OmniWeb 4.0 for Mac OS X (pronounced "ten') is as close to the perfect Web browser as I've seen. Rather than trying to hit the suite spot by doing e-mail, contact management, HTML authoring and everything but the dishes, this program just browses the Web fast and accurately. A svelte 3.5-megabyte modem-friendly download size is a clear reflection of its orientation.

Apart from Apple's bundled applications, this is the first program I've seen that feels like a true native OS X version: Dialog windows slip out from underneath the title bar as they should; the preferences window is reminiscent of the system preferences; fonts are anti-aliased for easier reading; and pop-up choice widgets and buttons are rendered like the rest of the operating system's.

Getting decent HTML rendering is exciting in itself, but the amount of control OmniWeb gives you over privacy is where the action is. Like the Mac OS 9 Web browser iCab, one can have non-approved cookies removed when the browser is closed while keeping the ones for friendly sites.

Java applets, by default, do not start unless you click them. Or you can stay caffeine-free by turning Java off. If you've waited for the Java virtual machine to crank up and then display some miserable applet, you'll know what a blessing this is.

I really like the idea of not allowing JavaScript pop-up windows, such as those on GeoCities or Salon, by default. This could be problematic for some Web-based applications, but for most of us this means annoying ads stay out of sight.

The preview versions of Mac Internet Explorer 5.1 and Mozilla 0.9 are serviceable Web browsers, but my money's on OmniWeb when hanging out in OS X. Mac aficionados appreciate attention to proper Mac apps. OmniWeb takes us there.

If you leave OmniWeb to its own devices for a short period of time, the word "Unlicensed" will appear across the browser. Paying $29.95 ($19.95 for educational versions) will remove this and the occasional request when starting the program. It's okay to use OmniWeb for personal use, but if you use it for your job, you need to buy it.

Downsides? It's totally mousecentric. With Mozilla or IE, you can hit the tab key and move through otherwise clickable objects. IE takes this a step further on the Mac by allowing you to type the first few letters of a URL and jump right to it. It's a totally awesome feature missing in the Windows version, too.

Check www.OmniGroup.com/products/omniweb/ for more information.

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