A few questions about Messages

there many things don't understand messages , imessages.

first, how send imessage someone's iphone messages? doesn't seem can type in phone number, or can i? looks can use of contacts send message, if don't own iphone , don't have messages? i'm used skype-like contact list, of skype contacts have skype, , online/offline status shown. that's not how in messages, it's quite confusing…

second, i'm sure has friends own macs , own pcs. benefit chat application allows chat people on macs? (i'm talking computer-to-computer chat here). wouldn't make lot of sense apple release version of messages windows? mean, why choose messages on skype, if skype cross-platform?

i'd love use messages, reason can't because people talk use pcs. i've heard supports aim, none of 300 contacts use that. like, , do? aim pc-compatible? if so, aim pc version of messages, different interface? if can few of pc friends (and family) use aim, maybe use messages chat them, instead of skype…

 

it's meant ios device ios device , has expanded os x devices.
it's meant used associated appleid or rather email address tied account.

users don't need text message data plan in order use it. it's benefit using apple products. in ways it's bbm rim products.
messages being sent email address not telephone number.

 

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