NeoPlanet 5.0: Like a New Skin

I generally hold a curmudgeon's attitude toward browser add-ons and plug-ins, which often add bulk to my hard drive without adding much functionality. But then I met the new Neoplanet 5.0 Web browser plug-in, with its Homer Simpson "skin," and became a changed man.

NeoPlanet, billed as an "Internet Desktop," integrates a Web browser, e-mail client, Web directory, search engine, and other Internet functions into a single application. Its skins--multimedia add-ons that immediately affect the browser's look--add a whole new dimension to your online experience. Neoplanet's Classic version places 1.8MB of files on your hard drive, including Macromedia Flash 4.0. NeoPlanet 5.0 with NetClubs adds instant messaging, group chat, and access to NetClub common-interest groups, and occupies an additional megabyte.

Because NeoPlanet uses Internet Explorer's engine, however, you need to install IE 3.1 or later to run it (Neoplanet says that this version implements beta support for Netscape's Gecko browser engine through the downloadable NeoZilla add-on, which we were unable to test). And although NeoPlanet adds some nice functions to IE, it also impedes some of IE's standard features.

Skins and All

Each NeoPlanet skin consists of a few hundred kilobytes of graphics and sound files that can change the browser's personality to a futuristic look (the cool chrome of the Titanium skin, for example) or a trendy appearance, like the Austin Powers skin. You may have to search a bit to find the right choice for your persona - or your environment: I got a bang out of Homer Simpson, but his raucous singing and rude belches would quickly wear thin in a crowded office. NeoPlanet 5.0 wisely lets you preview skins before applying them, and can change between skins on command. If you're feeling adventurous, you can set them to rotate randomly, giving a new look each time your browser's launched. The NeoPlanet Web site offers archives of tons of new skins for quick, simple downloads.