While we’re still waiting on Apple to install some built-in instant messaging clients onto the iPhone, we’re stuck with web based chat programs. Google has finally gone ahead and optimized their very own IM program for use on the iPhone, and hopefully others will soon follow suit.

Gtalk users will now be able to access the service through the iPhone’s Safari browser. iTouch users will also have this functionality. There are some very minor differences in the program as compared to the desktop version, but Google has kept it as similar as possible to avoid any potential confusion.

Now I can log into my Gtalk account and easily converse with my blackhat seo and webmaster buddies without being tethered to a computer, or having to go through a third-party program such as Meebo.

It’s still a bit of a bummer that I have to keep the browser window open to chat, and therefore change my settings on the phone so it doesn’t shut off after a few minutes, but I guess it’s better than no chat capabilities at all.