Why not the default messaging application?

[TekHawk]

Why do I use Handcent instead of stock? Because all the cool kids do and I wanna be like them.

nope nope hook all the cool kids root and use the hack stock app come back to the dark side

[TekHawk]

Although this is something I am sure I could look up for myself, I'd like to know why you use one of these alternative SMS-MMS applications.

Because I have to in order to send/receive SMS via Google Voice (without forwarding).

I was not aware of this. I guess I will have to wait and wait it out for Google because I refuse to pay some guy I don't even know for an invite when that guy got the invite for free, and I won't sign up WITH any invites to sell back to other people. Anyway I'll stop whining about GVoice

Thanks for all the responses. It seems the majority of people the alternatives for the customize options. As carbine pointed out, one can put in a little bit of extra effort and customize the default app too.

I have little need for all the extras some of the alternative messaging apps provide, at least not for now. I need internal storage space.

I think I'll try using default for a while and see what I feel like I need added, then look for that.

if your tight on space go with cyanogen or another App2SD supporting rom the apps even on the stock sd card that came with the phone run fine just be smart about the ones you place on the sd card BW for example or any other widget provider should not be on the SD card LWPs shouldnt but most games and apps that you do not have running 50% of the time should be fine

[Detonation]

I use Handcent for the bubble chat view. So much easier to read than the stock list view. But thats about it.

[RighteousAura]

if your tight on space go with cyanogen or another App2SD supporting rom the apps even on the stock sd card that came with the phone run fine just be smart about the ones you place on the sd card BW for example or any other widget provider should not be on the SD card LWPs shouldnt but most games and apps that you do not have running 50% of the time should be fine

Going off topic here for a second.. but I was just wondering why widgets shouldn't be installed to the sd card? Also, Once running apps2sd is there a way to install apps normally onto the internal memory?

Now back on topic.. The default seems the best to me by far. I find the whole chat bubbles thing to be ugly.. Am I the only one who thinks this? I really prefer everything to have a uniform look and feel.. The default could really use some improvements and additional features though.

[les017]

I've used Handcent from November until just today. I never used the bubble setting, I'm not a heavy texter and I appreciate slimming down the apps...Handcent = 5MB, stock = 600KB

[issues636]

i've been using Handcent for months now, and have had maybe 2 FC's in that entire time, so it's not too bad. i get that amount of FC's with stock droid apps too so no big deal.

the reason i STARTED using handcent:
- iPhone-like bubble conversation theme.
that was the only reason, i was getting sick of the stock messaging theme.

the reasons i NOW use handcent:
- when i downloaded it and was looking through settings, i noticed the Pop-up feature. didn't know about this when i went to download Handcent but it was definitely a plus.
- a week after i downloaded it, i realized i could do individual text tones.

i no longer use the iPhone bubbles. i guess i went through my little iPhone phase and went back to Stock-like message screen, but i still use Handcent cause i love the popup feature and individual tones.

[PetRiLJoe]

I've used Handcent from November until just today. I never used the bubble setting, I'm not a heavy texter and I appreciate slimming down the apps...Handcent = 5MB, stock = 600KB

Well that's good to hear!

I would like to take this time to say after using the default for a while, I miss having the plus sign next to the TO field that would allow me to select a person from the contact list. this makes it a little more difficult to seems the same message to multiple poole because I like checking boxes next to multiple names rather than typing out a partial name and selecting the name and number 4rm the drop down menu.

[Backnblack]

I use handcent due to the fact I find it better than the native app....

[bmwmom2002]

For some reason my stock SMS stopped sending my messages. After 2 hours in a Verizon store and a promise to call back if there was a fix, I finally downloaded Chomp. Now my messages send. I would go back to the stock if it would actually work for me.