Chapter 8. Use Instant Messaging

Like the iPhone, the iPad lacks a built-in instant messaging (IM) app. Considering the popularity of iChat on Mac OS X, I consider this a strange omission, and because IM is so frequently used among business colleagues, you may find it difficult to get your work done without it. Fortunately, you can use any of several third-party instant messaging programs on the iPad, as I discuss next.

But first, a confession. I have spent a total of perhaps 10 minutes using IM in the past year. Given the choice, I would gladly spend an afternoon in the dentist’s chair rather than chat online. (You can read more about my feelings on this subject in “Instant Messaging for Introverts,” in TidBITS at http://db.tidbits.com/article/9544.) So although I’ll tell you what I know, I’m no authority on the subject, and you’re unlikely ever to see me chatting on my own iPad!