The folks at Cerulean Studios have finally rolled out another version of Trillian, everybody’s favorite instant messaging program. Is it still the best application at version three? Well, I will start out by saying that I am already not in a good mood because right now I’m using the free version of Trillian 3. Why, you may ask?

Well, it seems Cerulean Studios wants me to belt out another $25 to use the paid version. I understand some companies have to do this to keep money rolling in, but I don’t believe my subscription was a year old. I could be wrong though.

Now that I got that out of my system I can give you my somewhat one-sided review of the program. From first glance, it is a really pretty program. It’s got big goofy icons and lots of fluff. I would rather have seen something small that didn’t catch my attention every time I go back to my desktop, though. The menus are more organized in the preferences. It used to be a chore to try to change just a few settings, now it is a little easier.

Looking at this chart, it would appear that the only things the basic version doesn’t have is video chat support and support for a few oddball messenger systems (like Jabber).

In the free version you also don’t get the use of meta contacts. These are groups you can make, just in case you have the same person and they have several different IM names.

Also, plugins are for paid users only. I’m not sure why these two features aren’t on the chart. Maybe they want to point out what you do get rather than what you don’t.

Along with the new program, Cerulean Studios has also redesigned its Web site. The navigation is easier than before, but for the life of me I cannot find a place to log out. Maybe I’m just a little picky, though. All together, I would say that it is a nice version upgrade but I’m not so sure if I’m ready to drop $25 on it just yet.

Honestly I don’t use instant messaging as much as I did a few years ago. Maybe I’m just growing out of it? When I do, it is just to talk to a few local friends that live around here. If you have any thoughts on the new program, good or bad, let me know! Maybe you’ll be able to convince me one way or another.

Nick had this to say:
On the Cerulean Web site, you can verify the date in which you last paid. After logging, go to SUPPORT and then, on the right side, you’ll see a link for Payment History. I also had to cough up $25, because it had been a year in October that I subscribed. But, Trillian is good enough to pay for….again.