Would you pay to use IM?
As some know, I have the new Windows Mobile 5 device from Cingular, the 8125 (I’ve also been testing the T-Mobile version, the MDA). More on that later. I’m having trouble getting some of the apps I use regularly to run with Windows Mobile 5, so I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a Mobile Instant Messenger made specifically for Windows Mobile 5 devices. The product is called WebMessenger. They make an instant messenger client for most mobile devices that allows you to log in to all messenger clients at the same time, similar to products like Trillian.
As I mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised, until I clicked the “buy” link. They want $29.95 for it, for one year. Why would I do that? Why would anyone do that? If you would do this, please let me know why. Most mobile devices have IM clients pre-installed, or you can add them to the device off of the installation ROM. They’re offered FREE. Sure, there’s the convenience of only using one program, but is it worth $29.95? For one year? For instance, the T-Mobile MDA has an “instant messenger” icon. You click on the icon, it takes you to a Mobile Instant Messenger screen that will allow you to log in to AOL, ICQ, or Yahoo Messenger. Of course, there’s a standard Windows Messenger icon to click on so you can do that as well. I can click the links and log in for free.
Verichat is another product that does the same thing. They want $24.95 PER YEAR for the standard version, and $39.95 PER YEAR for the Premium version that gives you access to bots. Per year? For a program that will allow you to log in to instant messengers?