In a perfect world, everyone would be using BlackBerrys. Actually, in a perfect world, I should be getting a lot more data for a lot less. Unfortunately, for both issues, we live in the real world. We all have friends and family that use other smartphones, regardless if they defected from the BlackBerry or were otherwise forced to leave. Those empty, silent BlackBerry Messenger contacts are a grim reminder that communication with them will never be the same way again. You have to resort to SMS, email or, ugh a phone call (I hope you sense a hint of sarcasm at this point). It is a slightly odd feeling, as you converse through alternate means, when you are so used to the “ping”.

WhatsApp steps up to the plate as a smartphone to smartphone instant messaging alternative. If you don’t have any sort of unlimited text messaging plan, this application is definitely right up your alley. Now I can harass, I mean, reach out my former BlackBerry friends, without racking up the SMS charges. Besides, I never did like the default look of SMS conversations. Now, let’s see what’s up with WhatsApp.