A little over a year has passed since software giant Microsoft introduced to the world its instant messaging client, MSN Messenger.

MSN Messenger (MSNM) versions 1.0-2.2 were virtually useless. It was an extremely watered down IM client. All you could do was send IMs and a few other very basic things like privacy settings, etc.

That's all changed now with the recent release of MSNM 3.0. MSNM 3.0 is a true upgrade introducing features that are standard (and popular) in other IM clients such as AIM 4.1, ICQ 2000a, and Yahoo! Messenger.

Microsoft took the scathing criticism of its MSNM to heart with 3.0. In this version users can send and receive files, graphical emoticons, ability to change font styles, colors, and sounds. And that's just the basics.

Microsoft charged ahead of AIM with allowing MSNM users to call PC to PC, or PC to phone, anywhere in the U.S. or Canada....for free. Yes, free. AIM charges users for their service. The software is licensed from Net2Phone--the same company that provides AIM with it's calling features.(Uh-oh, better call the DOJ AOL!)

The quality of a MSNM call to my cell phone was ok, but since my friend was calling from her PC while on the Internet (56k dialup) to my digital cell phone that probably had a lot to do with it. I expect PC to PC to be on par with AIM and Yahoo’s services. Calls from MSNM to my pager were fast and on-target.

Shockingly, Microsoft didn't stop there with the features. As I mentioned above, the giant also added the option to send messages to pagers and cell phones. However, the best part of MSNM 3.0....the download is under 1MB. To be exact, MSNM is a 645kb download.

I thought I'd never see they day when Microsoft produced a piece of software that was chock-full of features and was a quick download. This is compared to AIM's and Yahoo’s 2MB download, and bloatware ICQ's massive 6MB.

Microsoft also added nice little touches like the ability to change status modes, notification that your buddy is typing a message, and you can even change the appearance of your MSNM name to anything.

If screen space is an issue for you, then MSNM won't be a problem. Although the inevitable ad banner is large, you can do way with the stats menu and search bar. That is something that annoys me with AIM. AIM's interface isn't as configurable as MSNM's.

To MSNM's credit, the interface is clean and more professional looking than AIM's and Yahoo’s child-like displays. ICQ has the most professional and non-intrusive.

The downsides to the new version are minimal. You need a Passport.com or Hotmail email account to use the service. Yes, Hotmail and Passport accounts are free, but I don't think we should be forced into getting one to use the service.

Yes, it's true that you get email notifications for the Hotmail account you use to sign onto MSNM, but Microsoft really needs to add POP3-email checking like ICQ and AIM have.

Naturally, NetMeeting, IE, and Outlook Express are integrated with the client. I think that was stating the obvious, but hey, you never know.

MSNM's privacy features are strong. As stated, you can change your online status on the fly. Also, a la ICQ, notification messages are sent when another MSNM user wants to add you to their list. You have the option to accept or reject and also add them to your list if you so choose.

MSNM users can also block certain users as well. The only downside is that in each IM window, your Hotmail address is displayed. Microsoft needs to put a "hide my email address" option for people protective of their Hotmail account.

There's a lot to like in MSNM 3.0 and if you are looking into getting a new or another IM client, check out MSN Messenger 3.0. If Microsoft keeps on the current track that it is on with the IM client, MSN Messenger will definitely be a IM client to contend with in the future.

Now why can't they put the same effort into new versions of Windows...



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