How to Text on the iPad

Have you ever wanted to send a text message from your iPad? The iPad isn't just for watching Netflix or browsing the web. In addition to video conferencing, you can also use the iPad for free texting.

1. iMessage. The iMessage app comes with the iPad, and it is one of the easiest ways to send text messages. You can turn on iMessage in the iPad's settings under "Messages". In addition to using the email address associated with your Apple ID, you can input additional email addresses to help people reach you. iMessage can send text, photos and video, however, you are restricted to sending messages to iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. Find out more about setting up iMessage.
   
   
2. Free Texting Apps. Text Me! and textPlus both offer free texting to iPad users. Text Me! won About.com's 2012 Reader's Choice Award. It offers users a free phone number capable of sending SMS messages to the US, Canada and 40 other countries around the world. You can also receive voice mail and send unlimited pictures. textPlus recently added voice calls to their service, using VoIP to allow free calls to other textPlus users and cheap local and international calls to non-textPlus users.
3. Skype. The leading VoIP service, Skype allows you to use your iPad much like a phone. However, while Skype is great for voice calls and video conferencing, it does not offer a texting plan. You can send SMS messages through Skype, but you will be charged a fee similar to the one you'd be charged if you simply used your voice plan. But you can receive free messages from Skype, so it is a possible solution for those who want the ability to receive messages but don't plan on sending any.