Keyboard shortcut to start new Pidgin IM

Question

I'm looking for an easy way to use a keyboard shortcut (from anywhere in Windows) to open a new Pidgin IM window with a contact in my buddy list.

Normally I'd try and use Launchy for this (which I use pretty frequently for launching other things), but I've searched and can't find a Pidgin plugin or anything for it that might facilitate this.

So I'm either looking for (in order):

1. A Launchy plugin that will open a new Pidgin IM window (e.g. enter "pidgin contact-name" in the Launchy dialog)
2. A Launchy equivalent (e.g. command-line fu)
3. A non-Launchy global keyboard shortcut

Does anyone know of anything that can help me? Thanks.

Answer 1

Here's your best bet, which is what I do:

• Use the Pidgin Hotkeys plugin to assign a global hotkey to the buddy list, use that to bring it up.
• Start typing the name of the contact, and pidgin will highlight the name in the buddy list.
• Hit enter, instant message window pops up, start typing your message.

Once you start using it, you'll wonder why you did anything else.

Answer 2

There are command line tricks you can use if you have the uri handlers installed (this is an option at install so you might want to reinstall)

For jabber (or gtalk) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Pidgin\pidgin.exe" --protocolhandler=xmpp:[e-mail]?message MSN "C:\Program Files (x86)\Pidgin\pidgin.exe" --protocolhandler=msnim:chat?contact=[e-mail]

There are more as well, you have to look up the syntax for each one http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/URI_scheme#Unofficial_but_common_URI_schemes

xmpp.org/extensions/xep-0147.html

www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1157/msn-messenger-msnim-hyperlink-command-codes/

Good Luck

Answer 3

1. Execute pidgin from the launchy window (even if it's already running).
2. Type several characters of a contact id.
3. Press Enter.
4. Begin typing your message.
5. ESC to close. (assuming you have the preference enabled)

I would encourage use of the history plugin with this approach.