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Ipad Text Messaging

R

rickp1

macrumors member
Original poster
May 20, 2012
41
0
Hey guys and gals, new here. I just got my ipad 2 and I have a question. I learned that the messaging app in the ipad is pretty useless since you cant use it like a traditional messaging system.

So my question is what's a good app for typical texting on the ipad?
If there's a way to sync it with my iphone or link it to the same number even better, but i think that's pushing it to be honest.


thanks
 
You could use Whatsapp which would be registered with your phones number.
 
Zcott said:
The messaging app is great if your friends and family have iPhones or iPads.
Click to expand...

I agree, but the problem is not many do, even as popular as those systems are. It's still very limiting. As such it's the reason I'm looking for a viable solution where I can still text from the ipad without getting a new number.

To be honest I'm not that familiar with all the apps out there, so I'm reaching out to people that hopefully are.
 
Gav2k said:
You could use Whatsapp which would be registered with your phones number.
Click to expand...
Whatsapp only works on iPhones, as it requires a phone. It doesn't work on iPads or iPods.

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rickp1 said:
I agree, but the problem is not many do, even as popular as those systems are. It's still very limiting. As such it's the reason I'm looking for a viable solution where I can still text from the ipad without getting a new number.
Click to expand...
If you can use it, the built-in messaging app is really the best. It's only limiting if your friends don't have Apple iPhones, iPads, or iPods.

If you can't use it, there are a number of apps that allow iPads to send/receive text messages. Just search for "text messaging" using the iPad's "App Store" app (do it via the app, and not a web browser on the iPad or another computer). They all have pros and cons. One popular example is, "Textfree for iPad".
 
GeorgieAcevedo said:
Google voice my friend. Do some searching on that. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Google voice is great, but the text messaging doesn't work everywhere. For example, paypal can't/won't send text messages to GV numbers. (Yes, I'm stupid for using paypal, but that doesn't change the fact that I don't receive paypal txts at my GV number.)

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MacDawg said:
OP has stated he doesn't want to get a new number
Click to expand...
True but, unless he wants to lose the phone service (via number porting), he probably has to get a new number.

That's why iMessage and GV are great -- you can get notified on multiple devices, and also reply from multiple devices.
 
TLewis said:
Whatsapp only works on iPhones, as it requires a phone. It doesn't work on iPads or iPods.

----------


If you can use it, the built-in messaging app is really the best. It's only limiting if your friends don't have Apple iPhones, iPads, or iPods.

If you can't use it, there are a number of apps that allow iPads to send/receive text messages. Just search for "text messaging" using the iPad's "App Store" app (do it via the app, and not a web browser on the iPad or another computer). They all have pros and cons. One popular example is, "Textfree for iPad".
Click to expand...

I use Textfree and it works pretty well for the most part. The one thing I don't like about it is, if you don't send a text for awhile, you lose your number assigned to you. If you are a heavy text messages, this might not be a problem.
 
Gav2k said:
Not true! It works fine and there are plenty of guides on how to do so!
Click to expand...
Even if that works, the OP wants a way of receiving regular txt messages on his iPad. How is whatsapp going to help with that???
 
rickp1 said:
Hey guys and gals, new here. I just got my ipad 2 and I have a question. I learned that the messaging app in the ipad is pretty useless since you cant use it like a traditional messaging system.

So my question is what's a good app for typical texting on the ipad?
If there's a way to sync it with my iphone or link it to the same number even better, but i think that's pushing it to be honest.


thanks
Click to expand...

I was using whatsapp for a while there, and I know it is not what you are looking for, but this was the closest I could get without getting a new number. Whatever you find,please post it here for those of us in search of a solution.
 
I also use text free and like it a lot. I've never had a problem with it, but the OP would need a new number to use it.
 
I don't think there is a way to integrate your iPhone number onto your iPad for texting.

I use Google Voice and Talkatone. Set up a free phone number on Google. Download the Talkatone app. You can then send/receive free texts to/from any phone in the US. You can also make/receive free calls on your iPad as well.
 
Batavian said:
I don't think there is a way to integrate your iPhone number onto your iPad for texting.

I use Google Voice and Talkatone. Set up a free phone number on Google. Download the Talkatone app. You can then send/receive free texts to/from any phone in the US. You can also make/receive free calls on your iPad as well.
Click to expand...

It doesnt give you push notifications
 
Batavian said:
I don't think there is a way to integrate your iPhone number onto your iPad for texting.

I use Google Voice and Talkatone. Set up a free phone number on Google. Download the Talkatone app. You can then send/receive free texts to/from any phone in the US. You can also make/receive free calls on your iPad as well.
Click to expand...

Maybe I don't get it, but if they are in my contacts, I can text them on my iPad
 
Batavian said:
I don't think there is a way to integrate your iPhone number onto your iPad for texting.

I use Google Voice and Talkatone. Set up a free phone number on Google. Download the Talkatone app. You can then send/receive free texts to/from any phone in the US. You can also make/receive free calls on your iPad as well.
Click to expand...


I have a GV number but I've never used it because i guess i didn't really know how to benefit from it to be honest. With that said, i really like your recommendation. I think I'll explore this option as it sounds the most versatile for both iphone and ipad. Not exaclty what I was looking for but good non the less.

Thanks for the info, really. This is why i joined, to be educated on different solutions.
 
Im planning on using the following

Bitesms
Sms gv extension
Google voice app for push

When the jailbreak comes out
 
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