The latest beta of the Gnome instant messaging client ([Gaim]) sports several user interface improvements. My favorite is the status selector: it’s changed from a complex menu/dialog, to a simple drop/edit combination.

While static, it shows your current state and status message. When you start to type (or change the drop-down) it alters the drop-down text subtly (small/grey), which it commits shortly after you stop typing. It’s simple, and it’s exactly what I need for setting status quickly.