Multiprotocol chat

I just wanted to bring some attention to a very useful type of free product that I have been using for a while, multiprotocol chat clients. Now to translate that into English, I am talking about programs which allow you to talk to your buddies on msn, aim, and much much more via only 1 program.
So I will write a bit about programs for the PC, the macs and for any internet user.

Mac: Adium
Adium is the program I currently use for all my communication needs. It has been the best program for me as it is completely customizable (and it is easily done), it has growl notifications (a little bubble appears on your screen saying what someone just wrote to you) and is free! There is nothing wrong with this program, so here comes some links!

Official site: www.adiumx.com

PC: Trillian

Trillian is a free chat program but you have to pay for the "pro" version. I personnaly got my fix with the free version so I see no reason to pay (besides to donate). This program is also fully customizable which is nice
Here is a link: www.ceruleanstudios.com

Web platform: Meebo

Meebo is the equivalent of these two platforms, except it is browser based and hence does not have the same ability to be customized or to perform as well. The site is nice and it is quite useful to communicate with friend wherever you go, so here is a link: www.meebo.com

Have fun chatting!

Will browser based chat take over?

I was wondering if we would see the disappearance of chat clients that are not browser based. This idea came to mind when i saw that facebook was releasing a chat platform (video here):
Facebook is now the most used social network and growing steadily. Facebook has one big advantage over some platforms:
There is nothing to install
accessible from everywhere
All your friends are already on.

You may point me to a service like meebo , but in reality many people do not know about this service. In my group of friends on facebook (over 100), not one or maybe one other than me knows about this type of service.

This is going to be a big influence on many chat users, but programs such as adium, trillian, msn and aim will probably still be used because:
The possibility to integrate ones facebook account into a multi chat client will arise.
A program based client has more flexibility and customization
Chat programs have games, emotions, winks, nudging, growl notifications (mac exclusive).
Many people from other countries do not have a facebook.

I am guessing that facebook chat will be used by many users and it will eventually evolve into a equal to a desktop chat program. Some users will still prefer using chat programs as they offer multi networks and facebook may be on there!

The comic of the post, cant forget it! Special tech style comic: