Your Preferred IM Client

[SturmDolch]

I recently bought a new computer and am now dual-booting Windows 7 and Ubuntu. I ran into a bit of a problem: a functional IM client for Windows Live (MSN).

I've always used Windows Live Messenger, but with the newest update, it takes forever to start when I start up my computer. This is the case on my laptop and my desktop. Then, on my desktop, I seem to be subjected to some bizarre bug where all of my contacts will suddenly appear offline. To fix it, I need to delete an empty folder in my AppData folder and restart Windows Live Messenger.

This is too much hassle. So I've decided to finally get rid of Windows Live Messenger. I'm using Pidgin at the moment, but I have a few problems with it, namely that it doesn't work perfectly with MSN. You can't copy and paste pictures anymore to let your contacts see them immediately, you can't see personal messages, and it looks 10 years old (although my theme now makes it look 5 years old).

I think I might try Trillian later today, but right now, I'm on Ubuntu.

Ubuntu came with an IM client called Empathy. I love it. It looks sleek, simple, and it works. I don't have all of the functionalities of Windows Live Messenger, but at least it doesn't eye-rape me like Pidgin.

Of course, it only works on Unix.

So, what IM client do you use? And please say why. I'm not including a poll because there are quite a few out there.

 

[Lexxi64]

Sorry, I only use MSN. Most other IM clients are damned annoying, especially the likes of Meebo. That notification noise could drive anyone insane. Boop! Boop! Boop! ...
But yeah, sorry I can't be of any help. I'd never change from MSN! I'd miss it too much, and the default bubble-head displays. *dries eyes*

 

[Mr. Google]

I use AIM. It's what ive used forever and i can txt my friends with it even though i dont have a phone.

 

[EllEzDee]

I use msn, simply because it usually works.
The latest update is a piece of shit though.

 

[Count Igor]

MSN and Pingchat (For mon iPod)
Because I'm cool like that.

 

[farscythe]

i dont use any of em. the people i wanna know have my phone number

 

[CarpathianMuffin]

I use MSN for the most part, though I've considered moving into AIM as well just in case.

Though MSN's worked fine for the past two years, and I see no chance of that changing.

 

[theComposer]

I use Trillian Astra, because it puts all my AIM, Google Talk, Facebook, and Skype contacts in one client.

 

[Z of the Na'vi]

Normally I use Skype for chatting with my fellow RP-mates.

 

[Jack and Calumon]

I used to only use MSN, but some fellow RP folk invited me to skype and now I think MSN sucks donkey balls. Especially since there are adverts everywhere. EVEN IN THE TEXT! I want to only use Skype now, but all my friends use Windows Live and that just sucks.

Calumon: Jack says I shouldn't have one, because the Escapist is fine with me already.

 

[Atros81]

Look up Trillian. Used it for years.

 

[DarkPegasus333]

Pidgin. It supports all the major IM protocols (AIM, MSN, Yahoo, etc..). Plus, it works on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

 

[Luftwaffles]

MSN was fine until the latest update. Unstable POS. Click mail icon=crash, doubleclick contacts to open message window=crash, select message window THAT WAS ALREADY OPEN=crash. Useless.

Now using pidgin on windows7 and linux. Simplicity at its best. No ads too.

 

[SturmDolch]

I just switched to Trillian from Pidgin and it works great. I suggest it to anyone using only Windows Live Messenger, because I'm not sure how it performs with other IMs. Not so much with Skype, though. I ended up accidentally deleting all of my contacts.

Of course, this is if you're not looking for inter-OS compatibility. But Empathy is just so awesome for Linux... Simple like Pidgin, except it looks nicer. And yes, aesthetics are important for me.

 

[Caligulove]

Pidgin. It supports all the major IM protocols (AIM, MSN, Yahoo, etc..). Plus, it works on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

It also works for Facebook chat, which is nice for reaching friends that dont use IM clients, but do use fb a lot

 

[Heart of Darkness]

I use Trillian Astra, but really only for AIM. I put my Facebook and Yahoo! accounts on it, as well, but I don;t use those as much, or, in Y! Messager's case, not at all. Although I should put Skype on it, too...

 

[SturmDolch]

Although I should put Skype on it, too...

Just note that you still need to have Skype running to be able to use Skype in Trillian. This means that if you have Windows 7, you still see Skype on the taskbar. I decided to just keep them separate.

 

[Heart of Darkness]

Although I should put Skype on it, too...

Just note that you still need to have Skype running to be able to use Skype in Trillian. This means that if you have Windows 7, you still see Skype on the taskbar. I decided to just keep them separate.

Aw, darn, and here I thought I wouldn't have to deal with Skype's BS of not actually closing the window when I tell it to close. Thanks for the tip, though.

 

[Captain Schpack]

Meebo which is a hub to Facebook Chat, AIM, Skype everything.