About
My name is Pip, and I have a BlackBerry addiction.
(Hi Pip)
However, I no longer have a BlackBerry. For various extremely boring reasons, I had to get an iPhone. So, for the myriad other BB users out there who may choose to (or, as in my case, have no choice but to) get an iPhone, I’m documenting my experiences with the new toy over the next few weeks. Maybe my complaints and praise will help you decide for yourself.
Note that I am a BIS user who had one home and one work email account sent to my BlackBerry. As an iPhone user I’ll be using MobileMe for home and Google Apps for work. I’m also on a Mac. Experiences may be very different from person to person, and this is particularly true for Exchange or BES users.
Hi,
Nice blog. I’ve been looking for a clear explanation online as to whether I could use the AIM client as a suitable replacement for a text messaging plan, since the majority of my messages go to and come from only one person (gf of course). I know it doesn’t notify you yet for new messages, but when it doesn it seems like it will work. Can someone type in your AIM screen name or e-mail address in their cell phone to send a text to your AIM client? Can they text AIM only when you send an IM to their phone? Is it counted as only a regular SMS on their end? If you could let me know at my e-mail address I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Mike C
Yeah, you can do pretty well all that stuff with aim. You can send SMS to AIM (you’ll have to Google it, but there’s a number and you send it like 3 screenname message). And you can send SMS from AIM by using the number like a screenname.
To be honest though, until September, I wouldn’t try using AIM as a substitute for SMS. Without new message notifications, it’s nearly useless, unless you want to keep the AIM app open nonstop. Better to set up push email and have them send their SMS to your email. Then you get a message notification and you can reply too.
I think the AT&T rates for text messaging aren’t bad though. I mean, 1500 messages is only $5.00 more than the 200 plan, and 1500 is more than enough unless you just constantly text. And just so you’re aware, the SMS functionality is much more pleasant to use than the AIM. Much.
Oh, and yeah – as long as you’re not sending images, I’m reasonably certain SMS messages to/from AIM or email count as regular text messages. But check with AT&T.
I’d really recommend calling AT&T about your account at least once. I did after buying the iPhone and discovered about fifteen bucks I could shave off my monthly without breaking a sweat. The 611 people (account help, NOT sales) have actually been excellent about helping me pare down to only what I use rather than trying to sell me stuff. In fact, I wasn’t up for a new phone yet, and the bloke at At&t suggested a new line and some plan reductions instead – now I’m paying ten bucks less per month than I was and I got the iPhone at the subsidized price.