Facebook starting instant message service...

Facebook fans are getting a new toy this week. With the launch of Facebook Chat, users will be able to communicate in real time with friends on the site.

The social networking giant, which boasts more than 69 million active users, has always had a built-in message system that resembles e-mail.

But for the first time, the site will release a chat system so friends can type back and forth instantly.

Because Facebook users already have lists of friends, they won't need to build buddy lists. At the bottom right of any Facebook page, users can click an "Online Friends" button that will indicate which friends are available to chat.

Facebook Chat only allows for one-to-one conversations. Users will be able to view recent conversations, but the chats won't be logged permanently, and users will be able to clear that chat history any time.

Facebook users will also have the option of keeping the conversation on the bottom of the screen or creating a pop-up window they can move. A chat window will also display Mini-Feed stories, which are notices concerning other friends' Facebook activities.