The Pacer

Issue date: 2/20/07 Section: Technology

This week's Web site of the week is Meebo.com, a sweet little Web 2.0 gem that lets you sign in and use multiple instant messenger services simultaneously and without installing any software.

You start off by creating a free account with Meebo, allowing you to sign in to all of your IM services with only one login and password. Meebo supports MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ, Google Talk and Jabber.

Once you are logged in, Meebo's clean design makes it easy to move between your multiple buddy lists and chat screens, all of which can be popped out into full windows if you're not using Firefox and are unable to give Meebo its own tab. Another notable feature, which is often overlooked by application based IM's, is the obviously placed mute button. There's nothing worse than an anti-climatic MIDI trumpet blast in the middle of class.

Meebo also has a customizable widget generator, which generates code for you to cut and paste onto your MySpace profile, blog or Web site so visitors can chat with you.

Meebo's best feature is that it doesn't require a software download work. This means that you won't have to install five different memory hogging programs (or one if you use Trillian) to IM your friends who have all chosen different IM programs.

It's also great for work or classroom computers where you may not be allowed or able to install software (especially the ones in computer labs which wipe their hard drives every night, removing any programs you might have installed).

This "Ajax Trillian," will be a great help for those who rely on instant messaging for their communications. For those who aren't too concerned with instant messaging, this site probably will continue to go under the radar. But if you are not sure whether to jump on the IM band wagon, now is your chance. It's never been easier.

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