I'm aware of Jacob Nielson's (and others') decrees (I refer to them myself, when it suits me

), hence the opening rider, '... this is a personal choice...'.

But, with the advent, and acceptance of, tabbed browsing it's MHO that these theories could do with some revision.

As for users opening their own new windows (sans tabbed browsing) it's my guess that many a true newbie wouldn't be immediately aware that they could do this (I judge my own 'newbies' thinking on the type of questions we see on this forum).

As for small monitors; mmm, a tad dated me thinks.

We can each do our own research, taking in what Nielson, and other gurus have to say (clearly I'm no guru), but the bottom line is personal preference and choice.

One thing I do know is that the vast majority of design briefs I get to read, regarding corporate sites, conclude that target="_blank", or equivalent, is desired. However, the vast majority leaves a sizable minority who believe otherwise.

I merely offer possibilities, not diktats.