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  • Jason RH Castle
  • Member Since Jun 29th, 2007
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Engadget Mobile5 Comments

Recent Comments:

This actually worked really well today. Was at a Starbucks and was able to get on without any delay or connection issues. Good job...Now, if they could just get background processes working.
No matter how you cut it, it is consider "illegal" to prevent customers from unlocking their mobiles in the US. Manufacturers, and more specifically, carriers could be in trouble with the Fed if they implement that type of practice.

Rex,
The only part I would argue with you is that T-Mobile has "far less coverage". Their coverage is pretty dang significant if you actually use it and test it out. I get service with my T-Mobile line in places my AT&T line is useless. The opposite is true as well, granted. However, they are pretty good about covering the US either through their own towers or roaming agreements.

Now, back to the topic at hand. While I agree with Apple's right to react in this manner, I disagree with them doing so. I do travel internationally about once a year. I ALWAYS use prepaid SIMs when I do. I refuse to pay roaming rates which, are no matter how you argue it, outrageous. So, I prefer a SIM unlocked mobile. Secondly, Apple touted the fact that third party developers could develop software apps to run on the phone. So far, the only when to get these to work without going through Safari and EDGE, is to jailbreak and SSH the phone. It does nothing to damage the mobile. Their argument is flawed here. I do agree that if you dismantle or disassemble the phone, then your warranty should be void. However, software "hacks" so far do not do irreparable damage to the device, and do not limit its function. Rather it opens it up to be much more. I would think that Apple, a company that touts itself as being pro-consumer, would see that.

Now, I agree with the other posters above that they are losing revenue. What they will do about that remains to be seen. I think it is somewhat suspicious that the latest update, which was promised a couple weeks ago with the iTunes wireless store, is taking so long to get released. I would not surprise me one bit if Apple included some sort of "update" either relocking phones or totally bricking them altogether. That is why I, for one, will wait for others to report when that software becomes available.

Just my $.02...
This is cool...

Hope I win....

Thanks Guys
Are you in Cincy? That is crazy man....Nice look. Mine just got picked up by my folks (I am on vacation) and I will have it in hand tomorrow
Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I'm in the market for a new phone and money isn't a limitation. I'm also not partial to any particular US carrier, but here are some of the features I'd like to have: WiFi, GPS, good coverage in lots of places, push Gmail (a must!), physical keyboard (a must!), a touchscreen, decent battery life and a relatively slim body. And please, nothing that has a fruit logo on it. No offense to the fruit fans, though. Thanks!"

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