Many people use Twitter with desktop clients, but others don't want to, or perhaps can't download software. With web-based Twitter interfaces it is still possible to gain access to some highly useful features for Twitter.
1. HootSuite
HootSuite is the most popular web-based Twitter application. Besides Twitter it supports Facebook, LinkedIn, Ping.Fm and WordPress. One must register a HootSuite account before using the service.
The HootSuite interface uses both columns and tabs. It supports many different types of columns, such as Twitter lists and keyword tracking. HootSuite can also show conversations as threads.
Multiple Twitter accounts are supported, as well as multiple users per one Twitter account. HootSuite can also automatically tweet the contents of an RSS or Atom feed. These features have made HootSuite a popular Twitter app among many companies and organizations.
When sending tweets one can choose to include an image or another type of a file, shorten an URL or schedule the tweet to be sent later. Sadly the only URL shortener supported is ow.ly, which many people find annoying, because it "cloaks" the URLs and adds its own toolbar.
2. TweetVisor
TweetVisor is quite similar to HootSuite, though its default black column-based interface immediately associates to TweetDeck. Those who'd prefer a lighter-colored interface can choose among other themes. Currently there are five different themes available.
Whether one prefers the interface of TweetVisor or HootSuite is a matter of opinion. TweetVisor seems a bit quicker, but HootSuite may feel more organized and clean.
No separate registration is required for TweetVisor. It supports multiple Twitter accounts. RSS feeds are supported, albeit this feature is in beta stage. TwitPic, tweet scheduling and URL shortening are integrated into the interface of the app.
TweetVisor has some interesting features, like the ability to see a user's first tweets (with the caveat Twitter only allows the latest 3,200 tweets to be viewed from each account) or view a user's TwitPic uploads. Another nifty feature is the ability to compare two users.
3. Brizzly
Brizzly supports both Twitter and Facebook. Up to five Twitter accounts can be used simultaneously. The Brizzly interface is not based on columns but tabs. There are useful keyboard shortcuts for many functions.
Brizzly shortens links automatically when tweeting (using bit.ly) and automatically expands shortened URLs tweeted by others. Likewise, image uploading is integrated and previews are shown of images and videos tweeted by others. New direct messages are announced with a popup notification.
An potentially very useful feature is the ability to "mute" users without unfollowing them. Another interesting feature is the ability to look for information about Trending Topics. The information is provided by Brizzly users, but most of the time it is surprisingly accurate and useful.
+1. Accessible Twitter
Accessible Twitter is just what its name says - an alternative web-based Twitter app with special focus on accessibility. It can be used with a screen reader and naturally has good support for shortcut keys and keyboard navigation. It works with or without JavaScript.
Accessible Twitter is in alpha phase, but is already a well-functional Twitter client. It can be used with any browser (even lynx), as well as mobile devices. There are also useful features not directly related to accessibility, such as preview pictures for image links created using the most popular image posting sites.
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