Integration of Gmail and Gtalk

[IraJason]

A while back, a friend of mine begged and pleaded with me to download gtalk, google's answer to IM programs such as AIM and MSN. A first I thought very little of it, thinking that this was in no way going to be able to replace my AIM account.

However, very recently, Gmail and Gtalk were integrated into each other, with people allowing to message others online through the Gmail and having Gtalk conversations saved on your Gmail account. I also now get notifications on when I get new emails through Gtalk. Suddenly, I now see the genius of these programs, allowing me to have instant desktop notifications of new emails and having a web based way to communicate with other Gtalk users and look back on any conversation through Gmail. I truthfully keep Gtalk open all the time now, because all the people who use Gmail that are in my mailing list have been added to it for chat and it tells me when I get new e-mail instantly.

Has anyone else had such a wonderful experience with the intergration of these two communication tools?

[Jeff Rodriguez]

I never used used Gtalk much until they integrated it into Gmail. I suppose it makes it a little easier to get a hold of the person, but I don't find it that beneficial over AIM, or any of the other instant messaging protocols.

[IraJason]

I agree with you there, there really isn't a benefit of Gtalk over AIM as an instant messaging tool. I just find that having it open now is a whole lot easier when I need to use my email or contacting somebody who is also on Gmail really quick.

[akedomakona]

there is somthing all of you are missing, the voce over ip implimntation of gtalk, allowing you to talk to any one in the world who also have the app. FOR FREE, i dont know about you, but i find talking on a phone much more enjoyable.

as for the combinding of them, hopfully it will bring more people into gtalk, so it can replace aim

[ida_noeman]

The only problem that I see with gtalk is that you can't make a group... I've gotten 150 or more emails in an hour period from my friends (thank god for conversation view!), but this wouldn't work with chat because you can't chat to a group. Also, another problem with gmail is you can't have html / pics / animations / rich text in general in your signature. However, the benefits of gmail (and the fact that it is much better than the paid versions of popular email clients) make it worth it. I suggest you go here if you want to beg Google for anything.

[Courtneyb1023]

In the couple weeks since the integration and have been using it more and more. I only talk to a couple of people, but i find it really convenient. However, I still use AIM for most of my chatting needs and probably always will.

[Emily Pease]

I am a true google supporter in every way except for google talk--until google talk allows for conference calls, skype is the way to go. Both programs are really great for contacting people internationally, because skype and google talk are free and sound great, whereas calling someone in another country on the phone is not free and is often crackly.

[MattK]

Skype still does seem like the way to go, however I love Gtalk and would love to see more people using it. It lacks in features but to be honest I like its simplicity.

[kio_chan176]

I'm sticking faithfully to Skype, YM, and AIM. Skype is awesome for online calls. I hate phones, but having one IN MY LAPTOP is the best. YM tells me when I have email all the time. I do have Gmail but I am too used to my Yahoo account. AIM has just been faithful since I got it. And I use it for talking to everyone. People on the team, family, and friends.