|
iPad FAQ: How Effective is the iPad in Replicating iPhone Functions? Part 2
|
|
Using the iPad for Messaging
So, you made and received your phone calls via the iPad thanks to Skype, but what about your precious text messaging that you participated in constantly with your iPhone? Can you do this with the iPad? Yes, you can, and best of all: it's free.
If you use the textPlus app by GOGII, you can use your iPad to send and receive text messages for free. You can text your heart out with textPlus, as it offers unlimited texting. It also allows you to partake in group texting. Your friends do not have to have the specific app or the iPad either, because textPlus lets its users text others with standard cell phones. You can even text friends overseas, provided that they also have the textPlus app. You don't even have to keep the textPlus app opened to be notified of a new text, thanks to its push notifications capability. To take things one step further, users have the choice to enable textPlus to forward text messages to their iPhones too.
Now, as with the phone calls, you will be limited by the Wi-Fi range of the iPad, so if you are expecting or making an important text, you will want to make sure that you stay put until that is achieved, otherwise you will lose internet connectivity and the texting options will become moot.
Instant messaging, just like on the iPhone, is achievable on the iPad too. Once connected to a wireless network, the iPad has apps for instant messaging clients like AIM, Yahoo, Google Talk, and more that will let you chat with friends.
Using the iPad for Email
If you need to send more in-depth messages to others, the iPad can be used for emailing purposes to. Apple's MobileMe service gives iPad users the ability to receive and send email, as well as retrieve other information like contacts and calendars via syncing. You will need to be connected to a wireless network to do so, but once you are, you can compose and send messages, as well as be notified via push notifications when new ones come through.
This service is fee-based, but you can start off with a 60-day trial, or just visit your email account's web address via the iPad's browser when connected to the internet for email capabilities.
As you can see, the iPad does actually work when it comes to replicating the iPhone's ability to make calls, message, and email. In part 3 of this series, we will show you how the iPad can also work to browse the internet just like the iPhone, but even better!
|
