reach out and touch somebody.

Google is getting a lot of press recently for it's new instant messaging app. No doubt it's a brilliant piece of software and is a key cog in Google's world domination strategy. But for my money, I'm still a huge fan of iChat.

And here's why. When Paige and I hook up our iSight cameras, we instantly close a 3000 mile gap and can talk to each other face-to-face. I can walk around my apartment with my PowerBook or even take her with me outside to see the view of Ann Arbor. Tonight, for example, I got to spend a few minutes with Paige, my folks, and my dog. And because it runs over a conventional web hookup, it's free. Nothing can beat that.

Here's looking at you, Paige.