Quoting Komete

OK, you guys are going to hate me, but I use MSN messenger and like the fact that I can check my emails through it.

Pidgin does this without plug-ins if you add a Yahoo/Hotmail account. It does not yet work for Google Mail. Pidgin will display a small notice at the top of the buddy list window displaying the total number of new mails and the account. Clicking on this area closes it and opens your browser to go to the mail service.

Quoting pigflipper

I love trillian, been using it for years. The fact that Pidgin has audio support vs no audio over trillian (standard) doesn't bother me, I don't use audio over IM protocols anyways.

I just want to correct the record here: Pidgin has NO audio support, Trillian HAS SOME audio support. Like you, I don't care either way. As for Trillian vs. Pidgin, it's somewhat subjective, but if you haven't tried Pidgin lately it is at least worth a look. I think myself and most people who are former Trillian users prefer its interface and plug-in architecture. Plus, it is open source and open source is a great thing to support because it means free, functional software that does what you need it to and nothing you don't; like ads, fluff, trial periods, etc.

Quoting pigflipper

Plus, the name Trillian is inspired by a character from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Yes, its one saving grace. the guide.