The only product Microsoft makes that's worth using is Office 2004, and even its performance is shaky at times. I quit using Messenger ages ago when I discovered Adium. If you haven't used Adium, try it, it has features Messenger will likely never incorporate -- on either platform. Adium has auto reply features, supports multiple IM protocols at once, has downloadable themes, sound sets, and is completely scriptable. For example, there's a cool script that will announce what iTunes song you're playing, just like iChat. Did I mention tabbed message windows? Picture support has been in Adium for ages. Too bad a product not even at the 1.0 mark yet can pounce MS's sorry excuse for an application.

As for ditching MS's other horrible Mac product, Windows Media player, have a look at WMV Player that installs a WMV codec for QT, eliminating the need for WMV player, even as a plugin.

And if you're wondering how I could rate a free product 'poor' on price, it's because I should be paid to use this application. For $25-50 a month I suppose I could sacrifice Adium for this piece of trash.