Generation "Text"
There were baby boomers, the 70s, generation X, and now the text revolution? Text messaging, as well as instant messaging, has become the new line of communication among teens and even the few cool adults. From its goofy lingo to even weirder screen names, it seems like everyone has something to say through the power of text. Now, what happens when you take this technology, and apply it to mobile cellular phones? You get two things...really high cell phone bills and the latest topic in The Token of Technology.
Roughly all cell phones these days have text messaging technology, which would run you about 10 cents a message. If your phone has AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), you could be charged 10 cents a kilobyte (KB). Just from people I have spoken to, they have been charged anywhere from $30 to $300 just for text and Instant Messenger use. That is a crazy amount of money for just telling your friends you're having pizza for lunch or that your ex-girlfriend is no good. (I know you would not use those polite words, but I’m trying to keep this PG-13) So, you must be asking yourself if there is an inexpensive way to use these essential necessities? You bet your sweet Aunt Shaniqua there is...2-Way messengers!!!
2-Way Messenger’s specific purpose is to handle all of your text and Instant messenger needs for a price that will make you not want to jump out of a window. This issue I will highlight a couple of the best models that are on the market.
The sidekick is without a doubt, the most popular one out on the market. It is a phone, one equipped with text, e-mail, AIM, MSN, and ICQ technology. With its nifty flip screen, easy to type keyboard, and “fly” ringtones, how can you not like this? The cost of the sidekick can range from $199 - $399. The plans for the phone are divided into phone and data (text, IM, and e-mail). The best plan I saw was 600 whenever minutes, unlimited nights, and unlimited weekends for $39.99 a month. Add $10 onto that and you can get 900 more whenever minutes for a grand total of 1500 whenever minutes. Then add $29.99 for unlimited data use onto your phone and you would end up spending between $70 and $80 dollars a month.
What’s wrong, playa? Your job doesn’t bring in that many pesos or are you stuck in a 2-year contract with your current phone? Well, do not fear. I have an alternative solution for you. It's called Ogo.
Ogo, a swisscom based 2-way, is strictly e-mail, text, and IM. This way, you can still hold on to your phone and still enjoy unlimited text messaging, for a fraction of the cost. It only will cost you $100 dollars to purchase. The plan for the Ogo begins at $17 a month. For $17 a month, you get your choice of AIM, MSN, or Yahoo messenger and e-mail. For each additional messenger, $3 is added to your plan. So, if you wanted all three, you only pay $23 a month. Not too shabby at all.
I could keep going on with this article, but with the development of phone technology, a new 2-way messenger usually comes out every few months. So, if you are interested, visit these websites and investigate more on this topic.
www.verizonwireless.com
www.cingular.com
www.tmobile.com
www.google.com
