SMS is so 1996; these days, it's all about instant messaging. If you own either a business phone or a reasonably recent Java-enabled handset, getting your chat on is as easy as pie - we show you how.
Although SMS sparked a textual revolution and changed the way we communicate with one another, it's also a cash cow for mobile network operators and in dire need of retirement. With only a few minutes of effort, you can keep in touch with friends and family using Internet based instant messaging services such as AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Instant Messenger or the granddaddy of them all - ICQ - from your phone - and for far less than the price of an SMS.
Agile Messenger
For the business phone user
Whether you own a Symbian OS or Windows Mobile powered business phone, Agile Mobile likely has you covered courtesy of the extensive device support offered by its popular Agile Messenger client. Compatible with all of the 'big four' as well as Google Talk, this little software nugget doesn't take up much memory, integrates reasonably well with the platforms upon which it run and even offers push-to-talk and picture messaging with other users of the same client. There's also a version for owners of Palm OS powered devices, albeit quite outdated and with a limited feature set.
Getaboo
For just about everyone
If you can't stand the bulk - or price - of an expensive business phone, chances are your handset still supports J2ME, or Java for mobile phones. Among the myriad of instant messaging software available to owners of Java enabled handsets, Getaboo is one of the best, and supports all four major platforms in a fashion similar to Agile Messenger. We have a harder time recommending single-platform clients due to a limited selection, but if you're among those using MSN Messenger - the second most popular service at the time of writing - you'd be wise to consider UltraIM from Mobisophy.
Mobisophy UltraIM
Both Getaboo and Mobisophy offer free 7-day trials, however prospective buyers should note that the only alerts they will receive are audible; icons and vibration are out of the question, rendering keen attention to such a virtue of necessity.
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