Digging into the iPhone Hardware

Apple introduced iPhone as a device which is distinguished apart from any other phones because of the hardware that was modified to amaze and make people love it’s every angle. To better know the system involving the hardware, it is important to dig into the details of the report. The inner core of the iPhone includes its interface and screen, audio feature, battery, SIM card enabler, storage and other accessories.

Interface and Screen

Screen was made as a nine centimeter liquid display which includes an HVGA touch screen. The glass of the screen was specifically made to be resistant to mild and moderate scratches that may collide with its surface. The screen was created specifically for the fingers out of sensing through multi-touch, meaning no keyboards and clicking through every key just to achieve the desired composition. Because of it having the capacity to be manipulated through multiple fingers, it is a requirement that the device goes bared-skin. A normal glove or styles enables the prevention of conductivity of electricity.

Every input is focused on the screen which has the capacity to understand gestures either simple or complex via its multi-touch. User interface within the device enables the person using it to move any contents through touching and dragging the finger up or down and even left and right. Zooming of pages is one very good application of the interface.

Audio enhanced

Similar to current featured smartphones, the device also has headphones but with an added microphone. Basing on the microphone, there is a button which serves to be multipurpose and can be used to stop, pause or play a particular song. The button can also answer several phone calls and end one and skip music that you don’t like, which all can be done without even touching the phone. Earpieces, wireless in nature, which is supported by Bluetooth application, can communicate with the device and are separately sold although, it does not support stereo audio.

Phone battery

The gadget has a built-in battery which is conveniently rechargeable and is not replaceable, dissimilar to almost several mobile phones existing. Once the battery has reached the end of its life in a premature state, ideally, the phone can be returned to Apple and be replaced for another but must still be within the given warranty time – usually about one to two years from the time of purchase. If the warranty has already expired, one can replace new battery although he or she has to pay for it, shipping charges included.

SIM Card

Originally, the equipment showed its SIM card in an open slot being ejected. For those countries having the gadget, the device is sold with a SIM lock that prevents the use of SIM cards to other networks.

Storage

Initially, iPhone was released with 2 options for its internal storage which can either be 8 GB or 4GB. Time came when Apple announced that models having only 4 GB memory are going to be discontinued in its circulation to give way to a more expanded and reliable storage.

Other accessories

Other items and accessories are already included upon purchase of the iPhone and iPhone 3G. Some of the accessories would include headset and microphone, cleaning cloth, dock connector, a USB adapter, and a SIM ejector tool. Some of these are made exclusively for iPhone 3G and some are present in both models.

Apple iPhone: The Smartphone That You Will Definitely Want to Have

Do you want a mobile device that will be able to provide you with everything that you need? Whether you are a businessman, a student or a regular person, you will see that the Apple iPhone will be able to provide you everything that you need while you are one the go.

In fact, the Apple iPhone is considered to be the world's first real personal computing device. With this device, you will see that it will be able to make your life a little bit easier to live.

So, just what can the Apple iPhone provide?

Aside from its sleek and stylish design, the Apple iPhone offers quite a lot of applications that you will truly want to have. It is a phone with no buttons and no physical keyboard, but offers a large LCD multi touch screen that will serve as a way for you to navigate through the phone's different features.

The iPhone also has a built in camera that will allow you to take pictures of just about anything.

Another great feature is that the iPhone has a portable media player that is equivalent to the Apple iPod, which will allow you to enjoy listening to your favorite music while you are on the go.

It also has a visual voicemail as well as text messaging that you can use to communicate with other people. Another feature that the iPhone can provide is its internet services. With the ability to connect to a WiFi connection, you will be able to access the internet as long as you are inside the WiFi hotspot. If not, you can always use the GPRS to connect to the internet.

Upon its release, the Apple iPhone has a storage size of 4GB and 8GB. Depending on your storage needs, you have the option on which storage capacity to go for.

The only downside about iPhone is that it doesn’t have any memory card slots for expanded storage.

The Apple iPhone also includes a rechargeable battery that is not user-replaceable. However, if the battery reaches the end of its life, you can simply take it back to Apple and get it replaced. If the battery is still within its warranty, you can get it replaced for free. However, when the battery dies when it is already beyond the warranty coverage, you will need to pay a fee as well as purchase a new battery for it and get it replaced.

