Not bad at all..... (Microsoft MSN Messenger Service)

Member Name: Hingleton

Product:	Microsoft MSN Messenger Service
Date:	04/07/00 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Handy, Small, Server-based contact lists

Disadvantages: No automatic chat logging, More difficult to appear offline

MSN Instant Messenger is your typical chat client, without all the over-loaded features of ICQ.

I've been using it for some time now, originially "forced" to get it by a friend who wouldn't get ICQ :)

Despite first impressions, it's now a small, quick and discreet tool for chatting, with just enough features to make it usable, but not overbearing.

Multiparty chats are now supported, along with the obligatory font formatting controls, and the ability to control who's contact lists you end up on, and the further chance to block them from seeing you.

I do have a few critisms however - firstly the way in which it automatically logs you onto the service as a normal, visible user; you don't get the chance to logon invisible.

Then, the lack of offline messaging between users... but I can live with this, I suppose

Auto-saving chat histories would be nice, instead of the old File | Save method.

On the upside, all your contact lists are stored on Microsoft's servers, so if you reinstall, you've still got your friends stored!

Hey... it's only 300kb or so, and can come in handy every now and again - so why not!

Summary: