iChat for iPad

Because Apple hasn't written one...

Seriously, no one here would know the answer to that question. Until Apple actually says something about it, all we could do is speculate, whichi is, of course, not allowed. Sorry.

The fact it doesn't have a front facing camera also plays into it.

Glor

iChat doesn't need a front facing camera - you can use it purely for instant messenging (which is what it was originally for, before video chat was added later).

There are plenty of iChat compatible apps in the AppStore. Any that work with AOL Instant Messenger will also work for iChat.

Such as: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aim-for-ipad/id364193698?mt=8

What's the point of putting iChat on the iPad then? You can get a number of solutions for IM right now. The only reason I would see iChat going on the iPad is if you can do video chats.

Glor

Are you saying people shouldn't have a choice? If the OP likes iChat and the way it works, why can't he want a version for the iPad? Yes, there are alternatives but maybe he likes iChat...

Same as there are many Twitter clients before and after the official one came along.

Just because you don't see a need, doesn't mean no-one would like iChat.

Because integral to ichat is video conferencing. It would be a waste to put a stripped down model on the iPad. I guess Apple thinks the way I do since it doesn't exist.

Glor

The only reason I would see iChat going on the iPad is if you can do video chats.

So the Mac mini and Mac Pro should not have iChat installed on them either, correct?

Video was added to iChat (in iChat AV) long after it had been used by many for instant messaging, and long before Macs had integrated webcams or the iSight.

IM is why iChat existed in the first place - not video conferencing.

Give me a break!!! You can attach webcams to these computers. I'm assuming you do realize that...

Things change

IM+ seems to be the App that provides the most support, but it's not clear from it's description whether it offers AIM voice chat or just text chat.

Couldn't you introduce your friends and family to the benefits of Skype? It's by far the most widely used voice chat service, free and the voice quality is better than alternatives in my opinion.

Please follow your own arguments.

You can attach webcams to these computers

So what?
I don't have one to attach. And I would only need one if I wanted to video chat. Just like on the iPad.

It would be a waste to put a stripped down model on the iPad.

Why?
Based on what you wrote, iChat is useless and a waste without a video camera.

yes, I'm sure that just because YOU don't want to connect a webcam to your computer, apple should pull iChat from the systems. Isn't it nice to be so loved?