August 06, 2011, 8:06 AM — Choosing a mobile browser is a lot like choosing a browser for your desktop. Do you want something light and speedy? Or is the ability to customize your online experience with add-ons and themes more important to you? Here's a look at some of the most popular Android browsers, to help you decide which browser is right for you.
Dolphin Browser HD
If you're an RSS fiend, the Dolphin Browser HD may soon become your new best friend. Dolphin lets you create a webzine from the RSS feeds of popular websites. The webzine format presents simplified versions of Web pages, with much of the clutter removed to make them easier to read. Though Dolphin can't transform every website into a webzine, it's a handy tool for staying up-to-date on current events in any case. If a Web page can be turned into a webzine, the word 'Webzine' will be next to the URL in the address bar; tap Webzine to see the page in webzine format.
Aside from its webzine functionality, the Dolphin Browser HD supports gesture commands and tabbed browsing. With gesture commands, you can draw shapes on the touchscreen to issue specific instructions to your mobile device. You can draw a circle to reload the page, for example, or you can draw an F to instruct the browser to load Facebook. The Dolphin Browser HD loads Web pages fairly quickly, and it supports a few add-ons such as Read It Later and AdBlocker.
Firefox for Android
Love add-ons but don't feel satisfied by Dolphin HD's offerings? Then consider Firefox for Android, a portable version of the beloved desktop Firefox browser. Like its desktop counterpart, Firefox for Android is all about the add-ons.
Tons of add-ons are available for Firefox for Android, including URL Fixer, which corrects common typos in URLs, and Reading List, which lets you save Web pages for offline reading. You can even give your browser a custom skin after downloading the Personas add-on. Firefox for Android is great for users who want to tweak and tune their browsers, and add their own personal touches. Unfortunately, the app can be a bit slow to start up; and if you have an older or underpowered Android phone, you might want to steer clear of it because it uses a lot of RAM. Firefox for Android also supports tabbed browsing, and you can sync between it and Firefox on your desktop to pick up on one device right where you left off on the other.
