This has to be the longest running debate on the Interweb.
Should, or should not, links open in a new window, or tab? Despite the fact I can have up to a dozen browser windows open at any one time, I still believe that website users should make the choice as to whether they view a link in a new browser instance.
I realise I am someone who is considered “tech-savvy” and knows there is the option to open a link in another window by right clicking on, or (depending on the operating system) hovering the mouse over, it.
I also realise there are a lot of people who don’t know that, but I still go along with the gist of Smashing Magazine’s argument that targeting links to new windows will confuse or annoy a website reader.
Users need to be able to rely on consistency of the user interface and know that they won’t be distracted or disrupted during the interaction. Users must know, understand and anticipate what is going on and what will happen once user interface elements are used. Any deviations from this convention result in a more design-oriented and less user-oriented design.
It is not only confusing or annoying to open links in new windows without warning the user, it is against the website accessibility standards. A developer should not make decisions on behalf of the user. The user can decide for himself/herself if they want links to open in new windows, it should not be included in the markup on a site.
I agree with Sailor above. It “breaks” the browser if windows open in a new window and they don’t/can’t realize it. If one is going to force a link to open outside the window, one should at least put a tiny arrow image with the link to imply that. If people can’t figure out that they should right-click links when they want to do something different with them, then they need to get off the computer and onto the couch with a Websurfing for Dummies book ;)