Another great feature that iPhone provides is that it is able to locate itself despite lacking any GPS hardware. It makes it possible thanks to cell towers and WiFi networks. Later models, such as the iPhone 3G now has A-GPS included but will still use cell towers and WiFi to locate itself. But, it will be more accurate than the older models.

As you can see, the Apple iPhone do have a lot of great features and applications that you can use. With it, you can be sure that you will be able to live an easier life.

If you want, you can even download and install more applications and games that you need.

Whatever it is, the iPhone can be personalized according to your preferences.

So, if you want a one of a kind mobile device that will be able to do almost anything, then you will definitely want the Apple iPhone.

Apple iPhone Applications Will Simply Amaze You

In the world of mobile phone technology and multimedia gadgetry, the iPhone is considered to be one of the most amazing devices ever made. In fact, ever since it was launched in the market, people started going crazy about it. Besides, with all the amazing applications, it changed the way people see personal computing devices.

Indeed, the iPhone is considered to be the first and the true personal computer where you will be able to do all sorts of things in one small and neat package.

Not only that the iPhone looks cool with its sleek and stylish design, it also delivers what no other mobile devices can.

There are basically so many applications built in to this device which can eventually make your life a little bit easier to live.

With the iPhone, you will see that it will be able to offer you a lot of tools that can help you with your everyday life. In fact, its calculator isn’t just an ordinary calculator, but it will also be able to help you measure just about anything. From mileage, to simple savings calculator and even to federal tax calculator, you will see that the iPhone will indeed give you everything that you need.

Whether you are a student or a busy executive at a multinational company, the iPhone is the right tool for you.

The Apple iPhone isn’t just a tool for business and studies, but is also a tool that you can use for fun. You have to remember that the iPhone is more than just a mobile phone. But, it also serves as an iPod where you will be able to store and listen to your favorite music as well as watch your favorite videos. Other applications will enable you to look for the nearest restaurant in your area as well as movie theaters and even bars.

Also, the iPhone offers a variety of games that will be able to keep you entertained wherever you go. Whether you fancy action games, strategy games, or online games, the iPhone will be able to give it to you.

If you are a sports lover, then this gadget will be able to provide you with everything that you need. For example, if you are traveling and your favorite game is on, you can be sure that the iPhone will keep you up to date with real time news on what's happening in the game.

If you travel a lot, then you will definitely love one of the iPhone applications that will be able to update you with traffic. With this, you will be able to avoid heavy traffic in cities all over the United States. Another great application for international travelers is the language translator. With this great application, you will find it easier to communicate with other people where English is not their primary language.

The weather application is also a great device. If you ever plan on going to Florida to enjoy a day at the beach, you will be able to know if the weather there is ideal for you to get a tan or not.

Lastly, the great thing about the iPhone is that it enables you to download more applications from the iPhone application store. This means that you will be able to personalize your iPhone according to your preferences.

So, if you want a mobile device that will be able to provide you with all the applications you need to make your life a bit easier to live, the iPhone is definitely the device for you. Whether you are a college student, a traveler, or a busy businessman, the iPhone will surely have the right applications for you.

iPhone Battery Replacement

Do you have an iPhone? If you do, then you’re probably concerned about battery replacement. You see, the Apple iPhone’s battery cannot be replaced by the user. The battery is located inside the stylish gadget. Users can’t simply take out the battery and purchase a new one; they still need to send the iPhone to Apple Store just to have the batteries replaced.

Consumers are frustrated about the battery replacement issue of their iPhone but they can’t do anything about it. Developers of the iPhone are still trying to come up with effective ways to expand the gadget’s capabilities, including the removable battery. Hackers are also on the move because they want to find out how to switch the batteries of the iPhone without going through the usual process provided by Apple.

Most of the very first customers who purchased the iPhone were unaware that the batteries are not replaceable. They were simply attracted by the iPhone’s crossbred iPod and cell phone features, internet-capable device, and digital camera. Apple was able to post about the battery replacement procedure on its official site after the products were already sold in the market. Apple iPod players and the iPhone follow similar procedures when it comes to battery replacement.

