Abstract: A peer-to-peer wireless instant messaging system is described. A user may establish a wireless instant messaging communication pathway with other users either using a server or directly. In some aspects of the present invention, a user may use an intermediate user's connection to reach another user, who is out of range of the first user.

Abstract: User interfaces and methods are described for formatting and handling electronic ink messaging communications.

Abstract: User interfaces and methods are described for managing invitations in instant messaging communication threads. In some aspects, tabs are used to organize instant messaging threads in a condensed structure. In other aspects, a user may send and receive invitations that are then stored pending a receive user's acceptance or decline of the invitation. The status of these pending conversations is continuously displayed to the user so they are not forgotten. These and other aspects to user interfaces for instant messaging applications are described.