What are your favorite texting apps?

[a1insun]

What are the best texting apps as I would prefer not to pay too much for text messaging plans if I don't have to. I'm pretty ignorant in this regard. Do you have to both have the exact same app to text for free? Does the app present its own alphanumeric display you have to use, or can you easily use the one that comes with the phone? If you want to send a text from the app to someone who does not have the app or even a non-smartphone can you do this without being charged yourself? Does the other person normally get a charge for receiving any text message?

 

[iCrank]

Here is a thread started yesterday. same topic please search before posting.

http://www.iphoneforums.net/forum/iphone-apps-20/best-texting-app-me-21420/