Why do people believe unlocking phones is a big deal? I've SIM unlocked HTC and Nokia phones. I bought my N80 from HK unlocked. In many countries operators are forbidden from bundling devices and service. Calm down nance.
The iPhone's SIM info is buried deep within the inner workings of the handset. You can't get to it without dismantling the entire phone. These third party programs are, currently, the only way to unlock them. But, people continue to whine about it, even though the Apple T&C's specifically say that it's activation is subject to AT&T's credit review...not Tmobile, not anyone else.
People WILL end up bricking their handsets after a while. It is inevitable. Apple is basically saying, "Do what you want, but don't come crying to us when our updates ruin your handset."
There is a difference between buying an unlocked phone, unlocking your phone through your carrier and unlocking your phone by a third party. For the most part, if you want a SIM free phone, buy it that way. Generally speaking, you'll be able to get a more feature filled phone than is available from your carrier (esp. if you live in the US), and won't have to worry about SIM locks or firmware hacks. Convincing your carrier to unlock your handset is also a good solution--sure you won't get the best phone available, but you also won't void the warranty or service agreement on the phone. Unfortunately, not every phone can be bought SIM free, and network operators won't always unlock your phone; therefore you have 3rd party unlocking solutions...they may be legal, but I don't think there are many places where they don't void the warranty.
In terms of actual risk to your phone...well, 3rd party solutions can be all over the map. The algo-based solutions tend to be about the same as the manufacturer's method, since they don't actually modify the phone's software. Firmware hacks and patches are more risky, and your totally dependent on the skill of the programmer. Besides, even if they work well, any firmware hack can lead to serious brickage with future firmware updates (actually it took about 3 years to come up with an unlock solution for the Nokia BB5-based phones and brickage is still somewhat common). Hardware hacks are the worst, since you can all but guarantee they'll have incompatibilities with future updates.
So, big deal--yes or no--it all depends on exactly what phone you're talking about or how it's unlocked.
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Why do people believe unlocking phones is a big deal? I've SIM unlocked HTC and Nokia phones. I bought my N80 from HK unlocked. In many countries operators are forbidden from bundling devices and service. Calm down nance.
The iPhone's SIM info is buried deep within the inner workings of the handset. You can't get to it without dismantling the entire phone. These third party programs are, currently, the only way to unlock them. But, people continue to whine about it, even though the Apple T&C's specifically say that it's activation is subject to AT&T's credit review...not Tmobile, not anyone else.
People WILL end up bricking their handsets after a while. It is inevitable. Apple is basically saying, "Do what you want, but don't come crying to us when our updates ruin your handset."
There is a difference between buying an unlocked phone, unlocking your phone through your carrier and unlocking your phone by a third party. For the most part, if you want a SIM free phone, buy it that way. Generally speaking, you'll be able to get a more feature filled phone than is available from your carrier (esp. if you live in the US), and won't have to worry about SIM locks or firmware hacks. Convincing your carrier to unlock your handset is also a good solution--sure you won't get the best phone available, but you also won't void the warranty or service agreement on the phone. Unfortunately, not every phone can be bought SIM free, and network operators won't always unlock your phone; therefore you have 3rd party unlocking solutions...they may be legal, but I don't think there are many places where they don't void the warranty.
In terms of actual risk to your phone...well, 3rd party solutions can be all over the map. The algo-based solutions tend to be about the same as the manufacturer's method, since they don't actually modify the phone's software. Firmware hacks and patches are more risky, and your totally dependent on the skill of the programmer. Besides, even if they work well, any firmware hack can lead to serious brickage with future firmware updates (actually it took about 3 years to come up with an unlock solution for the Nokia BB5-based phones and brickage is still somewhat common). Hardware hacks are the worst, since you can all but guarantee they'll have incompatibilities with future updates.
So, big deal--yes or no--it all depends on exactly what phone you're talking about or how it's unlocked.