Instant messenger for the $19.99 plan - Treo Forums

Kwan · 08-13-2005, 04:31 PM

Hello all,
I just got the media net unlimited internet. They informed me that although it has unlimited internet access, it does not include any SMS or text messaging.
I wanted to use a program to run MSN messenger, like Chatopus, but was unsure if it would go under SMS charges (which I want to avoid).
I've been reading how people were being directed to get the PDA data plan. When I called, I simply asked for the media net unlimted plan, and she gave it to me. I guess not everyone at cingular knows about it.
Thanks

SomethingBig · 08-13-2005, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwan

Hello all,
I just got the media net unlimited internet. They informed me that although it has unlimited internet access, it does not include any SMS or text messaging.
I wanted to use a program to run MSN messenger, like Chatopus, but was unsure if it would go under SMS charges (which I want to avoid).
I've been reading how people were being directed to get the PDA data plan. When I called, I simply asked for the media net unlimted plan, and she gave it to me. I guess not everyone at cingular knows about it.
Thanks

To answer your question, I don't think you'll be charged for SMS or text messaging by using those programs. Or at least that's what I think.

Also, re MEdia unlimited plan, according to Cingular Web site (http://www.cingular.com/media/media_phones#palmone) Treo 650 is NOT compatible with any MEdia plans. So.... it may just be that they don't want us to know that MEdia plans do work on Treo 650... or it may be that they really don't work! Now, does your Treo 650 have all its features? I mean, can you surf the web like before? Also, have you received your first bill after switching to this plan? What if they have ADDED MEdia to your current PDA plan (just because the rep didn't know any better...). I'd do a bit more research considering how much knowledge their customer reps have (or don't have!). Here's an excerpt from Cingular's web site re limits of MEdia plans:

"Can I access every site on the Web?
No, the microbrowser in MEdia Net-enabled phones can only access sites that are in WML (Wireless Markup Language) format. If you enter an HTML or HDML address, you will receive an error message.

Can I download files from the Internet to MEdia Net-enabled phones?
No, not at this time."

Kwan · 08-13-2005, 06:24 PM

Actually, this is the first time I added the internet service. I was holding off because I thought that the 40 dollar package was not competetive compared to other carriers. But after reading some of the other member's experiences with media net, I decided to ask and find out if I could sign up for it. They never asked what phone I had, nor did I tell them.
So far, I can surf the internet without problems. I even surfed this forum. I was also able to setup my gmail account through versamail and tested both sending and receiving mail successfully.
So far its going well. The customer service rep stated that I had unlimited internet access with "media net unlimited", but that it did not include text messaging or SMS. She stated that the other packages like "media works" did, but limited the internet to 5 mb.
Anyway, its not crucial that I have MSN messenger, since during the time of the day that I use it, I have access to my laptop. I just thought it'd be cool to have.
Battery sure drains fast when GPRS is connected though.
Oh, yeah. I connect via GPRS, not edge....I think.

PS:
I think the key to those FAQ's is that you can't access all websites with media net enabled phones. Not that media net system isn't capable.

size13shoes · 08-15-2005, 10:00 PM

Be careful with datausage. I have the same data plan and pretty much only use it for email, or did until Cingular caught on. I just got a bill for pay-per-use at .o1 a kb, for a total of $15.00. It was only for 9 days. So I'm fighting them now, but they are not going to let me keep the MediaNet package. That much they've made clear.

xxpinballxx · 08-17-2005, 02:43 PM

SMS is not the same as Instant messaging......
SMS goes through the cell carriers system and INstant messaging with a thrid party app like chatopus or verichat goes through the internet.....

Not sure what plan you have but Data Usage could be a factor...
Do you have Unlimited Data Transfer? If so then there will be no problem with using chatopus....

Kwan · 08-18-2005, 07:29 AM

I have unlimited internet usage. The Media net unlimited plan, which has no SMS or text messages included. Which is fine with me, since I dont text message.
I'm trying out Mundu right now for instant messaging. It works pretty well, but sometimes there's a little delay.
As far as charging for Kb, that would be ridiculous, since they never offered a different plan for unlimited internet. And they are well aware that I have a Treo (I had to file insurance claim after I dropped it). Unfortunately, they dropped me from their insurance after that time, claiming they shouldnt have covered it in the first place.
An admin here has the same plan I do without problems.

xxpinballxx · 08-18-2005, 07:33 AM

You should be fine then......

I found that I liked Verichat's UI but they mixed the buddy lists all together if you have more than one IM account...

Caussiere has a nice UI and worked okay but started conflicting with other apps that I needed more so I deleted that.

I am not much of an IM'er and I have 1500 SMS on my plan so I am covered for the most part....