The Albert Lea Tribune online edition is now available in a version that is more friendly to Web-enabled cell phones such as the iPhone and the BlackBerry.

Web sites generaly are designed for computer-monitor screens. Many handheld devices, often nicknamed smartphones, rearrange the order of Web sites to squeeze onto their small screens.

In response, many sites have versions easier to read on small screens. The mobile version of www.albertleatribune.com can be read at mobile.albertleatribune.com or m.albertleatribune.com.

“The Tribune continues its push to be a leader in technology with how to deliver news to people connected to the Albert Lea area,” said Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer.

While the use of smartphones might presently have a small audience, it is likely to grow in coming years, he said.

Web-enabled phones are more mobile than most computers, even laptops, he said. Mobility had been one advantage of printed paper over computers and TV sets. Getting the Web on phones changes the game, and he said the Tribune wants to provide readers with the technological services they desire.

“You might bring your phone to the golf course or on the tractor but you probably would not bring your laptop or even a hard copy of the paper,” Schmeltzer said. “When news breaks, you want to be able to read it on a site that works well for your phone.”

The mobile version of AlbertLeaTribune.com offers local news, sports, opinion, weather and obituaries. There are advertising opportunities, too.

And if users of the mobile site wish to visit the full site, there is a link for that.