So yesterday I got a letter from digsby who nicely gave me an invitation to their brand spanking new free instant message + social network + email client. Is it just me or does it remind you of when Jobs introduced the iphone. Let’s see how this baby run. Hopefully this can replace the need for Thunderbird, and my previous client Trillian. By the way, if you didn’t get the memo, I have invitations just for you guys. Just use the code “53m1″.

The First Run

When you first start the software you are greeted with a rather mundane window, or at least I think so. It looks like any other window “window”. Although this allows it to blend nicely with whatever theme you have on your “windows”. Yes this is a window only thing. Of course, digsby has the ability to skin it self. So I went ahead and browsed to their list of skin. They separated the “chat window” and the actual buddy list window. That being said, the chat window had plenty of skin while the actual buddy list window only had 2. Although in each skin they have many variation, mostly being color changes. Right now I don’t see the ability to create my own skin. Other than the eye candy, the client as a whole is functional. Although, If you have a lot of e-mail and Facebook account like me, it can fill up a nice amount of the buddy list window. So far I haven’t found the ability to hide the list. I don’t think it is necessary to see it all the time. In my opinion it’s only needed when you have received a new email.

Intergration

Speaking of email and Facebook integration, Digsby will fill up your tray with your email and Facebook account. But this you can hide using your task bar settings. But how will you find out how many new email is in your inbox if you hide it? This won’t be a problem if you have a wide screen screen, but for me who currently is stuck with a 15 incher, it takes up a lot of real estate. Other than taking space, I think it’s pretty cool. When you click it, it will show you all your unread message heading and provide you with a link to your inbox and to compose a new message.

The Notification

The notification system is smart, it has a default of showing up on the left side of the screen. Someone finally realized that every notification seems to show up on the right. A very simple but functional feature. Also another smart idea they implemented to the notification system is the ability to reply using the notification. Real smart, now you don’t have to click the box and find the tab to reply a simple message.

The Chat Window

Now the chat window is functional like everything else. But like everything else, it takes up a lot of space. For one they have an unnecessary from and to box. Sure you’ll need it if you wanted to IM on a different account, but I can just go to the buddy list for that. I mean how often am I going to IM the same person with 2 different account. As for the to, it seems like I don’t have a choice to who I’m iming to, well in that specific conversation. Also the “To” is also redundant because right below it, it shows who you are iming in big large letters. Maybe I’m just nit-picking but, I love my screen real-estate. Try living with a 15 incher as your main screen. But like the notification, they implemented some very nice feature to the window. I like the fact that they laid out not only the info button and the file button, they also added sms and email. Even better, they made it into tabs (just like your conversation) so you don’t create a new window every time. Although it’s a minor feature, I think it should be mention that Digsby keep track of all your conversation, and every time the chat window is open, it will continue from where you last left off.

TXTing

What is this sms thing you’re talking about? Well to the extent of my knowledge, it allows you to text your friend. OMG right? But how will Digsby know their phone number? Well you have to add it manually. Like all other computer to sms service, it’s free of charge! well the receiver still have to pay, but it’s free for YOU!

The Widget

Now for more integration, Digsby has a flash widget that you can put on your Facebook or on your site. The widget will allow your friends/visitor to im you from the website. It’s similar to Meebo’s widget if not the same. Although another minor thing, I think it will be useful to some of us.

A Memory Hog?

Alright, now this is all cool and exciting, but the big question to a lot of us is, “is it a memory hog?” Well on my specific computer, it’s not exactly light. It’s currently running at around 59k. 2nd highest next to my Firefox browser. But is it worth it? Well unless you really need every but of your resources, I think with the features it has, it is worth it. But only time will tell.

Conclusion

I really think Digsby has a chance in this ever growing market of multi protocol im client. Digsby sure is bringing some new things to the market. I hope they will allow more customization and 3rd party plugin and skin. Now let’s see how this baby grows.

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