I know Opera for Windows Mobile Smartphone is already out there, and I know Opera for Windows Mobile Pocket PC is almost here. But I had to try running the Opera mini J2ME application on my i-mate Jasjar (HTC Universal) for two reasons: to see if it works, and to prove to some people that yes you can run Java apps on Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices.

First you have to be using the i-mate Jasjar because it comes with intent Java Midlet Manager.

Next, I found that on the default installation it misses a file. You have to copy \windows\target.img.zip from your i-mate to the desktop, unzip and cop the target.img file back to \windows on your i-mate. There's a Zip Manager on the i-mate, but it won't open this file.

Then you have to download Opera mini. Use the http://mini.opera.com on your Pocket Internet Explorer and select the High Memory version. Don't worry if the website says it has detected your Pocket PC as an iPaq and not being compatible.

Next, run the Midlet Manager (Start | Programs) and Install the new .jad file. Tap the Opera icon and that's it.

Things to consider: the Pocket Internet Explorer rendering is much better, but Opera mini is for feature mobile phones, not for smart devices. Second, using the Smooth font doubles the viewable area - but using tiny little fonts. Check the pictures below: