I hate with a passion the Skype client for Ubuntu. I use my hotmail inbox to sen

Question

I hate with a passion the Skype client for Ubuntu. I use my hotmail inbox to send messages instead as a workaround to using that terrible piece of software that Skype is trying to pull. I am looking for a Skype client alternative that works just like Skype, but has better UI and actually receives messages when they are sent and when I log into Skype (not 30 minutes later).

Requirements:

I am mainly focusing on the text portion of Skype. I don't care so much about the video or audio calling
Must be able to send and receive messages
Must receive unread messages instantly upon login (this is the one thing that bugs the hell out of me about the current Skype client)
Must notify me of a new message
I must be able to set my status (online, busy, be right back etc)
Support for group messages
Support for Skype contacts

I am not looking for an alternative to Skype altogether but rather an alternative to the Skype client. I still want to be using Skype, without having to use the crap client the provide for Linux users.

Explanation / Answer

Okay, the only way I found to do it is to install the plugin for Pidgin.

Unfortunately you still need to run the official Skype client in the background as the plugin interfaces with it somehow. But this seems to fit in with your requirements.

The only other way I have used Skype chatting with out using Skype itself is by using an online client, such as imo.im or plus.im

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