Messaging system that works on older text phones, PCs, in addition to feature and smart phones

[geoffrey mendelson]

On 10/10/2013 3:50 PM, Steve G. wrote:
> Suppose I wanted to change venue to a more developed country, where 
> the income level allows people to use unlimited SMS, would that have 
> made any difference?
>
> In other words, is there a messaging system, OSS or not, that can be 
> used both on phone and computers? I suppose Skype might be one, but it 
> really is more of a phone system and not messaging tool.
>
> Email is not a solution, as you messages, in my mind, are not uniquely 
> visible. Twitter is even more so - it is a broadcast tool more than 
> anything else. I want individual and group conversations, but with the 
> ability to view the web pages and videos that are sent on a normal 
> size screen.

The problem that I see is that you simply can't do it. People with dumb 
phones are limited to what they can receive, people with computers and 
smart phones are somewhat less.

There are MANY instant message clients for both computers and phones, 
SKYPE is one of the few that runs on all of them.

Dumb phones are limited to SMS's, so a combined system is needed.

On the other hand, if you look at the thread that followed my asking 
about an iPod replacement, I found a suitable smartphone for your needs 
for 549 NIS. ($135). That's a lot of money to give to a lot of people, 
but you may be able to get a lower price if you buy many. There are also 
the cheap Chinese Android phones, which are a lot cheaper if you buy 
them by the case directly from China.

But then you need to buy them a cellular data plan.

Geoff.

-- 
Geoffrey S. Mendelson 4X1GM/N3OWJ
Jerusalem Israel.