How to Send SMS Messages to From an iPod Touch

Google Voice
1. Set up your Google Voice account, if you haven't already done so. Google Voice provides you a free virtual phone number that you can link to any other phone, be it mobile or landline. You will be given a number to call and a short PIN code. Call the number and input the code when prompted to activate your account.
2. Go to 'google.com/voice' in your iPod browser and log in to your Google account. Rather than a traditional app, Google Voice uses a Web app that works within your browser.
3. Click the 'Text' button to open the text messaging menu; you can also tap the text messaging icon at the top of the screen. Enter the number you want to text and type the body of your message. Click 'Send.'
4. Tap 'Inbox' to view new incoming SMS messages. Google Voice uses a standard phone number, so other users can send text messages to your Google Voice number just as they would a conventional mobile phone.
TextNow
5. Download the TextNow app to your iPod. TextNow is a free, ad-supported application. You can purchase a yearly subscription for $5.99 or a lifetime removal for $7.99 to remove the ads if you wish.
6. Select the app on your home screen and tap 'Create a New Account.' Select a username for your @textnow.me address. On the next page, create the password for your account.
7. Fill in your area code when prompted and click continue. TextNow will assign you a virtual phone number associated with your TextNow account.
8. Tap the text message icon in the upper right corner of the application. Enter the phone number of the user you want to text and then type the body of your message. You can add emoticons or photos to your text messages by clicking the emoticon/picture icon beside the text message area. Click 'Send' to send the message.
9. Refresh the Messages page by dragging your finger down and releasing; this will force your incoming messages to update, although they should update automatically when you are connected to a wireless network. Your friends will see your TextNow phone number when they receive your text message and will be able to respond accordingly.