iPhone Tips: Using Mobile Safari

For many people the ability to go online and browse the internet just as if they were at their computer trumps any of the other flashy bells and whistles that are packed into their iPhone. The internet is no longer just a passive form of communication and research, it is now a constant reference tool that can be applied at all times. This is not to say that browsing the internet with the on board Safari is an easy prospect, especially when dealing with lengthy load times and the unreasonably small keyboard. There are a number of ways that can make this a little bit more plausible for the average user, and save your sanity after using it repeatedly.

The main thing to remember is that the 3G network is a nice backup support, but in essence not very efficient for extensive internet use. It is much better when using applications that must go online because they have specific and limited actions they must perform. Safari, on the other hand, requires dozens at once, including making commands and downloading media in real time. If you are going to be using the browser often you should always wait until you are in an open Wi-Fi network, especially those provided by large institutions like hotels, corporate offices, or universities.

Since Safari can be difficult to work with, it is better to use alternative applications whenever possible instead of browsing the internet for the correct websites. There are so many website application ports for your iPhone that many of the main ones should completely replace your mobile use of the website. Amazon, eBay, Myspace, Facebook, and Wikiamo for Wikipedia are just some of the great options you have.

Safari always takes an awkward second to load the last page it was on when first running it. Since there is always the opening “About: Blank” page you should first bookmark this page and then try to finish on it whenever possible. What this does is allows you to open Safari and then select the website you want to go to without be forced into your previous locations.

If you are trying to fully integrate your iPhone into the pattern of use with your other major communication devices you are going to want to connect things like email and internet contacts. Syncing your standard Safari bookmarks from your desktop or laptop computer is an easy thing to do through iTunes. When you have your phone plugged in go to iTunes and select the iPhone under Devices. Go to the Info tab and then go down to Web Browser. Here you can check the box to sync with a web browser and then you can go in and select Safari, or the web browser that you use most on your home computer.

If may seem strange to work with hyperlinks on a mobile environment because you do not have the informational capacity that comes with a full keyboard and mouse. If you want to see where a hyperlink will direct you to you can just place your finger on the link and hold on it. This will bring up a little window telling you the proper address of the link.

Using the keyboard can be the most difficult part of navigating the internet using Safari mobile. When using the keyboard in Safari there is a “.com” button for putting in web addressed. If you press on this button and hold down you will get other options, like “.net” or “.edu.”

The truth is that users just need to work with Safari on a regular basis to get the hang of it because it does not exist on the internet browsing principles that they are used to. Once they do it will become obvious what a great step forward this tool is.

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