Help SMS: Stock or App?

[mjs2011]

Hello, I just activated my Optimus today and I must say that the stock text messaging interface is not very user friendly. I can't even look up my contacts and send a text message that way. Am I doing something wrong? Should I look for a different app?

 

[tcklord]

I just use the stock SMS app, when you hit new message and the To field shows up if you start typing a name a list of your contacts that match should show up just below. I hear good things about Handcent but I have never tried it as I am fine with the stock app.

 

[mjs2011]

update:

i just downloaded GO SMS Pro and it's fantastic. i think i answered my own question, but if anyone else wants to chime in, feel free.

 

[fightingirish]

Handcent user here. Has nice themes and, to my pleasant surprise, installed a better keyboard. On the downside, is a bit buggy with MMS.

 

[weddle]

Question: how do I stop double notifications when using handcent? I am trying it out, and idk how to stop messages from going to my stock browser too

 

[MacFett]

Question: how do I stop double notifications when using handcent? I am trying it out, and idk how to stop messages from going to my stock browser too

Go into the setting for Messenger and turn off notifications there. It took me a while to figure that out too.

 

[ScottColbert]

update:

i just downloaded GO SMS Pro and it's fantastic. i think i answered my own question, but if anyone else wants to chime in, feel free.

That's what I use and love it. Tried others but Go SMS Pro works best for me.

 

[adam97202]

Handcent hands-down. I really like that I can set different colored icons in the notification bar for different contacts. Plus you can set it up to display your conversations "iPhone-style."

 

[weddle]

I'm using one of the "android" themes in handcent and in my opinion its pretty awesome

 

[melim]

Handcent hands-down. I really like that I can set different colored icons in the notification bar for different contacts

You know, I've been using Handcent since the day I got my phone and didn't notice you could do this. I'm such a dork!

 

[adam97202]

You know, I've been using Handcent since the day I got my phone and didn't notice you could do this. I'm such a dork!

It took me a couple months to notice it too. I love that I can glance at the status bar and say, "oh, it's green, it's Mary; oh, it's pink, it's Jane."

 

[smittyzz]

Handcent hands-down. I really like that I can set different colored icons in the notification bar for different contacts. Plus you can set it up to display your conversations "iPhone-style."

how do you do that?! i been using it for a few months and had no idea! please enlighten me

 

[adam97202]

how do you do that?! i been using it for a few months and had no idea! please enlighten me

When viewing a conversation with a specific contact, click on the little "gear" icon in the upper-right corner, which sets the Personalization options. Then click Notification Settings, then Notification Icon.

Note that you can also edit the Bubble Settings (message colors) for each contact. I like that because it makes me less likely to forget who I'm talking to and accidentally embarrass myself.

 

[weddle]

A little off topic, but can someone recommend decent themes? I'm using one of the themes under "android" right now

 

[smittyzz]

ahh i hate doing that, and thank you so much im gonna go do this now =)

 

[melim]

It took me a couple months to notice it too. I love that I can glance at the status bar and say, "oh, it's green, it's Mary; oh, it's pink, it's Jane."

how do you do that?! i been using it for a few months and had no idea! please enlighten me

Oh good; I don't feel so alone in my dorkitude now.