No, there *is* a need for Meebo. Apart from the simple fact that its a web page and it should work on an internet tablet...
I want a log of all my chats available from any internet browser. I want to be able to log int without having to fiddle with apps and set up all the IM accounts.
I was a long-time (5+ years) user of Gaim and Trillian but those apps are out of my life now!

Regarding Gmail, have you ever tried searching through a GB of emails for an address, someone's name using client-side apps on a low-end device? Maybe Gmail IMAP supports server side searching, i'm not sure. Having a 6GB online, backed up, available from anywhere, instantly searchable and filterable mailbox is so much nicer than a client-side app for me.

The same issue 'configuration' as above also applies. I use gmail web interface on all my PCs and, as long as I have internet, its there and I don't have to set anything up. I used to use Thunderbird, Outlook, Kmail but thankfully those days are over!

As you see, I disagree!! For me, the web route is far better than any other. Cheaper too! (even though I spend a large proportion, too much!, of my apps budget on a 3.5G data contract as a back-up to my broadband.)

Regards
Steve.