Ever since I first got the iPhone, one of the applications I have always wanted was a real good Instant Messaging application.  When web applications were “in”, there were a couple of solutions, but they were limited simply because they were web-based.  One of the best web-based IM’s was from Beejive, and I have been anxiously awaiting a native iPhone app from them.  There have been a few IM apps available, but most of them wouldn’t even work at all, and these are apps I paid for, so I have been very apprehensive about buying another.

However, I was very excited to see that Beejive released a native app for the iPhone.  The only kicker was that it was $16, clearly above the usual $5 or $10 apps that many of us have been used to seeing.  I have no problems paying for applications, but I don’t like the fact there is no way to try the apps out beforehand, so sometimes it’s just a gamble when purchasing an application from the App Store.  With that being said, I talked to a few friends, read some reviews, and decided to go ahead and purchase BeejiveIM.

So, was it worth it?  Absolutely! I have been it this past weekend, and it really did exceed my expectations.  There are quite a few features, but I wanted to highlight a few of my favorites.

• Stay connected.  Even after you close the app, it will still keep you connected, and if you have a push e-mail service (like MobileMe), you can even be notified by e-mail of a new message.  
• Multiple IM networks.  Because nobody has just one IM service anymore.  Beejive allows you to simultaneously connect to several networks including MSN, Google Talk, AIM, and several more.
• Landscape mode.  Make use of the wider keyboard for chats.