Well, not sure about advantage...it's just different. I mean it's a live chat versus scripted back-and-forth-emailing (which actually, I can't stand). Using PhoneAlarm, I really get a huge alert everytime there is a new email but if I'm in a chat already, no noise, no vibrate.

it's just easier for some things. plus, friends/family can quickly see my away message and know where I am, or if I'm busy, etc. If they see I'm in the city and they are too...hey we can meet up!

Or if I'm trying to contact someone, not everyone else has push email on their phones (most don't in fact) so it could take hours for them to get the email, but a lot of people have IM on their phones...

Ok so maybe I will have to look into getting a texting package on this phone ... cuz I will probably get this a lot ... now what is the timeout if you know ... between when it disconnects you from the network and then activates the SMS relay system? Other than this like I said my only complaint is the lack of customizability to the program ... but i love this program ... it definately is not the battery killer that Agile is, and holds up pretty well ... i kind of hack jobbed it by sending the text to my other phone w/ unlimited text ability ... then I know to open my AIM ... but I think I will add text now ... the other thing I love is that this does like the sidekick and updates you with peoples actual away messages too ... its awesome!!! I definately would recommend this as THE BEST AIM program available ... check it out guys ... try it before you buy ... i mean $25 for a year? Can't beat it!!

IM+

now I lean towards verichat if ur willing to pay. the online all the time is great and the sms to wake it up even better! :)

the only bad thing about verichat is that you have to pay $25 each year for their service.

What makes IMplus any better? You have to pay $40 upfront.

What is going to happen with Verichat when Nokia pulls the plug on Dec 15th? Does that mean no more SMS

Verichat will work as long as your license is active, that is the latest it will work will be to Nov 28th of next year. For myself: july 2007.

There is this option for Gtalk:

http://www.octro.com/

Which is shaping up to be kind of nice. I'm beta testing the software and you could to. I've asked about SMS Relay and they said they could and might do it. I'd imagine they could do AIM as well.

Ya I was wondering the same thing ... I didn't realize until tech support told me ... I tried to visit their site and find a feedback type of link so that I could make some suggestions of improvements ... and they basically told me there will be no new versions or improvements since they are discontinuing the product ... I'm gonna check the one you are talkin about Mal ... until then I'm gonna hold onto my VeriChat since it def is the best so far ... hopefully this other one will pick up and realize how many people will use this prog if they produce a good product ... and even pay for it ... LoL ... but we won't suggest that yet ... haha

Well, Octro definitely will charge eventually (though I'm going to get a free license...see, there are perks to extensive beta testing :wink: )

The developer is a real good guy who listens and works with you. In fact, it'd be nice to get more feedback.

For instance: my notifications do not work for Octro. Do they for you?

Just try it out and drop them a detailed email with your experience and any issues you have.

Also, Octro can do VOIP to Gtalk, which is cool. I'll probably make a separate post about this.