David Price reveals how to text from Apple’s tablet
Sending text messages from an iPad isn’t as
straightforward as you might think. You’ll
have noticed the pre-installed Messages app,
but that’s for iMessages rather than conventional
SMS messages, so that limits who you can send
messages to. Here we explain how iMessage
works, and the other options that let you send text
messages from an iPad.
iMessage
The Messages app on an iPad is limited, becauseit can only send iMessages. These are better than
SMS messages (because they’re free) but worse
(because you can only send them to other iPad,
iPhone and iPod touch users). Start up the Messages
app and tap on the compose button – it’s the square
with a pencil piercing it. Start typing the name of the
contact, and iOS will o er to complete it for you. But
can you send a message to that person? If the name
is red, the answer is no. Try sending your message
and you’ll get a ‘Not Delivered’ error message. But if
the name is blue, you can send an iMessage, and it
won’t cost you a penny.
Apps
There are other options, however. Search the AppStore for texting apps, and you’ll find plenty of free
o fferings. One we’ve been trying is called TextMe,
and o ffers a small number of SMS messages for free,
generating a phone number that your message will
appear to come from (so remember to sign o with
your name, or the recipient will think they are being
stalked). Once the 10 initial credits are used up,
you can get more by watching video adverts or by
inviting friends – or by paying, of course.
Alternatives
Of course, if you’ve got web access via Wi-Fi orcellular, it’s worth questioning why you need to
send a text from your iPad. The most obvious free
alternative is email, although most people are less
likely to notice emails than texts. Try sending a tweet
instead, which while limited on characters does
allow you to attach images. The average Twitter user
will have notifications set up so they’re immediately
alerted to direct messages or mentions.
Aucun commentaire: