Instant messaging away from the PC

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If you want to IM on your cell phone you have many choices, though I personally would never want to use IM on a phone without a QWERTY keyboard.

On the other hand, there are legendary stories of school kids who’ve memorized what letters are on what phone keys and are able to IM each other to their hearts’ content — under their school desk — without anyone (namely teachers) knowing what they’re doing.

Many IMers have figured out a much easier way — it's called the Sidekick II. That’s the name that T-Mobile uses for Danger’s clever Hiptop 2 device, which is shaped like a bar of soap when closed and swings opens to reveal a very usable keyboard.

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Sidekick II
T-Mobile
The Sidekick II is a favorite with IMers.
The Sidekick II combines a GSM cell phone with built-in camera, a terrific Web browser, calendar and contacts synchronization and, of course AOL and IM software. Deservedly, it has become one of the most popular cell phone/IM devices ever.

T-Mobile sells the Sidekick II for $249 after a $50 mail-in rebate. To make it work, you also have to pay for wireless service. T-Mobile offers 600 minutes per month plus unlimited data for $59.99. If you just want to use it for IMing, unlimited data goes for $29.99 per month.

There are many other cell phones with keyboards that would be great for IMs on the run. Check out the Motorola A630 (T-Mobile), the Siemens SX66 and LG F9100 (Cingular) or the Samsung SCH-i730 (Verizon Wireless). But the two best are also the best known top-of-the-line smart phones: the Blackberry and the Palm Treo.

Blackberry 7100t
T-mobile
Software on the Blackberry 7100t helps form words from the phone keypad. It really works.
Whether you’re talking about the blue 6000 and 7000 series devices or the sleek, silver 7100 handsets, Blackberry users are fanatically loyal. Never try to get in their way when their thumbs are flying over the keys. Best for e-mail, Blackberries also do IM and SMS, too.

Blackberry models are sold by nearly all the major wireless providers and sell anywhere from $199 (T-Mobile, Cingular, Nextel) to $349 (T-Mobile). Don’t forget you’ll need to purchase monthly data services in addition to your voice minutes.

Palm Treo users are just as loyal. Everyone I know who has one loves it (although some aren’t happy with their service provider’s coverage — or lack thereof.)

Palm's Treo 650.
Cingular
Palm's Treo 650.
The latest Treo is the 650. It does everything you can ask (in this case messaging, e-mail and Web browsing), plus a lot more. For IMing, you need to download and install third-party software for the service you like. I’ve done it and it’s easy.

The Treo is solidly built and feels like a precision instrument when you hold it. The 650 sells for prices from $399 to $449 depending on the provider and whether you agree to a one or two year contract.

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