The team at Absolute Poker are certainly keen to get you onto their software and playing. Large obvious download buttons form the focal point of their homepage and a message box pops up to politely ask you if you would like to download the client. The file itself is a modest 8.72 MB and will be downloaded in 3-4 minutes on a DSL connection. Double clicking on the install file will give you the option to change the destination directory, or if you are happy with the default option, go ahead and install the program. All the necessary files are included in the original download and installation is completed in under 30 seconds. Once installed Absolute Poker will take up about 25 MB of disk space.
German and Swedish versions are available, in addition to English, and can be downloaded by navigating to the relevant website.
When you open the client for the first time you are immediately whisked to the primary registration page. In order to open an account you need only enter a username and password, complete a security question, and validate your email address. This basic information allows you access to the play money tables. For real money play more detailed registration, and a deposit, is required.
The basic interface of Absolute Poker is made up of clean and simple colors that do not distract you from the important information. Everything is presented in a simple, easy to read fashion that helps you get straight to the action you're interested in. Tab-style buttons enable you to sift through the different types and styles of game, and more complicated filters are also available. A news ticker runs along at the bottom of the lobby window, informing the user of the latest bonus codes and tournaments - among other things.
The player is given a choice of table presentation. Three options are available, including a simple top down button view and the "classic" angle-view mode, with more realistic table and chair graphics. Both views present all the important information in a clear and easy to grasp fashion, although the latter does feel a little cluttered. It's simpler cousin is sleeker and easier on the eye, without compromising on clarity. All tables are fully re-sizeable in order to aid multi-tabling.
A textual hand history for the table is available at any time, as well as a graphical "Instant Replay" which displays, for the last few hands, the winner of the hand and the cards shown and dealt. It also possibly to see a text history of the current hand, a very useful feature if you've forgotten what action your opponent took in an earlier betting round.
Absolute Poker's main flaw is that, mixed in with its clarity and general visual appeal there are a number of simple text links and buttons reminiscent of programs from 10 years ago. However this is a minor aesthetic deficiency when compared to the solid and wide ranging poker experience available at Absolute Poker.
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