Software alternative to texting?

[lucasbytegenius]

I am looking for a freeware software alternative to texting, since I am without a cell phone and am trying to communicate with someone who does. Since this forum has been very helpful to me, I decided to try to recruit other people to help search for a solution. Please post a link.

Thanks,
The Lucas

 

[bkribbs]

If you have an email you can send a text to their phone. For example, if it was verizon, it could be [email protected] Just find out from their carrier.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

And I could receive texts as well?

 

[bkribbs]

And I could receive texts as well?

They can reply and it will go to your email. I did this with a friend before I got my phone.

 

[voyagerfan99]

You could try Google Voice. I don't know if it's still invite-only beta, but I have one. You can get your own number and link it to another phone in case someone calls you. It allows you to talk (not for free unfortunately) but you can text for free.

 

[bkribbs]

Google voice is (just recently) available to the public. I actually had an invite, but never got around to setting it up.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

No fees whatsoever for texting and sign-up? I might go with bkribbs' idea, but GV sounds interesting.

 

[voyagerfan99]

No fees whatsoever for texting and sign-up? I might go with bkribbs' idea, but GV sounds interesting.

Nope. No fees. Completely free. Just the actual call making costs money.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

OK. Links?

 

[voyagerfan99]

http://voice.google.com

 

[lucasbytegenius]

This service requires a phone to set up, which will be tough for me.
I think I might still go with bkribbs' idea.

 

[voyagerfan99]

This service requires a phone to set up, which will be tough for me.
I think I might still go with bkribbs' idea.

What about a house phone? I don't remember having to get a text to set it up or anything.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Take a look at it. It calls you, then you have to dial a two-digit number that the site gives you.

 

[voyagerfan99]

So a house phone should work then. Don't you have one?

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Well, er, I don't have a working phone line, there's a break in the cable that runs through the wall that I haven't worked up the guts to tear apart yet. But I'm at a friend's house, so I will use his.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Just signed up. Experimentation has begun...

 

[lucasbytegenius]

Hmm, it seems that both calls and texts in the US are free. Google Voice seems to be a great program so far, any opinions?

 

[voyagerfan99]

Hmm, it seems that both calls and texts in the US are free. Google Voice seems to be a great program so far, any opinions?

Only thing with calling is it rings the phone you assign it, then dials the number you want to call.

 

[lucasbytegenius]

What if I uncheck that phone in Settings?

 

[voyagerfan99]

What if I uncheck that phone in Settings?

No idea. I don't think you'd be able to call anyone then.