The Omni Group has released OmniWeb 5.7, the latest version of their web browser which uses the Webkit framework from Apple to handle page layout. OmniWeb 5.7 uses basically the same version of Webkit as Safari 3.0, but the folks at The Omni Group are working at upgrading it to the version of Webkit that Safari 3.1 currently uses.

I’ve had a long relationship with both OmniWeb and Safari, switching back and forth between them as I’m attracted by one feature or the other.

I like the new Safari 3.1 for it’s blazing speed and compatibility with the latest web standards (it’s also free) but OmniWeb has a strong selection of unique features that attract me as well. The main ones I enjoy are:

  • An easy to use side tab drawer that gives you thumbnails of the sites in each tab;

  • Site Preferences that allow you to set individual browser preferences based upon the site you’re on;

  • Auto-Saved Browser Sessions that allow you to come back to exactly where you left off; and

  • Workspaces that allow you to have custom groupings of sites, tabs, etc. according to a subject or project.

I mentioned that Safari is free. OmniWeb is $14.95 with upgrades starting at $4.95 so it’s not going to break the bank. You may also download a demo version and give it a try.

Safari 3.1 is a great product, but for the moment I’m still preferring OmniWeb. OmniWeb is available for Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later.

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