I don’t think it’s unfair to say that Facebook really has let iPad owners down in not developing a universal version of its Facebook for iPhone app. Instead, we’re left to launch Safari every time we want to access the much-loved social network – which works like a charm, but isn’t quite the same as an app.
One thing users miss out on when interacting with the service through Safari is Facebook Chat: the MSN of social networking. However, thanks to a great tip from one of our readers (cheers, Tim!) we can bring an easy solution to those of you who don’t already know it.
By heading over to this address (http://www.Facebook.com/presence/popout.php) on your iPad, Facebook addicts can use the site’s chat service in-browser. As you can see from the screenshot below, contacts appear on the left of the screen, with your current chat appearing in the center.
This is the most cost-effective way to interact with Facebook Chat on your iPad, though there are several instant messenger applications that can do the job, for a price. The big players in this field are IM+ and BeejiveIM, both of which offer push notifications and support a variety of services including Facebook Chat. However, the downside to both apps is the price, with each costing a sizeable $9.99.
So, if you’d rather keep the cash, be sure to check out this address (http://www.Facebook.com/presence/popout.php) the next time you want to access Facebook Chat on your iPad. And what’s more, if you add the page to your Home Screen, it’ll look just like any normal application. What could be better?
Update: As one of our readers (Russell) reminds us, the AIM for iPad application works great with Facebook Chat, and it’s free!
Or just use AIM for iPad for free.
Are you sure you want to run with this story ?? “IM+ Lite” is free and does facebook chat quite nicely, and in the “Related Posts” above you link to the new paid Sobees app which is $3.99 and also does FB chat.
The solution above looks like a pretty good alternative too, but your indication that there is no cheap way to do it doesn’t reflect well on AppAdvice being ‘up to date’ with the latest apps.
It really don’t. ebuddy and fring also offers Facebook chat for free. I think AppAdvice it’s just wanting that people make click on those “Mentioned Apss”. $$$$
I really don’t understand what Facebook’s issue is anymore. I know almost a year ago the lead on the app left in a huff because of Apple’s slow approval turnaround time. But that is no longer a problem.
My Facebook app is seriously the ONLY way I access Facebook. If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t use it. The app really needs to be updated as it’s so slow and an iPad one needs to be made.
It’s like Facebook doesn’t want to make their fans happy anymore. They keep doing the opposite.
It doesn’t seem to work on iPod touch.