Instant messaging Compared?

They are everywhere, in the train, in cafes, in the supermarket; people that are using spare time to send a message with their mobile phone. We use it more and more, instant

messaging (IM). Because instant messaging is convenient. With a quick message you can let your friends know that you are running late, wish your brother a happy birthday, cheer

up your best friend when he has a bad day, or you share how you are doing with your network.

Instant messaging on your mobile phone

This real-time and direct form of communication via text messages began via computers and the Internet, but has now also found its space on the mobile phone between sending an

e-mail and making a phone call. Also, the options as to the kind of message is very extensive. Before the only option you had was text, where now you can also add pictures,

videos and spoken text in your message.

Meanwhile, there is an arsenal of programs that you can maintain your contacts with. A small selection from the long list: - Ping ® - MSN ® / Windows Live ® - Google Talk ® - Yahoo! ® - Beejive ® - IM+ - AIM ® - MobileMe ® - Nimbuzz - MySpace - ICQ ® - Facebook Chat

What are the differences between the IM applications?

With so many programs to choose from, it is interesting to know what the differences are. And because there are so many different programs, we look at five widely used programs

also good to use with your cellphone:

PingChat (with BlackBerry)

The best known form of instant messaging on the mobile phone is undoubtedly PingChat (blackberry pingen), the message service known from the BlackBerry. Each BlackBerry has its

own PIN code, thus you do not have to sign in PingChat as you are obliged with, for example MSN and Google Talk. The code can also be linked to your name or a nickname, that

your PingChat contacts will see. With PingChat, you can stay logged in indefinitely.

Previously you could only use PingChat from a BlackBerry to BlackBerry phone, via the BlackBerry network, but meanwhile it is also possible to send a message using PingChat with

a smartphone. You need to download and install the PingChat application. Messages are sent over the BlackBerry network. And this happens very fast. Useful in sending a PingChat

message is that you as the sender can see if your message is opened by the recipient.

How can I get free ping?

Free PingChat is possible with a BlackBerry subscription. In the subscription, your data usage in the Netherlands is included and therefore you do not pay anything extra to use

this service. You only use data. Be aware that if you want to use PingChat abroad, it is not free.

BeejiveIM BeejiveIM immediately after hatching was a great success. The application supports various programs such as MSN, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, AIM, MySpace and Facebook. And can

be used on all smartphones. It is very clear and has lots of options. Example is the possibility to move conversations to a separate tab, and the push notification that lets you

quickly switch between appplications. Disadvantages are that you probably have too many features that you are very likely not using. Also you cannot stay logged on for longer than 24 hours. Every now and then

instant messages and push messages are not send. There is also a price tag on this application, at this time this is € 8, -.

eBuddy eBuddy is not a very extensive application for the iPhone. With this application you are able to use less protocols. But it does exactly what it is meant for, chatting, not more

and not less. A big advantage is that it is free, but you must also create an eBuddy ID, and that costs you a little time. eBuddy’s disadvantage is that you only can stay

logged for 30 minutes, and that's really not long.

IM + With this application that supports more protocols than BeejiveIM, you can chat till you drop. Again you have a push notification feature, which works very well. In addition,

the application is filled with functional gadgets like an auto reply that automatically responds to the person who sends you a message. With IM +, you can stay logged on for 3

days in a row.

You can do a lot with IM +, but not all features are equally practical and functional. In using Twitter and Skype for example use, you should not expect too much from IM +, but

it is a good addition. IM + will cost you € 3.99.

Nimbuzz Also this application is free and has many useful features. It also supports a whole litany of protocols, even complete unknown ones. Unlike others in this list you can also

chat via Hyves with Nimbuzz for example. The application is clear and organized, in part because the contacts are synchronized. But there are also disadvantages. As the maximum time that you can stay logged on, which is thirty minutes. Also, the push notifications do not work without problems. Regarding

stability, this application is not recommended. And sometimes the application opens two windows for the same contact, which is very awkward.