Apple has its battery service provider where the consumers can have their iPhone batteries replaced. The whole process takes 3 business days and the service cost is over $70 plus the shipping cost of &6.95. So you see, you will not be able to use your iPhone for three days.

However, Apple was able to determine the customer’s anticipation for battery replacement and so they offered the iPhone loaner for $29. The iPhone loaner can be used for three days while your iPhone is still with the battery service provider. Keep in mind that once your iPhone’s battery is replaced, the service process will also eliminate all the data on the gadget. Make sure that before you take the iPhone to the battery service, you’ve already backed up your music files, text messages, account settings, photos, contacts, and other important data. Apple will not be held responsible for any lost data and it is also highly advised that you remove all the iPhone accessories before the battery replacement procedure.

To answer the demands of the consumer, last July 2007, independent battery service providers emerged in the market which was not related in any way to Apple. These battery service providers charged lower fees and they also provided battery packs. The battery packs are now widely available but if you choose this alternative, you need to have a soldering iron in order to complete the task of replacing the iPhone battery. However, if you’re using the 3g iPhone, you can’t make use of the battery packs and you need to contact Apple first.

iPhones usually cost between $499 to $599 and you will also need to stick to the 2-year AT&T service plan which costs $60 per month; that is, if you don’t unlock your iPhone.

Apple should have disclosed the battery replacement info sooner so that the customers knew about it in advance. The damage has been done and if you have an iPhone and you need to replace its batteries, contact Apple battery service or you can simply purchase the DIY battery packs; so which alternative are you going to choose?

How to Find the Best Music Download Service for Your iPhone?

Ever since iPhone hit the market, people started to become crazy about it. In fact, iPhone sales today are still going up and a lot of people are still buying it. So, just what makes iPhone so popular among a lot of people?

Well, for starters, it has a lot of capabilities that no other phone has. It has a touch screen LCD where you don’t have to fiddle with keypads anymore, and it has amazing graphics capabilities that will blow you away. The LCD itself is considered to be the largest in mobile phones and you can even clearly see movies in it without your eyes squinting to see the details of the movie or the video you are watching.

The Apple iPhone can also let you go online through WiFi internet access. Just be inside a WiFi hotspot and you will be able to surf the internet with your iPhone.

And, the best thing about the iPhone is that it has the capabilities of your iPod, which is let you listen to your favorite tunes while you are on the go.

iPhone is basically a hybrid between iPod and a mobile phone.

And, with music playing capabilities, you may want to know which website you should visit in order to download your favorite music.

To start downloading music in to your iPhone, it is always safe and legal to go for a paid website. Although you will need to pay a subscription fee in order for you to download your favorite tunes, you can be sure that your computer as well as your iPhone will be safe from malicious programs or computer viruses and spyware software. Also, you can be sure that it is a hundred percent legal as most free music download websites are P2P websites that are known to be dangerous and illegal.

For a minimum subscription fee, you will be able to download your favorite music to your iPhone safely and legally.

When looking for a website to download your music, you might want to join a download website that offers a lot of download variety. You have to make sure that they have a huge library of music files available for download. You need to remember that some people may like pop music and you may not. You have to go for a website that offers different variety of music genre, such as pop, rock, acoustic, nu-metal, emo, classical, and others.

Another important thing that you should look for is the download interface. Is it easy to understand and operate? Is it easy to navigate from file to file? Always make sure that the interface should always be simple to use in order to make the most of your download time. Also, make sure that the download speed is fast enough that it won’t take you an hour just to download a single song with a high speed internet connection. In fact, it should only take you 2 to 4 minutes or even less depending on your connection speed to download a song.

Lastly, you have to look for an after-sales customer support service in the download website you plan on getting your music for your iPhone. Technical support is important as there will be times where you may need help to troubleshoot when you are facing difficulties with your downloads as well as your iPhone.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to find the best music download website to download your favorite tunes for your iPhone.

Watching YouTube iPhone Style

Love watching YouTube? If you are that type of person whose day is not complete without watching videos streamed from the site, then lend a moment of your time because this can be very crucial for your YouTube watching life. Of course, this would be very much advantageous if you have an iPhone at hand otherwise this article is not for you. You can do more with your phone at hand – endless video streaming of the beautiful, the ugly, the gross, and the funny. Best thing is, you can upload videos! Give thanks to Apple and its iPhone venture because you, and the millions who makes YouTube a habit, can now enjoy watching all sorts of videos from YouTube 24/7.

