I want my text messages to look like the iPhone...

The threaded text message app that comes with the Android is just "plain" and doesn't have the features that I found with an application called Handcent SMS - available via the Android Market on your phone.

Handcent SMS Android App offers enhanced text messaging capabilities. Send & receive texts from full app or popup interface , send & save MMS (picture mail) contents, T9 style keyboard, add your text signature, search texts, change the theme, font packs or background, Android notifications, ringtones and vibration patterns, even cooler… speak your text or have them read back to you!

I get a lot of clients asking “How do you text signatures?” on Android and this app solves that. Batch mode is very useful to scroll through and check a list or Group of contacts when sending bulk messages (like for a party invite). They put the icing on the cake by utilizing text-to-speech and speech-to-text (something I personally like when too busy to type out a long text message… just speak it)

1) Open the factory installed text program – hit MENU and then SETTINGS…. Scroll down to NOTIFICATIONS and “Uncheck” the box.
a. If you don’t do this, you’ll be annoyed as you’ll be getting two notifications that you have a new message!
2) Remove the text program from the home screen by holding down on it and dragging to the bottom to the screen.
3) GO to the Android Market – search for “Handcent SMS” – once you find the main Handcent program download it.
4) Once it has installed, place a shortcut for the Handcent program on your home screen.
5) DONE! It’s a much better program and has been related to better battery life as well.
6) ENJOY!