iChat is the fantastic app for instant messaging that comes free with every Mac. It ticks all the boxes: simple chat interface ✓ file exchange ✓ video conferencing ✓ tabbed chat ✓ multiple logins ✓ and even slideshow sharing ✓. It practically blows Windows Live Messenger on Windows out of the water.

However, it has a fundamental flaw that no update or upgrade can fix; its user base is incredibly small. The problem is no one uses AIM anymore. All my contacts use Facebook Chat, or MSN, or Yahoo. There must be a way to condense all these protocols into the simple interface of iChat right?

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Nciku, I know… I can’t pronounce it either, but don’t be put off. I found this site incredibly useful for a reference when learning mandarin chinese (汉语！). Today you’ll learn how to use Nciku to help you learn Mandarin Chinese and use your Mac to write Chinese characters.

(This lesson requires a reasonable knowledge of Chinese)

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On the 22nd January I’ll be taking the site down for maintenance, a theme update, and a new twist to the site! It’s sure to be down for quite some time, however what’s in store should be good. See ya soon guys!

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A concept for the Lego ‘Beast’, a combination of Lego engineering techniques and solutions combined into a fully functioning RC model of a Lego engine.

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Usually, mixing Microsoft’s and OS X’s doesn’t turn out well. Lets take a few examples; iTunes and Safari beautifully on OS X but unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired back on Windows, Microsoft Office runs beautifully averagely on Windows but unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired on OS X. The pattern doesn’t stop there and well… as you’d expect… Windows Live Messenger runs pretty well on Windows (if not a little cluttered) but leaves a lot to be desired on OS X.

First up, heres my advice to you, use iChat if you can.It runs beautifully on the Mac, looks beautiful on the Mac and just fits in. If this really isn’t an option, e.g. if your in a position such as mine where everyone uses Windows Live Messenger, then the solutions are going to be a lil’ bit uglier.

So lets take a look at Microsoft’s Port of Windows Live Messenger to Mac, dubbed Messenger for Mac.

Messenger for Mac

So have a look at that… yeah… now keep that image in your head while you click the link to read on.

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