It is said that Apple made its mark when it has sold a device capable of doing a lot of things being incorporated to it. And one of which is watching YouTube directly from the phone’s screen. This innovation has allowed owners of the phone to watch from millions of library entries with streams of new ones being uploaded daily. The great thing about it is that users can explore any kind of videos which goes from old to new ones without being in the fuss of learning a different search procedure. Compared to EDGE, the quality of video is undeniably much better.

Here are the steps:

1. From your phone, you’ll be seeing an icon which states “YouTube”, select it. The icon can be easily recognized because it looks like a small television screen on your window. If you select this icon, it will direct you to the main page of YouTube.

2. The moment you’re inside the YouTube main page, click on the “Search” button in order to start your search. Remember, to touch the keys for YouTube keywords lightly in order to prevent common mistakes made by other users. You have to make contact with the field of keyword or else, your typing efforts will be worth nothing.

3. When typing keywords, you can choose to either keying in broad or specific keywords in order to find videos within the site. Because of the phone’s keypad that is made virtual, typing in keywords is simpler in order for you to locate the videos of your choice.

4. When you are on the page indicating “Search results”, look for the icon saying “Video” then highlight it. In order to access the selected video, by using your index finger, press the icon downward. If there are any information that accompanies the video, it will be stated and displayed.

5. For the quick play options to begin, tap on the “Play” icon. It is centered at the bottom part of the screen. To go directly to the chosen video, you can prefer to skip viewing options. In order to access phone and YouTube tools, touch the space located outside the main screen. You will see tools like fast forward or rewind which will allow you to watch your preferred video at your pace. You will also see a sliding bar that will let you pick the part of the video where you can go to or go back from.

6. Lastly, iPhone allows its users to create your customized icon for YouTube. You can access this feature by simply choosing “More” on top of the screen.

Syncing Through your iPhone

Got an iPhone and have no idea on the Hows of its syncing strategies? Sit back and listen. The moment you have already activated the system of your iPhone, it will instantly forward you to the management page of syncing. If you had an iPod, this page would definitely look familiar to you because it has certain similarities regarding its content and management data.

The moment you get to the syncing management page, your phone will begin to forward you in the syncing contacts page automatically. Contacts are not the only ones that are being synced but also bookmarks on the web, accounts of emails, and even events in your calendar. You can also sync in music, videos and even movies inside your phone. You have the choice to accept findings of the manager then automatically sync it then customize it. For you to change your options for syncing, you can just click on tabs that are found at the upper corner of your screen.

Calendar, Email and Contacts Synced

The manager’s work is done when it has synced every detail that needs it like your calendar data, email and contacts. If you wanted to control these kinds of information in your phone, just click on the Info icon. On the other hand, if you wanted to see what is already synced or have the notion to change it, click on the tab.

Once you have clicked it, you will find certain listings for the whole entries that iTunes have found inside your computer, the options and what was synced. Changes will happen if you click on the checkboxes which corresponds to the kind of settings that you would like to see. You can choose to sync the entire data or select items to be synced in a certain section. The moment you have done changing things, click “Apply”.

Music Syncing

Compared to other iPods owning the fifth generation or iTunes libraries, the phone has such a smaller capacity to store music therefore; it is not advisable to sync all the music that you like inside your device. For you to be in control of what music to bear, click on the tab.

The music tab will let you choose syncing all music, selected number of playlists or even nothing at all. Syncing your music choices doesn’t happen instantly the moment you turn on your phone to iTunes. Somehow, you have to do the work manually because of preferences that should be taken into consideration. You have to reiterate if you wanted to sync or resync an entire field of songs into your downloadable phone. When changes are made, click “Apply”.

Photo Syncing

Syncing of photos can be easily done with the aid of your device’s library iPhoto. You can choose the photo library that you want to sync in your phone by clicking on the tab. After the interventions, click on “Apply”.

Video Syncing

Same with the latter, you are given the choice to sync some, other, or even none from your library to your phone. Once you have done the changes, don’t forget to click on “Apply”.

Resyncing for Updates

The moment you have done all your syncs in your settings, click on the button for syncing to be able to resync your iPhone to iTunes and voila, your contents are back in their proper places.

A Glimpse on the iPhone Software

The main operating system of iPhone is frantically based on iPhone OS which created different variants of basics driven by Mach kernel originally formed from Mac OS X. Core animation is included in the entire operating system of the component. The application is basically responsible for driving out smooth and enticing animation which is used on the user interface. Generally, the operating system is composed of considerable amounts of less than half of the memory of the iPhone’s total storage. The memory is expected to support tons of loads with applications made exclusively for Apple.

Similar to iPod, the device is typically managed with a version of iTunes 7.3 and is therefore compatible with the Mac OS X with a 32-bit Vista or Windows XP. Discovering a workaround was discovered for the previous 64-bit operating systems. Copying of applications from an iPhone to a Mac OS X is not that easy and takes a lot of effort to achieve. One must be able to write and compile the files for the iPhone specifically. Considering Safari, it is supported by applications via the web which are technically written in AJAX.

Application wise, there are indeed several noticeable applications wherein one can direly control or expand. These applications are embedded on the Home screen. Some of the applications are: camera, weather, notes, calendar, photos, maps, clock, stocks, setting, YouTube, iTunes and most importantly, text messaging. Docked at the bottom of the screen are four additional applications which delineates the purposes of Safari, iPod, Phone and Mail.

For those who are fanatics of watching different kinds of entertainment, YouTube has got to be one of your favorite applications. Upon entering YouTube, you automatically extract videos which are then streamed to your screen. You can easily get hooked with YouTube through the WiFi, 3G or even 2G. After you have encoded the video of your choice, you can open it up by using the H.264 codec to where YouTube was able to convert videos of more than a hundred thousand. Result is, one can instantly view a video selection from the YouTube application.

Some of the most recent updates made by Apple for this device is the free public updates of the gadget’s operating system through the infamous iTunes wherein it follows the same fashion that iPods are being updated. Patches for security and features which are improved are likewise released in the same respective patterns and features.

The features of the operating system of the device that makes it very remarkable is that it allows video conferences through audio, call merging, integration with phone functions which allows other related devices, cellular networking features, call holding and a caller identification. Visual voicemail that is also included allow users to view several lists of recent messages via voicemail on the screen without even having to connect through their voicemail numbers. Compared to other systems, messages can be “listened to” and be discarded in no chronological manner just by choosing the unwanted message on the screen list.

In order to accommodate the innovation of Apple to the operating system of iPhone, companies like O2 and AT&T modified the infrastructure of their voicemail. There came a time when lawsuits are filed against the joint incision of AT&T and of Apple because of some claims about visuals of voicemails which infringes patents of the two.

Apple iPhone and AT&T

The Apple iPhone and AT&T, is exclusivity a good thing? The answer to the question depends on what side of the market you fall. If you are a consumer, exclusive agreements are rarely a good thing. On the other hand, if you are a retailer or provider of services, exclusive contracts can help increase profitability and market share. Here is a discussion of both sides of this coin.

Apple entered into an agreement with AT&T so that AT&T is the official and exclusive provider of cell phone service for Apple's highly coveted iPhone. If you happen to be Apple or AT&T this is a great thing. Apple makes money off of the sale of every iPhone and it collects royalties from AT&T for every cell phone contract sold to an iPhone user. Not a bad deal for Apple. AT&T profits because in theory every Apple iPhone sold will have to activate an AT&T cell phone agreement. Nice piece of the cell phone service pie for AT&T. As far as these two companies go, there is a lot of money to be made from this agreement. Furthermore, it saves Apple the hassle of having to make different phones or different SIM cards for all of the major cell phone service providers. From the perspective of Apple and AT&T this is a great arrangement. However, this agreement of the Apple iPhone and AT&T has opened up the door to a massive hacking movement. I am not sure that this is such a bad thing for Apple, although they claim different. Owning and using an unlocked phone is a status symbol in itself. A way of "sticking it" to corporate America. Apple may just be selling more phones because of this. It is free and effective advertising resulting in sales for Apple. I'm sure AT&T does not appreciate the hacking, as they have nothing to gain from it. This is the corporate end of the Apple iPhone and AT&T equation.

What does the exclusive agreement with the Apple iPhone and AT&T mean to the consumer? It means that there is a limited way of acquiring this phone. If you already have a relationship with a cell phone service provider other than AT&T and do not wish to change, then owning an iPhone is going to be difficult. What if you love the iPhone's music and content features but do not want to use it as a cell phone. The Apple iPod does not offer internet access. One of the main selling points of the iPhone is internet abilities and music functionality. If you love MP3's, videos, TV shows, and movies then the iPhone is a dream come true. However as soon as you go to open up your iTunes account and plug your phone into your computer you will be asked to sign up for AT&T's cell phone service with your credit card. If you do not pass their credit check or if you do not want to use AT&T this limits you and actually excludes you from using the iPhone. In this scenario the Apple iPhone and AT&T agreement is bad for consumers because it limits free and open competition in the marketplace. AT&T has no incentive to offer any deals on cell phone service to iPhone customers.

However, no one likes to be excluded not even once. Stating you have an exclusive agreement is an open invitation to every hacker on earth to prove your agreement is not exclusive and they will find a work around. This is exactly what has happened and in this case the consumer may have a partial victory. There are free unlocks available for your iPhone on YouTube for versions of their firmware up to 1.1.3. There are software programs available for under $100 that will unlock your iPhone in seconds, with just a few clicks. An unlocked phone will work with T-Mobile and AT&T in the US or on any other standard GSM cell phone network. All you will need ids the correct SIM card. In addition, with the unlocks available, you do not have to use the cell phone service at all. You will still be able to download content to your phone either via your computer or via WiFi. Furthermore, you can get Skype VOIP service for your iPhone and get around the whole cell phone issue entirely. This is how the Apple iPhone and AT&T agreement has ended up. It looks like in the long run AT&T could be the loser.

Unlocking Your iPhone: Is It A Good Idea

We have all heard about unlocking your iPhone so that you can use a different SIM in it. This may be a good idea in certain situations. Many people want to unlock their iPhone to get around using AT&T as their cell phone service provider. Others just want to use the iPhone for internet and music capabilities and they do not want to use it as a phone at all. They hack the firmware so that they do not have to activate the phone on any network in order to use it. Here is the question before us. Unlocking your iPhone, is it a good idea?

If you are looking to unlock your iPhone to use it on another network such as T-Mobile then you are breaking the law. It is illegal and in violation of Apple's agreement with AT&T to use it on another network. Apple receives royalties from AT&T for every iPhone that is connected to their network. Apple loses money on every hacked iPhone. Many feel that it is ok to hack the iPhone's firmware so that it can be used on another network. It is the author's standpoint that this ethically wrong. Whether you agree with AT&T and Apple's agreement or not is up to you. If you do not agree with it then do not use the iPhone as a cell phone. In this case, I do not agree with the hacking of the firmware.

On the other hand if you do not want the high expense of AT&T's iPhone service and you are looking to use the iPhone for its music and internet capabilities then hacking into the firmware so that you do not have to activate the AT&T cell phone service is OK. You should be able to buy the iPhone and use it for the music, video and internet capabilities without having to connect to AT&T's cell phone network. You can use places that offer free WiFi to access the internet via your iPhone. The iPod does not give you internet capabilities. Therefore, if you want to have internet, combined with awesome content then you really do need an iPhone and you should not have to purchase expensive cell phone service in order to enjoy the reason most people buy an iPhone in the first place. Unlocking your iPhone, is it a good idea? In this case, yes it is.

Then there is a third reason to hack into the firmware. This is really in a grey area as it uses the full capabilities of the iPhone, including using it as a phone. You can add Skype VOIP service for about $10 a month and then you have a WiFi phone. If you are using the iPhone in this way and do not want to use AT&T's cell phone service you are still going to have to hack into the firmware so that you do not activate the phone with AT&T. Is this in violation of the AT&T, Apple agreement? No, it is not. That agreement is for AT&T to provide exclusive cell phone service for the iPhone. The VOIP service is not cell phone service. Therefore, if you are not using another cell phone service provider for your iPhone you are not violating any agreement. This is one way to get around the exclusive contract with AT&T and still be able to send and receive calls. The only drawback is that you need to be in an area where you can pickup a WiFi signal in order to use your Skype VOIP service.

