As more time is spent on the iPad and it becomes the primary tool to access the internet and surf the web, it soon becomes evident that the Safari browser has a number of shortcomings compared with the usual PC web browsing experience.
The most obvious shortcomings, in my mind, include a lack of tabbed browsing, the inability to set default home pages and lack of full screen browsing capabilities (especially noticeable because of the iPad screen size). The browser alternatives I mention here all provide those capabilities, among others. The cost of each browser app is nominal, and definitely worth having one or two installed on the ipad as an option.
I find that each serves a distinct use for me, but i primarily prefer the Atomic Web Browser. For sure, there are many more options than the ones I highlight below, but in order of my preference, here are five worth considering:
| App | iTunes App Description |
| Atomic Web Browser | Atomic Web Browser is the most advanced and customizable fullscreen web browser to date. Experience desktop features including Adblock, Tabs, MultiTouch Gestures, User Agent Switcher, Passcode Lock, Facebook/Twitter integration, Save Page, Downloads, and much more. |
| Mercury Browser | Mercury is the the most advanced and elegant web browser for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The rich feature set includes themes, downloading, printing, full screen browsing, file sharing, adblock, tabs, multi touch geatures, user agent switcher, private browsing, passcode lock, save page, Facebook/Twitter integration and a lot more. |
| Cyberspace | Cyberspace is a universal web browser for the iPhone and iPad, optimized specifically for the purpose of discovering, reading and sharing. |
| Terra Browser | Terra is a fast web browser with tabs, full screen and other functions. It's better than Safari and has unbelievable price - it's FREE! |
| LastPass Browser | LastPass Tab Browser combines a full featured tab browser for the iPad with LastPass integration allowing you to use your existing accounts or create new ones with ease. LastPass is the last password you'll have to remember. It provides a safe and convenient method of storing your passwords while ensuring you can access them on any device anywhere. A form filler is also provided allowing you to easily shop directly from your iPad! |
Links to reviews of a few of the different apps are provided below:
Atomic Web (Gizmofusion.com)
It should be noted that Safari is the default browser on the iPad, and that cannot be changed. However, having options to substantially improve the browsing experience and increase your flexibility is definitely worth the investment, in my opinion.
In addition to the various web browsers discussed above, the web browsing experience can also be simplified by using bookmarklets (on Safari, as well as all the other browsers mentioned above). Finally, getting access to ALL of your PC bookmarks (or “Favorites”) right on the ipad, is possible as well.
I will address these in future posts.
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