Ah, to be connected anywhere, anytime!

May 4, 2008 6:59 PM

Looking for a relatively simple mobile IM device, that will allow me to be connected regardless of wifi availability. A bit confused about options - it seems a Blackberry is the most perfect fit. Or is it?

My sweetheart is now an unfortunate 6000+ miles away - a marine stationed in Okinawa. The 16 hour time difference we have (I'm in southern California) makes the moments when our schedules align all the more precious, and we're jumping on those moments as fast as they come. He's looking into a PDA/Blackberry to stay connected via IM throughout his day, and after some consideration, I thought of doing the same. Not having to be chained to the computer desk to message him sounds absolutely wonderful.

I'm not concerned with voice (and voice plans, at that) - just something that would allow me to continue using Windows Live messenger whenever I'd like. I currently have a (rather old) cell with a plan from Sprint, and it's used only in "emergency" situations - an agenda change, "I-got-here-safe" notifications, etc. As I'm not a big phone chatter in the slightest, my only concern is the IM capability of a device and its potential monthly cost.

Am I right in thinking that a Blackberry would be best, or might anyone have an even better suggestion? If the former, I'd really appreciate help in narrowing down a good (basic?) model, and possibly a plan that fits the need without burning a hole in my pocket.

Thanks for readin'!

posted by Bakuun to Technology (9 answers total)

Google talk for Blackberry is free. Also, blackberry has its own messaging system that integrates pictures as well. There is a program, JiveTalk, that integrates all messaging types if you're looking for that. I have the pearl, which is fairly cheap. Getting a plan w/ ATT or Tmobile will get you the cheapest monthly bill.
posted by senseigmg at 7:15 PM on May 4, 2008

Response by poster: Pfft, totally used the wrong idiom there :D You know what I mean though, you smart people you!
posted by Bakuun at 7:16 PM on May 4, 2008

I've been using the blackberry for something like this. I used T-Mobile because they have a ~$30/month data-only plan, which means IM, email, and web surfing. It has all of the major IM clients (IRC, Gtalk, yahoo, AIM, etc.) and works anywhere you can get a T-mobile signal. Don't know about Windows Live, but it also has its own blackberry browser that you should be able to set up with your sweetheart. You should be able to get a blackberry cheap with a new sign-up.
posted by gingerbeer at 7:19 PM on May 4, 2008

I can confirm that there is a Windows Live (aka MSN) messenger client for Blackberry. It works in much the same manner as the other Blackberry IM clients.
posted by Juffo-Wup at 7:23 PM on May 4, 2008

Seconding JiveTalk for Blackberry. It was recommended to me by a fellow MeFite and I've been extremely pleased with it. Check here for more info. It is well for the $20 registration fee, although a 30-day trial is available from the site. As senseigmg mentioned, it works with numerous account types (AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo, etc.) and is extremely versatile and configurable for a mobile client. If you do get a Blackberry, I'd suggest the Curve or another model with a full qwerty keyboard as opposed to the Pearl, considering the amount of typing you're likely to be doing. Combine the above with an unlimited data plan, and you'll be all set.
posted by iamisaid at 7:39 PM on May 4, 2008

Yes, there is a MSN client. Didn't realize that was the same thing.
posted by gingerbeer at 7:41 PM on May 4, 2008

Best answer: I have a PocketPC phone ("Mogul) on the Sprint SERO plan. For $30/month you get 500 "anytime" minutes and unlimited non-peak. The real bonus is unlimited text messaging and unlimited data @ 3G speeds (around 1-2 Mbps depending on your signal) or WiFi (if in range of an AP). On the phone you can run Skype Mobile, or Google's GrandCentral + Gizmo, for unlimited VOIP that does not take away minutes. Or you can use MS Portrait for video calling. The bonus is these don't use up phone minutes. There are of course MSN, YIM, AIM etc IMs, but the real benefit is running a program like IM+ or Agile Messenger that combines lots of different IM protocols and services into a single interface. Finally, Fring does a good job of combining AOL, GoogleTalk, MSN, Twitter etc *and* Skype (+ SIP, an open VOIP service) into a single voice+text interface.
posted by meehawl at 7:41 PM on May 4, 2008

Oh, I should add that you can add "BlackBerry Connect" to most PocketPC phones but unless it comes pre-installed by the phone retailer this is not supported and requires some finessing.
posted by meehawl at 7:48 PM on May 4, 2008 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Meehawl, I think that's exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated!
posted by Bakuun at 9:53 PM on May 4, 2008