ANOTHER EXERCiSE. UP TO 15 :D

With so much technology out there these days, people are wondering what makes one better than the other? How can one tell what is the best option when everyone is advertising that their product is the best? And why should people commit their loyalty to a technology when it's changing all the time?

All these questions are a general concern of many, if not all, consumers. Today, we are analyzing what makes online "chatting" so spectacular and why so many people are converting to either Skype, Yahoo Chat or Google Chat. I have used all three of these communication platforms and am here today to inform you of the "pros" and "cons" of each. I am listing them from best quality to lowest quality. Please remember, this is my specific opinion and can be debated.

Skype is by far one of the most highly recommended and respected online platforms of communication. Personally, i have had Skype for a while now and have enjoyed the benefits of talking to my family in Houston, my best friends in Alabama and New York, my grandma in Oklahoma and my brother in South Virginia. This long list of members that play such a vital part in my life leads us directly into our first advantage of Skype as well as a list of others:

PROS:
1. Skype allows you to talk to any other broadband user within the United States, as well as almost any country, for absolutely FREE. I must emphasize the cost because as a college student, saving money is one of my top priorities.
2. It is a downloadable program that you can find by typing "Skype" in google search box and clicking on its home page.
3. Although I said I am able to talk to my loved ones, I never mentioned how .. Skype offers a variety of methods for communicating with peers. You can communicate voice only, instant message chat room or even hook up a webcam and have a streaming video (MY FAVORITE!)
4. You are able to control when Skype members contact you. This means, you can have an away message or voice mail to allow your friends and loved ones to know you are not ignoring them, you are simply not there.
5. While using Skype, the quality of sound and picture is intriguing. I personally have never had a problem hearing my peers on the other line of conversation.
6. There are a variety of applications that can be applied to Skype to make your experience fun, exciting and enjoyable. One example is being able to contact mobile phones or landlines.
CONS:
1. As stated previously, I have been an avid Skype user. While using the program, I have experienced some instances when there was lag time on the video and voice communication was faster than video.
2. Skype can lose signal with satellite and drop calls (not unusual for ANY technical device these days)
3. If one forgets to "go offline" on Skype, it can be intrusive and people can contact you when one does not want to communicate.
4. For extra applications, such as the voicemail and mobile connection, one has to pay for them. The basic setup for Skype is free.
5. Although I believe that sound quality for this type of communication is pretty well established, there is a lot of background noise, and every now and then it is hard to make out what the other user is saying.

Next on the list is Yahoo! Messenger. This communication platform is another easy, accessible and FREE program. As I have done for Skype, I will put the advantages and disadvantages in a list to simplify the program.

PROS:
1. The program offers VoIP, Email, instant messaging and video chat. Yahoo! is also designed to be able to leave away messages and alerts to warn your peers that you are not online.
2. It is a FREE, downloadable program.
3. You can save and print your conversations. I'm not entirely sure when one would need to use this "benefit" that Yahoo! provides, but in case of emergency this feature could come in handy.
4. It includes radio, Yahoo games and Yahoo audibles.
5. There is a quick tab that will lead you to your favorite stock reports, sporting programs, news, etc ...
6. Customization features of Yahoo! include split screen for multi-chat.
7. Yahoo! offers many different interfaces so if you don't like one of the chat options, you can download another version.
CONS:
1. The main feature of Yahoo! Messenger is instant messaging and to chat live via video, one needs to attach a webcam.
2. If you are a big fan of expressing your emotions through symbols and smily faces, then the basic emotions will definitely be a "downer" for you .. :((
3. Having multiple interfaces provides the consumer with a variety of options, but also initiates the idea that Yahoo! has not yet conquered a suitable and stable program.
4. Whenever one decides to add video to their experience, sound quality drops.

Last, and unfortunately the least, is the last runner-up Google chat. Kudos for Google attempting to compete with these other platforms, however, Google has yet again fallen short of their ability to rival with other interfaces.

PROS:
1. It is very simple, which can make it user-friendly and preferred by many.
2. There is room for improvement! Google has potential and there is area for them to add extra features.
3. International calls are cheaper than other interfaces that are offered.
4. Google can be interconnected wit the mobile network. However, it only works wit the iPhone. ("there's an app for that!")
CONS:
1. The basic structure can turn some people off. There is not much to "play" with and at times, especially with technology, more IS better.
2. When using Google talk, the screen is noticeable smaller making the stream lack in quality.
3. The audible quality is extremely low.
4. As i said, it is extremely basic. This means that there is little customization on Google chat.
5. Google chat only works for those that have MSN.

So, why is using the internet to talk seem more appealing to people than just using a cell phone? What could be the possible benefits? Well for one, you can actually see the other person and pick up on the non-verbal cues that at times get misconstrued by just using audio (the telephone). Furthermore, the internet chatting platforms offer games and "tweeks" that many multi-taskers can appreciate. Yet, why can the cell phone be a better prospect than the internet chat? Well, for one, not many, if any, carry around a laptop with them to receive calls. Having a cel phone means having the ease to call anyone on any given minute and expecting them to call. As a fast paced society, this advantage can almost outweigh any benefit that internet chatting can offer.

But, lets move to the fact that our society is advancing to future products, so why is one of these platforms better than the other? Well, for one Google (iPhone) and Skype can both connect to cell phones. This makes communication via internet accessible to cell towers. Skype has been around for awhile and has tome to mature. It has gone through its stages of being tweeked, unlike Yahoo! and Google chat. Moreover, since Skype has been around, it has developed into a cross-platform program, while Google is only compatible for MSN users. Yahoo! is a little more compatible than Google and can be used with Windows and Mac. Although it seems that I am bashing Google, it is a very simplistic program and is extremely user-friendly for those who are not as "tech-savvy".

Depending on your technological level, one may decided to use the more complex Skype (my personal preference) because it offers a higher quality program that has a variety of extra benefits. However, if you are very old-fashioned and have little to no patience for technology, then go with Google or Yahoo! Although they're new to the experience, everyone deserves a chance!