Were hoping thats a beta bug.
Speediness and solid e-mail
In our brief trial run, the Opera 7 beta seemed to render and load pages only slightly slower than Opera 6.5, but both seemed slightly slower than Internet Explorer 6. However, the differences were negligible in casual use.
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| Help Functionality: | | | Ease of Use: | | | Service/Support: | | | Features: | | | Functions: | |
Good: Faster search – type your queries directly in the address bar.
Bad:
Recommend: Yes
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