Following the topic I started on my hubpage about the lifesaver that is Zoho email client, the other thing that still turns the users' focus away from the browser now and again is IM (instant messaging) - Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc. Each of these apps have their own strengths and weaknesses but they all have one major downside in common: you have to install them on each and every computer you use in order to have the service, and sometimes that just isn't possible because you're using a friend's or a public computer, or because your employer blocked you from using instant messaging services.

That's why I use Meebo. Meebo is a web based chat client that supports more than 50 protocols among which are AIM, Yahoo!, MSN, Google Talk, MySpace IM, Facebook Chat, ICQ and Jabber. I guess this list pretty much covers everything right? You don't even need a Meebo account, you can sign in with your account at any of these IM services and all your contacts will be there. But if you do sign up with Meebo, you'll be able to log in to all your IM accounts simultaneously - if you want to, of course.

On top of the basic features we came to expect from an instant messenger - like buddy icons, themes, backgrounds, emoticons, different status (including invisible - and signing in as invisible), custom screen names and messages, chat logging and all the account management features - you will also get video/audio conferencing, group chat, file transfers and loads of games to play with your buddies.

Another great service provided my Meebo is the Meebo Me widget, that you can add to your blog, giving your visitors the chance to contact you directly. Meebo also provides the ability to create chat rooms like good old IRC, where you can meet people and share content with them. If you own an iPhone or a Windows Mobile phone with a good browser like Opera Mobile, you will also be able to use a slimmed down version of meebo on the go!

And if you'd like some of the features only IM software could give you, like automatic login as you turn on your PC or email notifications, you can download Meebo Notifier. It's not something you can do on public PCs either, but it does take Meebo one step further.

As you can see, Meebo allows you to access your IM accounts and chat logs and easily IM your buddies from any computer in the world, no need to install anything, no need to share information on a public computer, no need for anything else really! Meebo's layout is nice and simple, the little advertising they show you is non-intrusive and usually interesting (it's mainly about music and movies), and you have the option of using it in a single browser tab or pop out your contacts and conversation windows, making it look more like a conventional instant messenger.

So go ahead and try Meebo, the instant messaging client to rule them all!