Help me find a new ICQ client

Steel Angel

So I got a replacement HD via RMA over the weekend and while I was installing applications on it, I found that ICQ was being a pain. All versions I tried got hung up on trying to register my UIN with the database or some junk (basically I tried every non-ad filled client I could).

So I decided I was sick of that and downloaded Miranda for temporary use. Now, it's nice client and all, especially since it let me just enter my UIN and password and connect after installation, but the interface resembles the IM-style window that came in after AOL bought Mirabilis and that I stuck with older clients to avoid. So I'm hoping there's a third party client out there that resembles the classic ICQ style in terms of design, ie messages are individual windows with buttons, not things that resemble chat windows.

embrik

If you just want an older version of the app, try here

Otherwise, maybe Trillian? I don't really remember what the "classic" ICQ style was, since I haven't used it in several years. I have, however, used Trillian Pro for quite a while.

Fristle

For Windows, I'd give Gaim a shot. Get the latest 2.0 version, even though it says "beta" it is totally usable. Their screenshots page is out of date too so don't judge it by those.

Trillian is good too, I'll second that. If it had a good "secure" mode I'd still be using it.

blincoln

Steel Angel wrote: »

So I'm hoping there's a third party client out there that resembles the classic ICQ style in terms of design, ie messages are individual windows with buttons, not things that resemble chat windows.

If you mean what I think you mean (something like the effect of the NET SEND command), I think you're going to have a very hard time finding a modern client with that kind of UI (other than NET.EXE, which is definitely not a practical IM "client"). IM has pretty much standardized on the chat window design.

embrik

blincoln wrote: »

Steel Angel wrote: »

So I'm hoping there's a third party client out there that resembles the classic ICQ style in terms of design, ie messages are individual windows with buttons, not things that resemble chat windows.

If you mean what I think you mean (something like the effect of the NET SEND command), I think you're going to have a very hard time finding a modern client with that kind of UI (other than NET.EXE, which is definitely not a practical IM "client"). IM has pretty much standardized on the chat window design.

Ahh, good old net send.

On a positive note, Trillian Pro is skinnable, and I think Gaim is too, so you may be able to just get something that closely resembles the "good 'ol days".