Digsby = IM + Email + Social Networks
14 Comments March 26, 2008 1894 Views
Do you use IM (instant messaging) to communicate with clients, friends or family? I do and I have a lot of contacts scattered across different protocols like Yahoo, MSN, AOL and Google Talk. Having to open and login to each protocol’s IM client is too much of a hassle but thanks to multi protocol instant messaging applications, I only need one program to access all my accounts and contacts.
There are numerous multi protocol IM clients like Trillian, Pidgin (formerly Gaim), Miranda, Adium (Mac only) and online ones like Meebo, Kool IM, eBuddy. I’ve tried most of them but the ones that I liked were Trillian and Pidgin. I used Trillian for quite a while but uninstalled it because it was a resource hog. I switched to Pidgin which was lighter and faster. Even though it lacked some features like video/audio chatting, I liked it and it worked for me. I even posted an article on how to upgrade Gaim to Pidgin on Ubuntu. I never thought I would stop using Pidgin, or so I thought.
The other day, I came across a new multi protocol IM client called Digsby. It was on private beta testing a couple months back and is now available to the public for free. I wasn’t really interested in trying it out or using it because I already had Pidgin, but eventually I ended up downloading and installing it on my machine. At first, I thought it was just another regular multi protocol IM client but after trying it out and going through its features, I realized that it was much better than the others I’ve previously tried and used.
Features:
- Multi protocol instant messaging - AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber Accounts
- Email - Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL/AIM Mail, IMAP, and POP accounts
- Social networks - Twitter, Facebook and Myspace
- Audio/Video Chat - support provided by TokBox
- File transfer manager
- Spell checker
- Block support - block contacts or
- Widgets
Screenshots:
Application skins
Conversation window themes
Email integration
Social network integration
I’ve since uninstalled Pidgin and now use Digsby. So why did I switch? Here are some of the reasons why I switched and the features that I like about Digsby.
- I can view a snapshot of recent emails in each email account registered, or go to the inbox or compose a new email (opens email account in browser).
- I can send emails via the IM/conversation window.
- I can reply to IM’s via pop-up windows. Comes in handy when you’re multi-tasking.
- I can set my Facebook status and get notifications/updates from Facebook or Myspace.
- I can update my Twitter status, view the timeline, archives, favorites and reply to updates.
My most favorite feature is Digsby’s integration with Twitter. Sometimes, I forgot to login to Twitter and I miss some of the good stuff that other folks share/talk about on Twitter. Now, I won’t miss any updates and I don’t have to login each time because I can do all the things I need to do on Twitter via Digsby!
Aside from all these, there are a bunch of other stuff that I can customize to fit my needs and preference making it easier for me to do multi-tasking. Digsby may or may not work for you and the only way to find out is to try it out yourself. If you use IM a lot on different accounts, then you should consider using a cross-platform product like Digsby. Plus if you’re on Facebook or Twitter, with Digsby you won’t have to login to each site just to check for updates. Right now, Digsby is only available for Windows users but don’t fret Mac and Linux users, because the developers of Digsby are working on Mac and Linux versions which will be released soon. You can sign up here so that you’ll be notified once these versions become available.
Do you use a multi protocol IM client? What particular IM clients are you using or have tried using before? For those who are using or have tried Digsby, how do you like it so far? Please share your thoughts.
*images taken from Digsby
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
Hello and welcome to JaypeeOnline! My name is Jaypee Habaradas and I'm the author of this blog that talks about the latest blogging news, WordPress theme and plugin reviews, technology, gadgets and tips & tricks.
So it’s finally available. Will install it later on my XP machine. So far, I’m happy with Pidgin on Ubuntu.
jhay’s last blog post..Join the Earth Hour 2008
@jhay - Yup, they finally released it to the public. Cool! Let me know how it goes with Digsby and if you like it or not. Maybe you can even blog about it.
If I still had my old laptop, I’d still be using Pidgin. Besides, Digsby doesn’t have versions for Mac or Linux yet.
looks worth the try! thanks, jayp!
@rhoen - It definitely is! So did you install and try it on your computer? How is it? Anyways, you’re welcome!
The Gaim thingy was very useful to me before, thanks again for sharing that! I just forwarded this post to a friend of mine. He needed an YM alternative. hehe
Joni’s last blog post..Latest Completed Projects
@Joni - You’re welcome! Btw, are you still using it? I’m not sure if you can also do that with Digsby but if it’s possible, I recommend you to switch.
Oh really? Well, let me know if your friend likes it or not and his experience using it.
Thanks for inviting me. I entered your contest, have subscribed via mail to the RSS. I don’t really like to use IM’s but my friends do, so once in a while I will put one up and leave it, mostly when they ask.
Blue Licorice’s last blog post..Tail Light Guards - Our Other Order
@Blue Licorice - You’re welcome! Thanks for joining the contest and for subscribing. So you’re not the IM type huh? Hehe it’s all good. I know a lot of people who don’t like the idea or aren’t comfortable using it as a way of communicating.
Thanks for dropping by! Have a nice day and happy blogging!
Jaypee, you need to upgrade to 2.5! wow!!!!
All my plugins worked except for the popularity one by Alex.
trench’s last blog post..Jabbawockeez are America’s Best Dance Crew!
@trench - Thanks for the heads up man! I was able to do the upgrade only Monday morning coz I was out Sat & Sun. Same here, the only plugin that had an issue was the Popularity Contest however there’s a fix for that. You can find the link in my Finally, WordPress 2.5 post.
Hi Jaypee, this is interesting! Will check this out after work.
By the way, congratulations for getting in on the Philippines’ top 100 blogs by Blog Juice. So glad somebody I went to NMA with is doing well. We’re proud of you!
@Rizza - Hello! Quite a surprise to see you here on my blog. Thanks for the compliments! Feel free to join the discussions and leave comments or browse through the posts. Have a nice day & God bless!