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Anyone have an opinion? I've heard good things about MapTool, Skype and OpenRPG.
TS
My favorite one is Gametable, which you can use with a VoIP application if, like me, you don't like to type in chat windows.
But it certainly depends on what you are looking for. I prefer a simple thing that does few things but well and easily (don't forget that you'll use it during the most stressing moments in your games and that all those whistles and bells that look so good before the session are going to be in the way when under pressure).
If you prefer more complicated (but more compleat) applications, I would recommend Battlegrounds or Maptool. Forget OpenRPG which is too complicated to really use (if you don't believe me, have a look at the installation's instructions on a Mac).
Gametable is free and run on any system (I am on a Mac, I just had to download and double-click, nothing more).I have made a full presentation of its features here (I am just a mere user, so the presentation is from a user's viewpoint).
I've been using Kloogewerks for a couple years and really like it. It's definitely on the feature-rich side of things: Zoombable battlemap, use any image as a map, any image as a token, customizable (with some programming) character sheets that make dice-rolling easy and automated.
You'll want voice chat if you do this - typing is just way too slow. We've used Ventrilo for a couple years but have recently switched to Skype. Seems to be a bit clearer and you can understand two people talking over each other which you can't in Ventrilo.
I've been using Kloogewerks for a couple years and really like it. It's definitely on the feature-rich side of things: Zoombable battlemap, use any image as a map, any image as a token, customizable (with some programming) character sheets that make dice-rolling easy and automated.
You'll want voice chat if you do this - typing is just way too slow. We've used Ventrilo for a couple years but have recently switched to Skype. Seems to be a bit clearer and you can understand two people talking over each other which you can't in Ventrilo.
I think all Virtual Tabletop Programs can use any image as map or token (at least all those I know) and are zoomable but characters sheets are probably what makes the difference between easy to use, simple programs and more sophisticated ones, generally needing programming, or at least more dedication. I prefer to keep some things on paper, but It depends on how much time you are ready to invest.
I second the choice of Skype instead of Ventrilo (or chat window).
A program that was not mentioned: ScreenMonkey
Advantages: only the GM needs a licence, other players use their browser
Disadvantages: the GM must use Windows, not free
And, wathever program you choose, don't take too much attention about the appearance of the maps or tokens shown on the program website. As all those applications can use any image, the resulting appearance depends on your choice of maps or tokens, not on your choice of program.