Gaim

Taking over the IM world, one emoticon at a time

While Trillian users enter their third year without a major update, Gaim aficionados (we call them Gaimers) are on the cusp of an instant-messaging revolution. Even in beta form, Gaim 2.0 has brought the open-source instant messenger to the pinnacle of Softyness. By eschewing unnecessary features and focusing on rock-solid core functionality, the crazy kids behind Gaim have stolen our hearts, in 300 characters or less.

Thunderbird 2.0

Tag, you’re it!

Thunderbird 2.0 has finally brought Gmail-style tags to your desktop email client. Instead of sorting your messages caveman-style by placing them in static folders—where they’ll rot for all eternity—Thunderbird lets you apply as many tags as you like to any message. This allows you to build dynamic search folders based on your tags (or subject, sender, or date received, for that matter). Thunderbird kicks ass!

Google Maps Mobile

Never get lost again

How many maps are in your car? What about on your laptop? Do you own city, region, and state maps, just in case you need to make a quick run for the border? We didn’t think so.

Google Maps Mobile works on most any cell phone and does exactly what its name implies—provides Google Maps on the go. Just think: You never have to be lost again. The app will work on virtually any phone with a data plan that runs Java apps. You can pan, zoom, generate directions, or even look at satellite photos.

Other Mobile Apps Worth Checking Out

Opera Mini: In many ways, this free Java-based browser is better than its $24 brother, Opera Mobile. Think crazy-useful Start screen, for one.

Cell Profile Switcher: Automatically change the profile on your Windows Mobile phone according to the cell tower you’re connected to. Genius!