Still no sign of an iPhone iChat client (I guess AT&T are a little too afraid - and rightly so - that it'd eat into their SMS revenue) but the web-based workarounds are growing in number.  If you're not sure how to IM with your online buddies then leave it to MYiTablet to bring you up to speed.

First off, there's perennial favourite meebo, the developers behind which have been beavering away to turn the multi-IM-client web interface into something mobile-Safari friendly.  Initial issues with double-clicking and mismanaged screen real-estate have been solved with what they're calling a "pre-alpha workaround", and although it still demands some zooming and general mucking about in order to cleanly navigate between chat windows it's now at least working.

More IM goodness after the cut, including an exclusive invite-only alpha...

Next, there's the eBuddy AIM client, which hasn't needed to be fettled to be iPhone compatible.  Problem is, that means fonts and the like are designed for a desktop rather than a mobile screen (even if it is a relatively luxurious 3.5-inches) and Gizmodo found a combination of constant zooming and messages not being delivered in real-time but only when you send your reply (which is deeply strange) makes for a less than satisfying experience.

Salvation may be at hand, however, with old-faithful Cerulean Studios and their popular Trillian app.  They've been busy coding up a made-for-iPhone version of the cross-platform IM client which won't require any scrolling, zooming or general tomfoolery in Safari.  At the moment it's an invite-only Astra alpha, but you can sign-up here (remembering to mention that you own an iPhone in the "about yourself" section) and they might just ask you to test it out.  It's not perfect yet; so far contact and message windows work, updating as long as Safari is visible, although at least it's all done in real-time.

If you try any of these IM clients out - or find something we've not mentioned - do let us know in the comments.