As our social graph grows on Facebook, so does the usefulness of Facebook Chat.  The Facebook Chat service was launched nearly 2 years ago, and since then there have been steady updates since launch, including lists, an open API and more.  Specifically, the open API enabled external chat applications to integrate Facebook Chat, and we take a look at the 10 best desktop chat clients that do just that.

ICQ

We recently reported that ICQ integrates Facebook Chat, and the layout it smooth. After you connect to Facebook using Facebook Connect, you’re able to see your Facebook friends listed alongside your ICQ friends.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

As we reported earlier this year, AOL now supports Facebook Chat in their AIM chat client. Their rationale was the fact that 70% of AOL users use Facebook, and this means that AOL users should be able to connect with a vibrant community of people they know when they connect their AIM with Facebook.

Gabtastik

Gabtastik is a great tool for the minimalists out there, or the people with limited system resources.  By hosting your Facebook Chat or Google Talk chats in small limited function browser windows, the program allows you to save memory from having to open your big browser to chat.  Furthermore, because it’s a Windows application, you can get system notifications of chats from your system try.

Meebo

Meebo is one of the most popular desktop chat aggregators out there, and supports  Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, ICQ,MySpaceIM, Facebook Chat, Jabber, Google Talk, Myyearbook IM andXMPP.  The program has a great layout that lets you easily see all your contacts in one place, and if you’re the type of person who chats with a lot of people on different networks, it’s hard not to recommend Meebo.  There’s also an iPhone application available.

Digsby

Digsby has the advantage of integrating a series of chat networks, as well as introducing a pretty excellent email integration that allows you to delete and reply right from your desktop.  Digsby prides itself on updating your ‘global’ status across all your networks and having an excellent layout.  Facebook news feeds appear right on your desktop and are easily browsable, and the chat integration is seamless.  Try it out here.

Scrapboy

Scrapboy is an excellent chat program that works to integrate Facebook in a deeper way.  Scrapboy will collect your Facebook events, allow you to browse friends’ walls, send and receive messages, engage in chat, create user groups and more.  The software has shifted to become more Facebook oriented in recent years, and is worth a shot for power Facebook users.

Adium

Adium is an IM client that is customized for Mac users.  If you’re interested in assembling all your chats into one place and want your software to be fully compatible and aesthetically match your Mac, Adium is for you.

Palringo

Palringo is a chat browser that integrates a series of features to improve your chat experience.  In addition to supporting all the major chat networks, Palringo allows you to send voice messages, create groups for your friends (even if they’re in different networks) and customize your chat windows.  The application is one of the more stylish of the bunch, so if that’s important to you, check it out.

Direct URL

These days, the line between desktop application and web application has blurred, and I thought I’d let you in on this little secret.  Create a bookmark to this address, then store it on your desktop, or on your start menu, and as long as you’re connected to the web, it will act like a standalone Facebook chat window.  I find it useful for just logging in to chat with friends.