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!
