Similar in many ways to mIRC, but a different flair. Yes, active Intense Graphics, windows orientation. New author and new features. Needs some time to distinguish itself. This is NOT the old WinsockIRC Free Yes, VERY active Poor documentation, no scripting language, but these are being planned.
Author is very enthusiastic and involved.
This is a new client and is still being improved. Little documentation, but innovative. Supports TV, radio, e-mail and browser, plus extensive graphics. Has themes and posters and object-oriented scripting language. Easy to use.