This debate has existed ever since Netscape introduced their frame-capable browser, Navigator 2. Many people were impressed by this new HTML tag which allowed the web-designer to create a simple layout with a menu that is static and doesn't change. But few realized that one can design similar layouts with smart use of tables as well. Below is a comparison of positive and negative aspects of both.

FRAMES	TABLES
POSITIVE: easy to use for novices loading time is usually slightly faster NEGATIVE: don't display the same on all browsers borders between frames make smooth transitions impossible visitors often get trapped inside the frames since links require an extra attribute not very accurate	POSITIVE: virtually anything in terms of design is possible every single HTML file has a menu or navigation supported by most browsers it's possible (but tricky) to make the design show up the same on all browsers very accurate, complete control over every pixel NEGATIVE: can be tough to master table designs tend to be slightly slower than frames

And here's my two cents:

The first time I used FRAMES was when I started out in HTML, when Netscape first introduced them. I thought they were cool and easy to use, while also providing a simple and effective layout (navigation on the left, content on the right). I wasn't worried about having complete control over my designs either, since my designs back then tended to be pretty basic.

The first time I switched from a frame-based navigation system to tables was because back then, Netscape was the only browser that supported frames (it used to crash quite often when loading a framed page though :), and I didn't want the rest of the people to feel left out. But I quickly grew accustomed to tables and I was amazed at the creative freedom and all the things that were possible using complex image-splitting techniques.

I haven't used frames in years now, and I do not think I am missing out on anything. I do believe that some people would choose frames over tables since there are a number of neat things to be achieved with frames as well (not to mention that certain experts should be able to do just about anything with complex frame layouts), but ultimately it's just a matter of personal preference.