How to send SMS messages from iChat with AOL
From ArticleWorld
AOL has recently decided to let its users send SMS messages from AIM. This is obviously a very handy facility, and, since AOL endorses support for iChat, it is also available for iChat users. Nevertheless, you will need an AIM account for this.
Procedure
- Open iChat and log in to your AIM account
- Press Shift + Command + N (New Chat with Person) to open a new Chat window.
- Change the screen name to that of the mobile phone number you want to use. You will need to append the country code as well. For example, to send the SMS to an US-based mobile phone with the number 123321456, you would append the country code (+1), so that the screen name becomes +112332156"
- Send the desired SMS, obviously respecting the character limit.
Notes
Replying will also work: if the receiver decides to reply to your SMS, the reply will pop up in a new iChat window.
At the time of writing, the service has been reported to be rather unreliable outside USA. However, AIM is noted to be constantly improving it and the next major AIM version will probably fix everything there is to fix.
Nevertheless, if you depend on the option of sending SMS files through an IM client, you may want to consider using Yahoo's services, which already include such features. Alternative solutions, like the services offered by teleflip.com, may also be a good option.
If you are using iChat, it is strongly recommended that you upgrade to the 3.0 version or newer. These allow you to store your buddies' phone numbers along with their AIM screen names.