SMS on a 3G iPad; it's restricted for this reason...

[boss1]

The reason it's restricted is because ... Drum roll... There is no good reason .

I'm under the assumption that once a device has a 3G chip in it that is being billed under AT&T then AT&T assigns a phone number to it. The same is true for any wireless laptop card that AT&T offers, ( I have one) it has a phone number.

On verizons wireless cards you have the option of SMS via the wireless card even though you can't receive calls, because it has a phone number, the SMS option is available.

So, the bottom line is that AT&T could easily allow SMS transmissions to go back and for to the 3G sim card, and bill you for it if they so desired.

Apple could, on their end, port the iPhone SMS app to the iPad to allow this functionality.


Why don't they both collectively enable it???? Because they just casually decided not to. Meanwhile I would imagine a majority if soon to be iPad 3G owners would at least be comforted with the fact that the option was there if they wanted to pay for it.

 

[Soulcrux]

The reason it's restricted is because ... Drum roll... There is no good reason .

I'm under the assumption that once a device has a 3G chip in it that is being billed under AT&T then AT&T assigns a phone number to it. The same is true for any wireless laptop card that AT&T offers, ( I have one) it has a phone number.

On verizons wireless cards you have the option of SMS via the wireless card even though you can't receive calls, because it has a phone number, the SMS option is available.

So, the bottom line is that AT&T could easily allow SMS transmissions to go back and for to the 3G sim card, and bill you for it if they so desired.

Apple could, on their end, port the iPhone SMS app to the iPad to allow this functionality.


Why don't they both collectively enable it???? Because they just casually decided not to. Meanwhile I would imagine a majority if soon to be iPad 3G owners would at least be comforted with the fact that the option was there if they wanted to pay for it.

They probably wanted their to be a distinction between the iPhone and the iPad. I'm already thinking im no longer going to use my iPhone for web and apps. In fact, the only thing i plan on holding my iPhone for is texting, since i love the iPhone's texting UI and its responsive keyboard. If they allowed texting, i'd drop my iPhone right now and just get a Boost mobile fun for calls.

 

[boss1]

They probably wanted their to be a distinction between the iPhone and the iPad. I'm already thinking im no longer going to use my iPhone for web and apps. In fact, the only thing i plan on holding my iPhone for is texting, since i love the iPhone's texting UI and its responsive keyboard. If they allowed texting, i'd drop my iPhone right now and just get a Boost mobile fun for calls.

Almost agree with you 100% but I found some apps just make sense on the iPhone and don't make sense on the iPad . A good example? A shopping list app. Walking down isle 12 at stop & shop while fiddling with a 10" tablet is a bit silly.

 

[ZBoater]

How about using Google Voice?

 

[otis123]

Your right, but apple will never do it, they don't want it to cut into iPhone sales, if the iPad could text, what would be the reason to own an iPhone?

 

[ZBoater]

...if the iPad could text, what would be the reason to own an iPhone?

I suspect some people will always prefer to TALK to other human beings...

 

[jedivulcan]

Just use Push Gmail and Google Voice.

 

[Soulcrux]

I suspect some people will always prefer to TALK to other human beings...

I personally hate talking on the phone, unless it's necessary (ie business, immediate answers). If I want to talk to another human being, i'll do it in person. Phone conversation sucks.

 

[Soulcrux]

How about using Google Voice?

Just use Push Gmail and Google Voice.

problem with this is it lacks the "instant messaging" layout of iPhone texting, in which you see texts in real time and keep them all in one linear order

 

[Kingcodez]

I use text for free or something on the iphone, send the text to a special email, which mimics the iphone's SMS app fine.

I'm sure someone will try to install sms.app when the ipad is jailbroken and running, and someone has time.

It may look funny walking with a 10" slate, but think about how ten-ish years ago it would be funny walking around with your phone out infront of you all the time. Why not just use a pad of paper and save a thousand dollars?