I have never found browser based chat sessions much use, unless arranged for specific things (like the during race chats on GPRO.net).

I do however use skype and MSN as they run on my desktop and actually tell me that there is a new message, instead of me having to page to a specific browser page to see if anyone has said anything.

As we are a bunch on programmers should we not be creating our own chat protocal that everyone can then use in their own way?