I have two phones and 2 lives.  

Keeps it simple

Matter of fact I have 2 of many things now. LOL. Bank accounts, laptops Girlfriends...

I use this free app called TextMe
texting is free, and it comes with credits. when they're done you could either earn some free ones or just buy some more. they are really cheap, like 500min for 8.99.
its pretty good. the only downside is that you cant receive photos, but you can send them.  
you should check it out

Posted By: LillyLockHart

Hi I hate google voice and think it sounds cheap to callers since you have to do the stupid" state your name and google voice will connect you" I have researched on this board and Ring central was the only other service I found info on. I may just go with them but wanted to ask if anyone knows of any other alternatives?Or if you have used ring central how do you like them? I just want a separate new number so I can turn my personal phone into a hobby phone as well and use two numbers on italso I want to be able to send and receive text messages from my new 2nd line hobby phone number as well.this is a must since most of my clients seem to text    
     
  btw..I use a droid phone with a straight talk unlimited plan currently  
 

And I have never heard of "state your name and google voice will contact you"? Mine seems to wirk like a regular phone. Maybe something in your settings?

But there are others. One app called "burner phone" and one called "line 2" have been mentioned here on TER, as good alternatives. I haven't tried them.

Line 2 is pretty good. The only thing you can't do is receive pictures. It's 100 a year and uses VoIP or wifi.

You can disable it completely, or leave it on and uncheck the box for "Ask unknown callers to say their name".  if you leave it on without the check box, it allows you to let a call go to voicemail and you can listen to the message being recorded without answering the call.  

Google voice has worked flawlessly for me.  Better than any of the other apps I tried, and far better than 2 phones!  There are some settings that need to be configured for the best seamless results.  For example, caller ID will show the incoming call number but won't show whether the call is on your real number or your GV number - that was a problem for knowing how to answer.  I set mine to display my GV number in caller ID for all calls to that number.  I don't know who is calling but I do know which line and I only use that line for ONE thing, so this workaround works for me.  Along with the screening settings mentioned above, and disabling voice mail transcription (no text record of messages), all is great!

I just singed up got my number and thanks to all the recommendations I think I was able to adjust all the proper settings so it doesn't have that  intro greeting. I also downloaded the app to my phone so I think I am good to go..I am pretty excited about this since it seems to have some cool features I was unaware of

Almost no snarky comments, useful analysis of hobby related technology.  What a pleasant surprise.

It works great, has a few nicer features than google voice, but as of right now, doesn't have SMS Text capability.  The site says they will have it in the near future however.  

-- Modified on 5/27/2013 9:31:57 AM