Cerulean Studios created the Trillian multi-network instant messenger client for Windows and Mac, so branching out to mobile devices is a logical step. They recently released a beta of their BlackBerry application, and their experience with creating IM applications is evident. Trillian is an easy-to-use, powerful IM application for the BlackBerry.
Easy to Use
Trillian is very straightforward. Once you install it and create a New User (Trillian account), you log in. You then add all of your IM accounts by entering your username and password. Then, you connect. It's just that simple. Trillian allows you to connect to AIM, MobileMe, Facebook, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP, Windows Live Messenger (WLM), MySpaceIM, and Yahoo! accounts. You can connect to more than one account on each service, so if you have two Google accounts, you will be able to log into both at the same time.
Clean Interface
Trillian Contact List Sorted
Cerulean StudiosOne of Trillian's greatest strengths is its clean interface. Every screen throughout the application is easy to read, so you will not find yourself squinting when using it. The application is fully touchscreen enabled, and navigating it using the BlackBerry Torch is easy.
The Preferences allow you to change how your contacts are grouped in the Contact List window, and you can also show your Offline Contacts, and sort them by Name or by Status.
Choose and Prioritize Transports
Trillian is a great choice for anyone with a capped data plan, because you can choose between Wi-Fi, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, BlackBerry Internet Service, Direct TCP Connection, and WAP 2.0. You can also prioritize the transports, so if Wi-Fi is available Trillian will use it instead of using your data connection.
IM Network Connection Issues
From time to time in my tests, Trillian was unable to connect to one or more IM networks. Restarting the application was necessary to get all of the accounts to reconnect. I did not experience this problem often, and the application is still in beta, but it is a minor inconvenience.
Pros
- Clean interface
- Easy to setup and use
- Choose your network transport
Cons
- Cannot connect to IM networks on occasion
- Required a restart to connect to all networks
Overall, Trillian is a fantastic multi-network IM application. It gives you the power to connect to all of the major IM networks with one application, sort your contacts to your liking, and choose your network transport to save data on capped plans. Once the bugs are worked out, Trillian will be a great choice for your IM needs.