Dash's built-in IM program: does it use SMS?

[Argelius]

Does anyone know if the Dash's built-in Instant Messaging program uses SMS or the internet? I'm hoping it's the latter, since that would be free and the SMS charges could add up pretty fast...

[Argelius]

Does anyone know if the Dash's built-in Instant Messaging program uses SMS or the internet? I'm hoping it's the latter, since that would be free and the SMS charges could add up pretty fast...

[Mike Temporale]

Are you talking about MSN Messenger? It uses the internet. So if you're connected over WiFi then it would use your wifi connection. If you're not, then it uses the data connection from T-Mo - which may cost you $$ if you don't have a plan.

8)

Oh, if you're talking about sending an SMS from Outlook Mobile on the device, then it does use SMS.

[Argelius]

Nope, not MSM.

The Dash has a separate application called "Instant Messenging" On its opening screen you are given 3 choices -- AOL, ICQ, and Yahoo!.

I did some more research and found that evidently when you use this app, T-Mobile charges you an SMS fee for each IM (shocking, isn't it! :wink: ).

I know from my PocketPC days there are some IM programs that rely on SMS and others use just regular data. Since an SMS-fee attached to every IM could really add up, I think I'll try installing Agile Messenger since I believe that one uses data, not SMS, and it's FREE :P http://www.agilemobile.com/downloads.html

[lightsped]

Please let us know how Agile Messenger works with this phone. I'm very interested in avoiding SMS charges but being connected to AIM.

Thanks!

[Argelius]

Originally Posted by lightsped

Please let us know how Agile Messenger works with this phone. I'm very interested in avoiding SMS charges but being connected to AIM.

Thanks!

It installed okay and seems to work fine. I say "seems to", since everytime I've tried it, none of my buddies are online. I guess I need more friends...

:roll:

[lightsped]

Does leaving the data connection (GPRS/EDGE) on all day waste extra battery? For example, staying connected on AIM all day via Agile messenger.

Thanks again!

[Argelius]

Originally Posted by lightsped

Does leaving the data connection (GPRS/EDGE) on all day waste extra battery? For example, staying connected on AIM all day via Agile messenger.

Thanks again!

Good question. I don't have an answer to that one...

[Mike Temporale]

That's two different things. Leaving the data connection open won't drain your battery. Leaving your IM session logged in will. An open data connection will go idle but remain open. This doesn't cause any battery drain unless something is sent across it.

[lightsped]

Thanks for the clarification. Any idea on how much it would drain your battery?

[Mike Temporale]

No, sorry. I don't know. But it wouldn't be hard to find out. Just open Messenger and leave it connected all day. Or set Fizz Traveller to update every minute. :lol: