Okay, I’ve been a fan of Opera on Windows Mobile, since I got my first WinMo device. So the recent news of a new beta for Opera Mobile, meant I had to give it a try. I did so with a modicum of trepidation, as I’m still running an old Tilt. Wondering what the changes would mean for what is now an underpowered device, meant backup and throw caution to the wind.

I suppose I should say that I’ve been using the 9.5 beta as my primary browser, so what changes are evident?

Well not a lot actually. Most of what’s happened with this update is definitely behind the scenes, or back end improvements. Does it though enhance, the user experience? Well most definitely!

The only obvious change, is an addition of an option in the settings. Enable Opera Turbo? If you’ve ever used Opera Mini, or Skyfire Browser, this will make sense to you. With Turbo enabled you are downloading a compressed version of the website you want to look at. Thus it is quicker to load, and leaves a lot less data cached on your device.

Truth is it’s lightning fast, and the total experience is a lot like Skyfire, The problem is that when you have Turbo enabled it disables all of the great features that Opera Mobile 9.5 brought with it. If you want this version to remember passwords for your favourite sites, you have to disable the Turbo feature. Once you’ve logged in to all of your most visited sites, and saved the passwords, you can re-enable Turbo and you are set to go.

All in all, it feels like a lot smoother, and speedier Browser, and it is better looking than the 9.5 Beta. This is probably the best browser you are going to get for free, that will work on older devices, so give it a try. It’s well worth it!

There’s more information, and technical stuff at Opera’s Site!

Download Link