You're on the browser version, not the standalone, correct? It looks like the standalone version is still 870.2.
I launch it via the .jnlp file. (I am on a mac of course) They call it the browser version, but it's the same code. It's just how your system accesses it. I downloaded the .jnlp file to my desktop and I luanch it from there. I never launch from the browser. The "platform" version is merely the same java code with a nice OS based installer. The way Macs handle Java, that is a moot point if you can download the .jnlp file. I prefer it this way as you automatically get the updates... verses having to remember to download them, etc...
I've been using 871 when it was still beta on/off (alternating with 870) for the past wk w/o any problems. I do note that upgrading from Java 1.5 to Java 1.6 seems to have introduced some general sluggishness -- perhaps the cache needs to be rebuilt. Can't be sure yet.
I am still on java 1.5 (mac) on my XP install I am 1.6 and yes it is extremely slow to log in, etc... under 1.5 it was nice and zippy...
Adding java 1.6 doesnt require you to use it for TWS. I have 1.6 and 1.5 11 and just point the TWS command line at the javaw.exe in the 1.5 11 directory ignore the double slashes C:\\Program Files\\Java\\jre1.5.0_11\\bin\\javaw.exe -cp jts.jar;pluginsupport.jar;jcommon-1.0.0.jar;jfreechart-1.0.0.jar;jhall.jar;other.jar;rss.jar -Dsun.java2d.noddraw=true -Xmx256M jclient/LoginFrame C:\\Jts
There are few enough updates that I'd suggest running the standalone at all times. Been doing that for 5 years and have had few issues.