Currently I have been playing only in IGS. I am thinking of playing in KGS too, but this would require me to buy the KGS android client. (The computer I used has a setting that allows Java applet in the browser, and it seems that free KGS clients are all based on java applet.)

Before I make the purchase... I am wondering how is the playing environment of KGS different from IGS?

Thanks.

KGS is more chatter oriented.

http://www.gokgs.com/download.jsp

Free client for a computer (Windows, Mac, Linux). Or do you only have an android phone?

There are three ways to connect to KGS: java applet in browser on a computer, downloaded java client on a computer (linked above) and android client on android phone. The first two are free.

There is also a fourth option: to use AlwaysOnPC app (available for Android and iOS) which gives you an acces to web based desktop KGS on a device of your choice.
However it is not optimised for tablets and smartphones and the app come in price similiar to kgs app so probably for casual kgs player who does't need all features it will be better to buy KGS client.

I would also suggest you to try Tygem and WBaduk apps, and web servers like online-go.com or for casual players playok.com (available via any web browser).

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Tsumego/Tesuji apps for iPad, iPhone & Android devices:http://www.lifein19x19.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7511

Hi gostudent, I play approx. 50% on IGS and 50% on KGS. IMO,

• KGS has the best client for reviews and lessons; KGS is quite friendly for players around your level;
• IGS has clients (gIgo, GoPanda2) that are aesthetically more refined than CGoban;
• Tygem and Wbaduk have terrible clients in terms of user interface and software design,
  but they have incomparably more high dan and pro-level players than KGS and IGS, which you don't have to worry about so much for now.