How to avoid "mobile" versions of websites?

HappySeagull

I'm happy browsing the web with my Hudl, which has a decent screen.

However, a few websites insist on transferring Hudl users to a "mobile" version - eg. m.waterstones.com. These are invariably cut-down, and difficult to navigate. :mad: They may be all a phone can manage, but tablets are perfectly capable these days.

Is there any way to fool the website into displaying the full version?

RumRat

Just take the m. out of the address and refresh then bookmark as the full site.
Or try this....
Open your browser. Then, open up the top-left corner menu and open up the settings. Next, open up the 'Advanced' tab, and scroll down to the section called 'User Agent String'.

There should be 3 options - Tablet, Desktop, and Mobile-Phone. Select Desktop. And that's it! No other complications. All web pages should load in their full, desktop editions.

HappySeagull

RumRat wrote: »

Just take the m. out of the address and refresh then bookmark as the full site.
Or try this....
Open your browser. Then, open up the top-left corner menu and open up the settings. Next, open up the 'Advanced' tab, and scroll down to the section called 'User Agent String'.

There should be 3 options - Tablet, Desktop, and Mobile-Phone. Select Desktop. And that's it! No other complications. All web pages should load in their full, desktop editions.

Unfortunately, editing the address doesn't help, because the websites automatically transfer you. (I can't even view the mobile version on a desktop!)

Good idea regarding the browser settings, but Chrome on the Hudl doesn't seem to let you change the User Agent String. Which browser are you using on which tablet? I uninstalled Firefox because it was so slow, though I use it all the time on my PC.

forgotmyname

With the page loaded press the menu key and you get the option of request desktop site.

HappySeagull

forgotmyname wrote: »

With the page loaded press the menu key and you get the option of request desktop site.

Brilliant! I'd not spotted that settings option before, but I can tell you the full Waterstones website works perfectly!

RumRat

HappySeagull wrote: »

Unfortunately, editing the address doesn't help, because the websites automatically transfer you. (I can't even view the mobile version on a desktop!)

Good idea regarding the browser settings, but Chrome on the Hudl doesn't seem to let you change the User Agent String. Which browser are you using on which tablet? I uninstalled Firefox because it was so slow, though I use it all the time on my PC.

Sorry for delay.....As you have already found, it's in the Menu options....Glad you have it sorted....

paddyrg

It doesn't always work, mind - some sites are obsessed with serving up the mobile/limited version no matter how nicely you ask.

paddyrg

Another classic...

HappySeagull

paddyrg wrote: »

Another classic...

Nice one! I really don't understand this idea of having to download a new App for each company / group I want to find out about - what happened to the simple idea of using HTML / Javascript / CSS to serve the info in an appropriate format, whatever the platform?

I've deleted almost all the Apps off my Hudl, and now it doesn't slow down or drain the battery - all the updates were a nightmare!