I was able to download and try SkyFire, thanks to the beta code thread. I am an opera mini user. Just putting down my views on comparison between these 2 good browsers:
The good:
- SkyFire installation/usage is much simpler than Opera mini. For running opera mini you need to install JBED, mortscript, badbob's script. Skyfire is one simple product. No mortscript crap.
- Opera mini launch is slower since it relies on JBED launch and the mortscript in case you invoked it from another application. Skyfire is quicker and easier to launch.
- Skyfire supports flash. opera mini doesnt
- Skyfire has been benchmarked to be faster than opera mini
- Skyfire supports full java/ajax support. Opera mini is not very robust in
JS support
The Bad:
- Skyfire consumes 9-10 MB , opera mini ~4mb
- The skyfire smart fit is not as smart as opera mini
- Skyfire scrolling is clumsy and grained as compared to opera mini.
- opera mini zooming is smoother than skyfire
- I liked the font/size/appearance of opera mini better.
Overall Opera mini still remains my favorite browser. All that is needed for it to be best is flash, ajax/
js and good system integration and transparency of java layer.