AOL Instant Messenger
The latest version of the popular AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is easy to use but not very compelling, particularly for power users or those who value their instant messaging privacy.
AIM's basic interface is streamlined and simple. Although it includes a pair of ad banners, the lower one is small and often barely noticeable. The same cannot be said for the new AOL Today window, which pops up by default every time you launch the program. This annoying, separate window mimics what users see when they log onto the AOL service—a few headlines, some weather info, and a handful of links. Fortunately, you can disable this feature in the Preferences menu.
As with the other instant messaging tools, AIM provides one-on-one messaging as well as multi-user chats and PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone voice calls. Video chat and Webcam connections are not supported. Handheld connectivity is available at no cost to AOL members through the AOL for Palm program. Connectivity is limited to those with Palm handhelds running Palm OS 3.0 or above with a Palm wireline modem, or a Minstrel III or OmniSky wireless modem.
The most irritating aspect of AIM is that it provides no option whatsoever for approving or rejecting other users' efforts to add you to their buddy lists. Though you can block users from contacting you if they are not already on your contact list, you cannot prevent them from adding you to their lists. This is bound to turn off many users, especially when other instant messaging clients provide better privacy features...More from the PC Magazine Review...
MSN Messenger
Microsoft's latest instant messaging client, MSN Messenger 4.5, offers a slick new interface and a solid set of basic features augmented by a few intriguing extras. MSN Messenger still doesn't provide a few key features, such as automatically saving your IM conversations for later review. And you can't send an IM to someone who isn't online; you get dumped at the Hotmail screen, which is sort of annoying. But it is a decent utility nonetheless.
The new interface is consistent with those found in MSN 7 and Windows XP, with large cartoonish icons and plenty of color. The software is easy to use, thanks to a simple menu along the bottom of the main window. The menu lists common tasks, such as Send an instant message and Add a contact. A slim ad banner updates regularly at the very bottom of the window, but it is relatively unobtrusive.
MSN Messenger 4.5 provides the basic communication features you'd expect—one-on-one, multi-user, and voice chat, for example—but does not support video chat in this version. Windows XP users have access to the capability via Messenger, however, which is part of the new OS. MSN Messenger 4.5 also provides SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) support for handhelds running Windows CE 4.0, although this is not extended to Palm OS devices.
A new key feature in MSN Messenger 4.5 is the integration of Microsoft's .NET alert service, which will notify you of various events, such as stock price changes and the status of eBay auctions. Along with the ability to send messages to MSN Mobile users, this helps round out the software's list of features...More from the PC Magazine Review...
Yahoo! Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger 5 is a powerful tool with a hefty set of features. Though it's not quite as feature rich as ICQ 2001b, it's more than capable of handling most users' instant messaging needs.
Messenger 5 provides basic one-on-one messaging, as well as voice chat, PC-to-phone calls, Webcam video chat, and file send and receive features. Other users seeking to add you to their contact list must first get your approval, and you have the option of ignoring anyone not already on your contact list.
Though Yahoo! Messenger 5 is currently available only to those running a Windows platform, the software supports a wide range of handheld devices, including Palm OS PDAs (Palm IIIx, Vx, pdQ smartphone, or Handspring Visors) and any device running Windows CE version 2.11 or later. By far, this is the most comprehensive instant messaging program for handhelds.
The interface is not terribly impressive, but it does provide easy access to Yahoo! news, weather, and stocks. The basic Yahoo! Messenger window, however, is too large, and it spawns too many extra windows every time you try to accomplish a new task.
Searching for other users can be a pain, as your search options are severely limited. If you don't already know a friend's Yahoo! name or e-mail address, you won't have an easy time finding them through the search tool.
Although the main interface is quite plain (even boring), Yahoo! Messenger provides a nifty animated background option for instant messages. IMVironments sit behind the text of your chat session and range from simple fish tanks to a martial arts fighting game (based on the ancient art of rock, paper, scissors). Animated messages may not be a must have feature (and they are currently available only to Windows users), but they help boost Yahoo! Messenger's overall appeal...More from the PC Magazine Report...
