[djseto]

Are you charged for both incoming and outgoing messages if you use the IM client that comes on the 7100t? Say I log on and a friend of mine IM's me, am I automatically charged even though i didnt initiate the conversation?

[killasphynx]

I could be mistaken, but no. I think that the IM via verichat or whatever your using falls under data or internet usage. so if you have tmobile unlimited internet and email, then you should be fine since they are not actually sms messages. this was discussed in the sticky at the top of this forum by Mark Rehjon.

Originally Posted by Mark Rejhon

Advantages of Using Instant Messaging Over SMS

Some people have asked what are the advantages of using a dedicated instant messaging client instead of using plain old SMS. Most BlackBerry IM clients such as VeriChat and WebMessenger use data instead of SMS text messages.

Advantages Of Using IM Instead Of SMS:
Some BlackBerry plans have unlimited data, but not unlimited SMS
True 2-way chat, you can type while they are messaging you;
Chat faster, quicker messaging, messages arrive in just 1-2 seconds;
Multitask multiple conversations more easily;
Group conversations are possible in some IM software;
Just hit Enter to send message, and you're immediately ready to type the next message;
You can easily chat to someone sitting at a computer too, not just another phone;
Cheaper than a long distance call;

Disadvantages of Using IM Instead Of SMS:
Cost of software such as annual subscription fee, although this may be still be cheaper than the cost of an "Unlimited" SMS add-on.
Not good if you do not have an unlimited data plan;
Overkill, if you only do very infrequent SMS or IM;
Other people need to run IM software too, or log onto an IM system over SMS. (People can log onto AIM using SMS, so you that SMS users can send messages to your IM client that way!)

[djseto]

the guy @ the tmobile store told me that IM on the 7100 is using SMS messaging...can anyone verify the validity of this?

[BeerFox]

If you're using the stock T-Mobile IM app on the 7100 (the one by Oz), then yes, you're using SMS. I used it for a few days after first getting my 7100, and upon checking my bill, it does indeed bill 5 cents for each incoming or outgoing message. There may not always be a 1:1 relationship between the two...If someone sends you several IMs at once, it looks like they may get concatenated into a single SMS. Regardless, though, unless you have the unlimited SMS option T-Mo occasionally offers, it looks like you'll be paying additional charges for IM.

I switched to VeriChat, myself. Like it says in the FAQ quoted above, since the 3rd party IM apps use GPRS instead of SMS, the data is included in the monthly plan. It's not entirely stable, but at least I'm finding it more stable than the OZ one was...sometimes it'd take hours for me to get an IM, if at all!