In a nutshell…

Staying in touch on the move is hardly difficult with a mobile but there are times when talking just won’t do and texting is too slow. Step forward instant messaging and IM+ which doesn’t care what IM account you or your buddies have, it just wants to hook you up, man.

Judgement time…

IM+ is brilliant. Not only is it simple to install, easy to use and a cinch to set up, but it lets you chat with mates no matter which instant messaging program they’ve chosen to use.

MSN? No problem. Yahoo? Naturally. IM+ covers every chat protocol you could need. If your mates are on GoogleTalk, you can chat to them from your mobile. Even ICQ and AOL are catered for – something rare within mobile chat circles.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. IM+ isn’t free, which is surprising given the competition from Fring and EQO Mobile, and that’s the only stumbling block.

Yes, chat is easy with IM+. It’s criminally fast, a doddle to get acquainted with, and packs niceties like an auto away setting and automatic recording of chat sessions, but is it worth $30?

The short answer, is “no”. This might be a tasty little chat application, but try as it might there’s little here to tempt you beyond standard messaging, and that can be had for free in several other places. Avoid it, at least until the price comes down.