Opera Mini: World's fastest mobile browser

I recommend that everyone with a mobile phone install the free Opera Mini Web browser. I thought it was about time I explained precisely why.

The most advanced browser you've never heard of

Firstly, it's currently the most advanced, feature-packed mobile browser in the world for Java-based handsets. It supports multiple cached pages for seemless back-and-forward navigation, Javascript, RSS and secure connections for online shopping.

But secondly, and perhaps more impressively, it uses server-side caching, meaning before the massive full-size Web pages are crammed down your teeny GPRS data connection, they're compressed to a ludicrously small size.

Full Web sites can be scaled and browsed with preposterous ease

This not only makes pages load a billion times faster than when using any pre-installed phone browser, but it slashes your data charges, too. In many tests, it loads much, much faster than the iPhone loads over 3G. Intuitive zooming and fast scrolling using keypad shortcuts make zipping around pages and zooming in on text not only easy but lightning fast.

Plus it's just a 120KB download to begin with, for no cost whatsoever, with not even a hint of advertising anywhere to be seen. The only big thing it can't handle is Flash video.

Zoom in on text and it's rescaled to fit your eensy-weensy screen

It's compatible with almost every handset you can dream of (except the iPhone or a Windows Mobile device), including most modern handsets from Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, BlackBerry, Samsung, LG and Palm. Just use your phone's existing browser to visit operamini.com and hit 'Download'.

Incidentally, Opera makes the Web browser for the Nintendo Wii and the Archos 5 PMP, and now there's no reason not to enjoy the full Internet, even on your phone's little screen.