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ATT Instant Messenger - a Review

On the main screen, you will find the usual fields for IM programs. First, you have the names of all your friends that are using MSN, AIM, or POWWOW IMs. As you can see in the screenshot below, it has four icons, one for each messenger type. If the icon is green, then that user is connected to that particular service. If the icon is red, then they are disconnected. Simple, huh? It also has tabs at the bottom just like the Yahoo! Messenger. Each tab shows the information you picked and customized. You also have the power of a search engine at your fingertips. It's located at the bottom of the main screen and can be used for on-the-spot searching. No need to open your browser to go to a search engine when you already have one. A lot of features for a small program...and not only can you chat with this little wonder, but you can use voice-chat as well. Keeps getting better, doesn't it?

Let's go to the address book that stores the information on your online IM partners. By clicking the Add button on the main screen, you will bring up another window. This is the "add a buddy" window where you can add the information needed to add a friend or relative to your list. The most information you will need is their email address - type that in and they're in there! The simplicity of this program is what makes it appealing.

Now, all of this may seem just like any other IM…well, here's the kicker. With this one you can also play six different games with the person you are either talking to or chatting with. Along with the games, it also offers a drawing board for users to doodle on while they chat. Plus, if you are doodling on the board, the person you are IMing with can see it and draw along with you. This IM provides substantially more interactivity than most instant messengers on the 'net, so far.

What if you're not online and a cyber buddy wants to talk to you? Well, with the AT&T IM you also have a built-in answering machine for any messages you may get while offline. Another great feature is that you have the ability to take the person you are chatting with on a web cruise. You can open their browser and point it to any site on the web and give them a tour, so to speak. This program also enables file sending from your PC to whomever you are talking to. It would be ideal for 'net meetings and conferences with groups. In our ever-expanding global economy, it provides a resource that allows users to hold meetings online in a private and secure manner. This is something I certainly would invest in if I were to run an online business. Oh, did I mention the investment would be $0.00? That's right; to top it all off, this program is free. With all the features that it comes packed with, you would think it would cost an arm and a leg. By providing features such as voice chat, drawing board, text to speech, six different board games, web cruising, file transferring, address book, community chats, and multiple IM compatibility, this program is the one to beat.

If you want to download this program, you can find it at http://www.att.net/ . All you need to do is look for the instant messenger link on the left sidebar of their site. It's well worth the download. If you would like to see more screen shots, follow the links provided below. I have a screenshot of the chatting window, the game menu, and the white board (drawing board). This will help you get a feel of some of the features the I'M Here instant messenger has to offer.