Google now has a cool new IM service available: GoogleTalk. Kristen and I both like it. First, it is a very simple, eye-pleasing IM service. No annoying multi-colored text flashing around, no ads, no smilies-on-crack. One thing that Kristen and I really appreciate it is that it doesn’t keep printing your name over-and-over if you keep posting.
If that isn’t enough, you can “call” the other person and talk using a microphone. We got a $25 headset from Bestbuy and it works like a charm. Kristen called me on my laptop from her computer. I didn’t have anything to respond with, so I typed my replies, but I heard her crystal clear. It would seem to work great for those concerned about cell phone minutes or long-distance charges. Obviously the person you “call” needs to be at an internet-ready computer and a gmail user.
It is also linked to your gmail account, and will pop up a new email notification — which I like.
I’m still getting used to Google Talk. I don’t have a microphone, so I haven’t tried the talk feature, just the IM and email. So far I like the fact that it has way less junk than AIM (the silly games, expressions, etc.) but it feels like it needs a few more options. Like the invisible option, which I use at work.
Plus there are only like, two people on my list. Maybe it’ll be better once Google Talk has caught on a bit more.
if you ever want to talk, i’m geeky.lutheran
google also has scholar.google.com – soooooooooo good!
if you really want a good im client, go download trillian (www.trillian.cc) it is a single program that lets you im in msn, aim, yahoo, icq, irq, and even the new google talk (w/ a plug-in)
i suggest paying the modest price for the pro version.