Using http://www.vtext.com, I can send messages to a cell phone.  But
I can't receive messages, naturally.

I'd like you, the researcher, to sift thru all the junk and confusion
and generate a short-list of options (and casual
recommendations/advice) for me to send and receive messages from my
computer to and from cell phones.

Some issue you'll address...

-- via email?  via web interface?  via IM client?  via dedicated
software?

-- free vs. paid?

-- service vs. software

Note: I really only care about sending message to one person/phone on
the Verizon network.

Note: Answer needs to be completed by 9pm PST Tuesday.

most SMS services have 'email gateways' that give phones an email
address.  verizon's email gateway is the 10-digit phone number
@vtext.com, like 8005551212@vtext.com

...and email gateways are generally free and SMS software/websites
cost a few cents.  problem with email is it's susceptible to internet
delays, spam filters, and things like that.