Is there a reliable way to text from my iPad using my existing cell phone number? I don't want a different number.

You cannot natively send SMS messages from your iPad if that's what you mean.

Assuming you have a SIM with a SMS package which is authorised for the iPad, it is fairly trivial to enable native SMS texting on the iPad once it is jailbroken.

That's not to say that jailbreaking is for everyone, but it is an option if sending native SMS's is a requirement for you on your 3G enabled device. (CDMA and Wifi only devices are not supported).

We have some past discussions on it here - SMS app for for iPad 2 IOS 5.1.1
here - [Suggestion Required] Suggest An App to Send & Receive Text messages on iPad 2 3G
and here - http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-gener...-sms-ipad.html

and I can confirm that SwirlySMS for iPad 3G ($4.99 for the Cydia Store - available once you jailbreak) is compatible on all 3G / 4G enabled iPads running 5.1.1. There may be other solutions available, but that is the one I have experience of. There are no free options AFAIK.
In terms of reliability, I've never found it to be any less reliable than an iPhone, once enabled. But in the spirit of full disclosure, since iMessage came along I really don't have any requirement for native SMS on my iPads any more. That's what my iPhone is for!

Head on over to our Hacking Section if you have any queries. Hope that helps.

So, it'd be easier for me to get a texting app that gives me a new phone number. Then I only have to give my contacts this new phone number? that seems easier and not a huge inconvenience, I suppose.

Maybe the new update to iMessage in iOS 6 will improve messaging to or with iMessage associated with a cell number. Supposedly you are able to have your iPhone, iPad and Mac's iMessage synced effortlessly with the new update. Obviously to other devices without iMessage that will not help much.

There should be a way of texting without the need for a cell number. It shouldn't be hard, no? Or, you should be able to text using your existing cell number.

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

There should be a way of texting without the need for a cell number. It shouldn't be hard, no? Or, you should be able to text using your existing cell number.

Texting without a cell number is called instant messaging. Great thing about that is it can be across all devices with the right app/client. Skype is great for that, Messenger is popular.

In the Uk most mobile phone company's allow you to go to their web site and send a text message , and to whoever you send it to it appears to come from your mobile phone.

No app needed , no need to tell your friends a new number .

Just use your browser on your iPad.

Originally Posted by Sun King

In the Uk most mobile phone company's allow you to go to their web site and send a text message , and to whoever you send it to it appears to come from your mobile phone.

No app needed , no need to tell your friends a new number .

Just use your browser on your iPad.

O2 only gives you 10 free texts via the website and then you have to pay for more

Dark Angelwitch (Surrey)