[EBMCS03]

Hi, I just got a Pearl from T-Mobile thinking it would come with AIM like any other phone. I have the unlimited Family Text messaging service. Is there a way to get the Pearl to chat on IM like any other phone using the text messaging service or would I specifically need Blackberry's data service?

I read the AIM / IM threads and it sounds like its not possible without the data package because you'll need to be able to get onto the internet via the phone to download 3rd party client AIM software and then those also use the data package for IM.

[juwaack68]

You would need to have a data service. Messaging like AIM, Yahoo!, and even BB Messenger all use data, not text messaging.

[GrayPenguin]

Try this maybe
Mobile AIM - AOL Mobile

[EBMCS03]

Originally Posted by juwaack68

You would need to have a data service. Messaging like AIM, Yahoo!, and even BB Messenger all use data, not text messaging.

Hummm that sucks. I was hoping to be able to use the text messaging service for AIM like how their regular phones can... but take advantage of the semi-qwerty keyboard of the Pearl... All the other non-pda type phones on t-mobile's website are able to get on AIM with out a data service package.

Originally Posted by GrayPenguin

Try this maybe
Mobile AIM - AOL Mobile

Ya I know about that but was hoping for somthing better

[NJBlackBerry]

You have now found one major difference between the BlackBerry and mobile phones. You need the data plan...

[LunkHead]

Originally Posted by EBMCS03

All the other non-pda type phones on t-mobile's website are able to get on AIM with out a data service package.

Bingo! The 8100 is what you call a PDA

[brucejr]

LH what is this PDA for which you speak?

[crypto60]

thought I would share this, something I have been using for a very long time and am frankly suprised doesn't make it into the FAQ

http://mymobile.aol.com/portal/im/pd...User_Guide.pdf

I don't even remember how I found it originally, but if you put in the key commands into your address book I find it makes AIM over SMS very usable.

and after that all you need to do is setup your account on AIM.COM to forward to SMS when you are offline and you are good to go

[db inc]

im not sure about Tmobile... i would assume its the same all around (i have cingular), but you DONT need a data plan for text/instant messaging. you will need the data to get the service packs, but after that you can drop the data and use a media and text package. with cingular, text and instant messages are billed as the same. ive been doing this for months and months. the only issue is if you ever restore your phone, you will need to call back in and add the data to get the service packs, then call back and drop it. the only reason why i am set up like this is because my Email server does not support POP/Forwarding. so i use the media package and use the web to manage my Email.

[CaptSwerve]

Sorry this is way off topic but it's directed toward db inc/SUMmodrsRdumb. In the thread you posted, you told a mod to go to an Underoath show. How are you going to act like that and then tell someone to go watch a Christian band?

[juwaack68]

No worries, he won't be back.