Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing electronic messages are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, for an outgoing message addressed to a mail address of a recipient, the mail client determines whether is an alternative messaging system available to the mail address of the recipient. If there is an alternative messaging system available, the mail client determines whether the recipient's alternative messaging system is online. If so, the mail client sends the mail message to the recipient via the alternative messaging system. Otherwise, the mail client sends the message via normal mail system. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing electronic messages are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, for an outgoing message addressed to a mail address of a recipient, the mail client determines whether is an alternative messaging system available to the mail address of the recipient. If there is an alternative messaging system available, the mail client determines whether the recipient's alternative messaging system is online. If so, the mail client sends the mail message to the recipient via the alternative messaging system. Otherwise, the mail client sends the message via normal mail system. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing electronic messages are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, for an outgoing message addressed to a mail address of a recipient, the mail client determines whether is an alternative messaging system available to the mail address of the recipient. If there is an alternative messaging system available, the mail client determines whether the recipient's alternative messaging system is online. If so, the mail client sends the mail message to the recipient via the alternative messaging system. Otherwise, the mail client sends the message via normal mail system. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for displaying chat messages in selectable balloon styles. In one aspect of the present invention, a method to display a chat message includes: receiving a chat message and a balloon style; and displaying the chat message in a balloon of the received balloon style. In one example, the chat message and the balloon style are received from a network connection; and, the balloon style is selected by a user who sent the chat message. In one example, the chat message and the balloon style are received from input devices for user interaction; and, the chat message and the balloon style is also transmitted to a remote device for display. In one example, the balloon style indicates an emotional state (e.g., happy, angry) associated with the message. In another example, the balloon style indicates a predetermined message (e.g., the user is in the process of preparing a message). In one example, the balloon style is user customized (or user defined).