You can forget about your text (SMS) message restrictions entirely by using Google Voice.
Update: Google pushed an update tonight for Google Voice and corrected double text issue in landscape mode using the virtual keyboard.
The interface is similar to the standard text messaging on your Verizon Droid without any fees. You can SMS to any other mobile number.
You must have a Google Voice account . Google voice is free and can be used in it's web interface without an Android (or BlackBerry) smart phone.
Next, go to the Android Market on your handset and download the free app "Google Voice"
At left, the Google Voice app on a Motorola Droid with text threads and a voice mail transcription.
On the Droid, Google Voice coexists with Verizon's native calling and SMS or can replace the functionality of the existing phone number and SMS.
Google Voice SMS does not support (MMS) picture and video messaging.
For phone calling GV is unlimited and free 24/7 to Canada and the U.S., same for text messaging.
Like with calling, the web interface offers robust features for text messaging. Threads are grouped, saved and can be accessed, started and continued on the web.
You can move between the web and handset at any time.
By default, after installing the Google Voice app, the Droid will automatically push a GV text through the Verizon system charging you for an out of network text.
Going into the GV dashboard Settings>Edit> Uncheck: Receive SMS on this phone
This will separate the GV app from the native Android/Verizon SMS/MMS application.
There is a software glitch with the current Android OS build or the app on the Droid that sends two SMS messages when sending on the virtual keyboard (touch screen) when using Google Voice for SMS. This doesn't happen when using the physical keyboard and pressing the downward arrow send key.
Once it's all set up, you can just go into your contacts with a choice to send a GV SMS or make it the default text engine. New messages to your chosen GV phone number come in via the GV app and appear in the notifications.
I still use my Verizon messaging for in network, picture and video messaging.
You can set the polling time of the GV app to check for sms messages to a minimum of 5 minutes. The default is much longer.
How do i capitalize Proper nouns While using google voice?
I sent this message through google voice
Thanks!:
I only want to use this to text my friend in canada, but use verizon sms for everyone else. I have thedroid x (amazing btw) but it cost to text a canadian number.
Hah! There are still no post on how to trick your operator so that you can call and text to other countries for free.
I am glad they finally worked out that double text issue. It was really annoying.