[prplhaz4]

I'd say the "better-ness" of Google services these days is strictly the fact that everyone already uses them (which is critical for something like instant messaging). Individually they are (IMO) no better than most alternatives. Unless I'm real serious about a certain tool, the one I already have is the one I'm likely to start using - and most of the adult internet right now probably already has a Google account - and I'm pretty sure the kids are still signing up w/them, so no end in sight here...