Hi all,

I've read through the plethora of iPhone threads here (very helpful, thanks) but still have a few questions. Hoping that a thread like this might help members in the future too.

Basically, I'm heading to Canada/US next week, and if the exchange rate stays good (fingers cross yesterday's events don't have an immediate impact), I'm thinking of picking up an iPhone. TBH I still don't know if it's the phone for me, but I figure if I don't like it, I can sell it here and hopefully not lose out too much.

I do have a few burning questions though, which I'd appreciate if one of our resident gurus could answer.

Firmware
I understand v1.1.2 has yet to be cracked. So I need to buy a v1.1.1 (or earlier) model - which is a week 44 or earlier model, identifiable by the s/n. So as long as I buy a week 44 or earlier, I'm OK? Then, using guides like this one, I can upgrade to 1.1.2?

Voicemail
I understand visual voicemail won't work, but there's nothing stopping me from calling 121 (Vodafone voicemail) and retrieving my messages as I currently do, right?

Bluetooth
Everyone says it sucks. Why? Range? Features?
Basically, I'll want to transfer files (and sync) from Mac->iPhone via Bluetooth, and I'll also need to use it with my SonyEricsson Bluetooth carkit. Any problems there?

Unlocking
I've read far too much about too many different methods.
IPSF ($$$), Jailbreakme, AnySIM...it's all very confusing. Which of these is considered the "best" method? I'm not averse to a bit of software hacking, provided I'm given a good, step-by-step guide...but hardware hacking is something I'm not keen on.

Data
Is it possible to entirely disable all GPRS data through the phone? This isn't a huge deal, as with my Vodafone cap ($79 Supercap, pre-paid) I get about 1mb per month before it blocks all data...but still, I'd like to be the one who decides when to use that data.

Number format
Not a big deal, but do I need to use a specific unlocking method (or other hack?) to make it display Aussie number formats (ie: 04xx xxx xxx)?

Ringtones
Once unlocked, I can use any Mp3 or AAC as a ringtone, right?

Tough?
How tough is the iPhone? I like to keep my phones in either my suit jacket top pocket, or pants pocket (ie: jeans or trousers). Do they have problems with easily-crackable screens, like the first Nanos?

Software
Now that Apple have opened the iPhone up to 3rd party apps, I assume that aspect no longer needs to be hacked?

Calendar
Assuming I can add calendar events and reminders directly on the phone? (This is something I do all the time with my current SE K750i).

Thanks all. As I said - I've read a fair bit, but much of it has left me very confused. Appreciate any help.

Cheers,
- Febs.

Firmware
All phones can be downgraded. There's documented ways to upgrade a hacked phone to 1.1.2.

Voicemail
Yes, you can call any number you like It will work the same way you do now.

Bluetooth
As far as I'm aware, syncing is always done by docking the phone. No bluetooth syncing or copying files via bluetooth (without some serious hacking and 3rd party app). Not sure about the bluetooth car kit.

Unlocking
Jailbreakme and anySIM are free, so they're the best first option. Jailbreak me is for jailbreaking... ie making the phone think it's been activated by iTunes and you'll need to use that (or iNdependence) to activate. AnySIM is for changing the baseband to allow any SIM card to work. If anySIM fails (did for me), then iPhoneSIMFree should work (about $60).

Data
Yes, you can disable GPRS data.

Number format
Yes, you do need a hack for Aus numbers and to have received SMSs appear with the correct names from Address book. Quite easy to do though. This is getting easier and easier as Apple add better international support anyway.

Ringtones
Have a look at this guide to see what's involved:
http://www.hacktheiphone.com/112/iph...tones_mac.html

Tough?
Seems very tough to me. I'm really good with my toys though

Software
Not true. They'll still need activation and for the SIM to be recognised. The hacking serves a few functions... the fact that you can run 3rd party apps is one of them.

Calendar
Yes. Best phone calendar I've ever used by a mile.

Mod Edit: The correct thing to do is report rubbish posts, not make derogatory comments. Thanks.

The simple fact that the iPhone is the best mobile phone yet made is not enough for some. They can quite happily go on without an iPhone as far as I am concerned, or wait until it arrives here, whatever they want. But I would rather they went to bed at the official retirement home hours, and not chime in to remind everyone that they don't have an iPhone.

@Febs;

• the bootlader that comes with newer 1.1.2 phones out of the box has not been cracked, and it may be a while. So yeah, you want one with 1.1.1 out of the box.
• you can program the Voicemail button in the phone to call your voicemail
• Bluetooth can only be used with earpieces, it's not set up for file transfers, so range is not much of an issue. I've never tested it.
• There's no hardware hacking involved to unlock, only software, which means that almost any problem can be reversed.
• Yes, you can disable GPRS data, by entering incorrect login info.
• The number format thing has been simple for most, but a few people are having issues with incoming numbers not matching up with the phone book.
• Using your own ringtones depends on certain combinations of iTunes and third-party apps, so it's not as simple as it could be, but it can be done.
• I've dropped my iPhone twice onto concrete footpaths, if you're unlucky it will be damaged. It is glass, so it won't scratch easily, but can smash.
• You still need to jailbreak and activate an iPhone to use third-party apps. The official SDK doesn't arrive until early next year.
• Of course you can add calendar events on the phone, that was an iPod thing, and an early glitch in the iPod touch. Only issue is they are all synced to the same calendar, IIRC.
• silverdreamer is the only MacTalker I have ever blocked posts from, best not quote him in future, then hopefully he might go away.

Thanks marc.

