I tried this long ago and wasn't impressed; I've been using AIM daily for 3+ years, and while lots of other people are on AIM, it lacks some definite big features of YIM. The latest (beta) version I downloaded made me a believer. Check out the features:

- Webcam support (get yourself a cheapo $30 webcam!)
- IMVironments ("flash" but kinda cool "backdrops" to your chat sessions
- See people's *real names*, or nicknames, not their stupid AOL/Yahoo/MSN id on your 'friend list'
- Excellent integration with yahoo mail, portfolios, bookmarks... for example:
- Notifies you when new mail arrives at your yahoo account
- Alerts on stock price changes
- Your weather forecast, 1 click away
- Bookmarks in IM window (i.e. use their bookmark service and your bookmarks go wherever YOU go)
- Nice way of notifying you when people come/go--pops up tiny temporary window above system tray with info
- Cool color effects (eye candy, but hey!)
- Works with Linux and Mac! (Granted, not all the cool doodads work on alternate platforms)
- Slick MSIE integration--1 click buddy list show/hide
- Archives all messages (option), with a commonsesne system for reviewing the archives
- Full conferencing (multiple person chatting) (didn't always have this)

OK, that's the good stuff that convinces me. I haven't experienced big downtime or anything, and overall just being able to see NAMES instead of login ids is a HUGE improvement over AIM.

Recommended: Yes