The very first impression you get about Pownce is how pretty it is. The guys over there have obviously thought very hard about the look of the interface. This is very important when you are trying to get the cool kids on board.
It’s extremely easy to use, and while the same could be said about it’s “rivals” Twitter and Jaiku, the simple interface seems to be more compelling at Pownce. I generally visit the site six or seven times a day even if I have nothing to say, because my contacts normally do have something interesting to say.
The desktop client, which is still in alpha, does not yet have the full functionality of the web site but is still nicely designed, and is a pleasure to use. I find it handy for a “quick check” of what is going on but I’ve uninstalled it at work because it can be a little distracting.
Pownce has a nice little feature to share links, events and even files. It’s built in mp3 player allows you to play music shared by your contacts…a very nice feature. Unlike Twitter, replies are contained within a post, meaning you don’t have to suffer half conversations. I was a regular user of Twitter before. I liked the social aspect, but it had become very much a case of sifting out the spam. I had given Jaiku a go, but while the interface was much better than Twitter, it was very quiet, and none of my contacts were using it. Pownce is now my micro-chatting client of choice.
I would like to be able to add updates by SMS or by chat client, but I understand that much of the functionality of Pownce has not yet been put into practice. I am seeing small new features added every week. I like to see a site like this developing fairly quickly. Twitter hasn’t added a cool feature for ages, and you generally get the feeling that they are chasing their arse keeping up with the growing user base.
If you get the chance, give Pownce a go. It really is fun. I’ve a couple of invites left over. If you’d like one, leave a message in the comments, and I’ll hook you up.