FWIW, I'm definitely not deciding between an iPhone and a Touch. I have no need for a touch whatsoever (and probably won't even use the iPhone as an iPod much either, as I mainly use my iPod Nano for running).

I simply want a new phone, and think the iPhone has a decent feature set for the money.

Cheers,
- Febs.

PS: Little scared about reports of week 41 phones having the new bootloader (4.6) though. May not risk it unless I can find a really old iPhone somewhere.

febs - you said -

"I understand v1.1.2 has yet to be cracked. So I need to buy a v1.1.1 (or earlier) model - which is a week 44 or earlier model, identifiable by the s/n. So as long as I buy a week 44 or earlier, I'm OK? Then, using guides like this one, I can upgrade to 1.1.2?"

Don't worry too much about firmware - its the bootloader thats the problem. I have a week 44 iPhone shipped from Shenzen on November 9th and it is the 4.06... bootloader. So, I would think you need week 43 or less. Look at the fourth and fifth digits in the serial number on the rear of the box.

Regarding week 41 iPhones - if you read the posts and replies carefully you will see that those who said that week 41 iPhones could not be 'unlocked' were idiots who did not know what they were doing, and didn't know the difference between "activate" "jailbreak" and "unlock" anyway.

I have software unlocked two week 43 iPhones (they came with firmware 1.1.1 and bootloader 3.09...) with no problems.

With the week 44 iPhone, and two week 46 iPhones that I am also working on, I am using TurboSIMs to enable them to be used with Australian GSM SIM cards from Vodafone and Telstra.

I think that your biggest problem will be actually buying any iPhone at all. My contacts tell me that Apple Stores are now asking for a USA credit card and other id. And they are now requiring the buyer to sign an agreement that they will activate the iPhone(s) with AT&T on a two year contract within 14 days of the purchase date.

I don't know if AT&T stores are also doing this. I suggest you visit wireless.att.com and use the find a store search for the city you will be visiting. I understand that AT&T stores have older stock anyway, so an AT&T store would be a better option than an Apple store on two counts.

Good luck, and if you end up with a week 44 or later 1.1.2 iPhone you can always use a TurboSIM if no software unlock is developed.

A3 Australia

Thanks very much for the detailed reply, and thanks for the PM too.

I'll be visiting a few cities in the US (one of which I've been to before, and I know have a decent Apple store and AT&T store), so fingers crossed I find one who's willing to sell me an iPhone (I have an AMEX Charge Card which is only identifiable as Australian by the phone number/website on the back...wonder if that'd work?)

Alternatively, I'll be working with people who live in the US who may be able to buy it for me...though asking them to sign a contract is not something I'd want to do.

Cheers,
- Febs.

You might get away with that, the only issue is that they want ID with an credit card purchase. Even my $14 iPod Touch cover

If I'd been persistent I might have walked out of the Apple Store (I'm currenly in New England) with an iPhone, but the 1.1.2 firmware issue put me off a bit. If you are patient... there will be a way to crack it. Eventually.

If you're visiting the Apple Store in the holiday period, your odds of not getting hassled are better because they'll be nice and busy. Bear in mind it won't be as easy as just rocking up to the counter with 'one iPhone please' because often there *are* no front counters, just Apple Droids with mobile POS terminals.

/I actually had an interesting half-conversation with an Apple droid, they *hate* their mobile terminals, which are probably some sort of Palm-based unit, and are looking forward to not using a crappy stylus anymore. Draw your own conclusions on that, but the AD was probably just connecting the dots.

I've thought about it a bit more, and I still think I want one.

Even if the 3G version comes out in Australia soon:
1) I don't want to be with Telstra
2) I can't see them releasing a competitive data plan, which is the only way I'd want to use 3G/data on the iPhone anyway.

A quick question though...
In the US I'll only have a WinXP PC, and wireless access will only be via encrypted connections, but those hotel connections where you join the (open) wireless network, then authenticate via your web browser. Will that be OK for the parts which require Wifi access on the iPhone?

Thanks!

Cheers,
- Febs.

Hey febs,
I really hope u can an iphone that has a 44 or earlier when u get here. I just tried buying an iPhone at at&t knowing what u know, yesterday. I was about to get it when the guy tried to run my credit for the purchase, thats where things got wierd, u have to have good credit so that they can activate me u there on the spot. I tried to get jsut the box but the guys supervisor wudnt let him give it up. I tried a few things. I said iwas going to activate it at home, but it came down to them needing a ss number to check for good cred so that when i went home i could activate it with no problems.

I could have gotten it with signing up if I knew someone with an AT&T plan tho but they might have had to show I.D.

So in the end i got giddy from playing with the iphone there in the store and went straight to apple. Stupid! So now i have an unlockable ipod, serial 47.

The I only hope and advice I can give you is to find an AT&T that's not big as they might have older iPhones. Secondly find a younger and ' lenient' looking staff member to help you, they might let you walk out with just the box. You would also have to check for the s/n b4 u step out of the store!

Goodluck tho

Att stores are close together so I'm sure u cAn find a few close togehter, but i wud also try to get someone who has credit as a backup.

Thanks for the tips. Bugger about your week 47, but I'm sure there'll be an unlock soon!

So the Apple store didn't let you check the box beforehand? I'll definitely ask to closely inspect any boxes before handing over payment.

There's an Apple store in the city I'm heading to which is a fairly small one (Kansas City). It's always been busy though, so hmmm...we'll see how it goes.

Cheers,
- Febs.

U know it slipped my mind, after all that commotion at at&t for me to look at it, to tell the truth

I'm going for another one either today or tomorrow, and i'll make sure it's 44 or earlier.

I'll get back to you on it

Later