Let me say first that I HATE instant coffee, but was very pleasantly surprised by Starbucks VIA (Starbuck's take on instant and packaged in individual servings). I'm something of a coffee snob, but this stuff is pretty good. Also worth a look is the Aeropress -- similar to a French press, just less... um, French - which immediately makes it better, of course
Aerobie® AeroPress(TM) Coffee & Espresso Maker