Unlocking the iPhone

[travOtaku]

So I am somewhat illiterate when it comes to cell phones, especially the iphone, but I have recently decided that I would like one, and have a few questions.

If I am going to be buying the phone from some place like ebay, and I have ATT already, do I need to have an unlocked phone, or is unlocking the phone only necessary to allow the phone to be used with other phone companies? I was browsing some online auctions and an unlocked phone runs upwards of 500+ bucks, whereas a "locked" phone is not nearly as expensive.

Also, what is a good way to unlock the phone, if it is necessary? I have browsed some youtube videos about the process and am slightly dubious as to whether or not it is really as simple as they have made it seem.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[ZarakiKujata]

Even if you have ATT already you'll still need to sign onto their special iPhone data plan, otherwise you'll probably get assraped with charges you and they switched my old cell # onto the 3G sim card in the iPhone so assuming you want to stay with ATT it might make more sense to go to an Apple store or ATT store. Can't help much w/ the jailbreaking stuff but I've heard its ridiculously easy.

[Epical]

Ok, a few things:

First, again, whatever you end up doing to your phone as a result of this thread doesn't hold these forums or the people on it liable. Incorrectly unlocking/jailbreaking your phone CAN brick to the point where it's nothing but a nice paperweight. So take caution.

Second, the new 3G can be jailbroken, but NOT unlocked (yet). The difference is simple: jailbreaking means you can install third party apps on it, unlocking means you can use any GSM SIM and have service.

Third, I have a 2G that's both unlocked and jailbroken, and yes, it really is as simple and easy as those video show. The best site I've found that deals with all things iPhone (in an unlocking/jailbreaking sense) is ModMyi. They have links to the latest unlocking and jailbreaking tools.

When you purchase your phone, either make sure it's a 2G or be prepared to pay iPhone bill rates.

[The_OG_Nelta]

Sorry kinda off topic, only thing thats keeping me from getting iPhone is no Picture msg'ing.

[Boyiee]

Ok, a few things:

First, again, whatever you end up doing to your phone as a result of this thread doesn't hold these forums or the people on it liable. Incorrectly unlocking/jailbreaking your phone CAN brick to the point where it's nothing but a nice paperweight. So take caution.

Second, the new 3G can be jailbroken, but NOT unlocked (yet). The difference is simple: jailbreaking means you can install third party apps on it, unlocking means you can use any GSM SIM and have service.

Third, I have a 2G that's both unlocked and jailbroken, and yes, it really is as simple and easy as those video show. The best site I've found that deals with all things iPhone (in an unlocking/jailbreaking sense) is ModMyi. They have links to the latest unlocking and jailbreaking tools.

When you purchase your phone, either make sure it's a 2G or be prepared to pay iPhone bill rates.

Iphone bill rates regarding app downloads? I was going to pick up an Iphone 3g today or tomorrow and wasn't really interested in jailbreaking it - I don't want to brick it. What's so good about a jailbroken one besides a few free apps, maybe homebrews and custom backrounds and things? Cause I have a PSP to play nintendo games and such on, and really don't want a possible paperweight, unless it's really convincing to do so and buy a 2g for it.

[octopus]

Hm? There's no cost extra for app downloads... it's part of your data plan, which is unlimited data.

Personally, I don't have any desire to jailbreak it. Until the day vlc4iphone releases to the public so I can watch streamed show directly.

[Boyiee]

"Be prepared to pay iPhone bill rates" what are those other then the data/phone service that at&t charges normally, that a jailbreaking/unlocked/2g would change?

[octopus]

AT&T charges $10 more for unlimited 3G data vs unlimited 2G data plan.

[Epical]

It may just be here (Canada), but I was referring to the fact that a standard monthly cell bill is $20-50, whereas the iPhone's is $80-90. If it's different in the US, then ignore that comment.

[Boyiee]

It may just be here (Canada), but I was referring to the fact that a standard monthly cell bill is $20-50, whereas the iPhone's is $80-90. If it's different in the US, then ignore that comment.

The cell bill is 20-50, however you can not have an iphone without the data, which is unlimited, which is another 30ish. So the price of the phone at cheapest is about 89.99 a month, which comes to about 100$ a month + the 200-300 in which you initially pay for the phone, plus the 35ish dollar activation fee.

First month= 300+36+100 --- every month after 100/mo so Iphone=1200/yr (thats with 450minutes and unlimited text, i think text is 20$ for unlimited so subtract 20$ a month for no text)

[Epical]

The cell bill is 20-50, however you can not have an iphone without the data, which is unlimited, which is another 30ish. So the price of the phone at cheapest is about 89.99 a month, which comes to about 100$ a month + the 200-300 in which you initially pay for the phone, plus the 35ish dollar activation fee.

First month= 300+36+100 --- every month after 100/mo so Iphone=1200/yr (thats with 450minutes and unlimited text, i think text is 20$ for unlimited so subtract 20$ a month for no text)

K, so don't ignore what I said, it stands then. =P This is what I was talking about.

[Boyiee]

I bought an iphone yesterday and love it i'm just debating keeping it. After taxes and stuff it comes out to like 100 a month like I said, and the largest discount I can see myself getting on the plan is only 20-25%... Think I can get a $2500 alienware laptop for that a month, so maybe i'll do that instead.