Unlocking your iPhone, is it a good idea? It depends on your views. On one hand there are legal and ethical issues with hacking into the firmware in general. However, your intent on why you are doing this also comes into play. Apple and AT&T have an exclusive agreement as far as cell phone service goes. Apple does not recommend the use of any other SIM card other than the one that came with your phone but it does not specifically prohibit it either. If you bought the iPhone to use for content and internet only or even if you plan to use it as an expensive Skype VOIP phone, that is your business and you should be able to do this without signing up for expensive cell phone service you do not need. Unlocking your iPhone, is it a good idea? Perhaps.

Top 5 Reasons to Own an Apple iPhone

Although they are expensive, there are many reasons you should own an iPhone. After you page through the hype and advertising, you will see that this is a very functional cell phone that contains a number of extremely useful features that are built into it. With the iPhone, you are getting more than just a cell phone. This is the main reason that the price is so high. Here are the top 5 reasons to own an Apple iPhone.

First, there is functionality. The iPhone offers you many features in addition to making phone calls that have superior quality. This phone is also an MP3 player, camera, PDA, navigator, and mini computer all rolled up into a single device. You can easily switch from application to application without the need for an awkward keypad that is too small for most people. This is one of the top 5 reasons to own an Apple iPhone.

Next, there is the touch screen. The screen on the iPhone is touch sensitive. All of your commands are done through finger taps and drags on the screen. There are no fussy keypads or stylus to deal with. Everything is right there on your fingertips. This is another reason why you should consider an iPhone.

Reason number three in the top 5 reasons to own an Apple iPhone is entertainment. The iPhone gives you either 6 GB, 8GB, or 16 GB of memory depending on the model you purchased. This enables you to download and store a significant amount of music, video and TV shows. You can carry all of this around with you without the need for an additional MP3 player. You can even hook up stereo headphones via Bluetooth technology if you wanted to. There is no lack of content available for your iPhone. You can get MP3 files in any number of places. You can also download MP3, video and other content for your iPhone from iTunes. With so much content available for you to watch and listen to, you should never be bored.

The fourth reason to own an iPhone is the communications capabilities. You can easily send a text message to one or many people with just a few taps of the screen. There are many contact managers that you can download so that you can sort all of your contacts into categories. The iPhone makes keeping and staying in touch very easy. Your options to text, email, chat or talk are easily accessible and you never have to worry about not being able to find an important contact. This is probably one of the best reasons to own an iPhone. It helps you stay in touch easily.

Finally, number 5 in our top 5 reasons to own an Apple iPhone is the camera. The iPhone comes with a 2 megapixel camera that is always ready to use. You can immediately share your pictures with all of your contacts with a few taps and drags of your finger. For anyone interested in digital photography or for those who just want to give it a try, the iPhone's picture quality is amazing, especially when you consider that it is a cell phone. The possibilities of how use this camera are endless. You are only limited by the space left on your iPhone and your creativity.

These are the top 5 reasons to own an Apple iPhone. This list may or may not agree with your reasons. Overall, the Apple iPhone is a functional and sleek cell phone that makes a fashion statement as well as provides you with outstanding ease of use and functionality. As far as the smart phones go, this one is probably still the standard to go by. When you take into account all of the features packed into this rather compact unit you will begin to understand why this phone has become so popular. It is definitely worth looking into if you are in the market for a new cell phone.

Top 5 Reasons Not to Own an iPhone

Apple has done a great job telling the world about their iPhone. The advertising has worked and the iPhone is one of the hottest cell phones to own. For those interested in keeping up with the Jones' the iPhone is a must have item this year and probably next year too. The question is does the Apple iPhone live up to the hype. Is the iPhone really worth top dollar? What do the users say? Here are the top 5 reasons not to own an iPhone.

The first reason is the price. This is a very expensive cell phone. The average price for an iPhone is between $500 - $600. That is a lot of money for a phone. At this price it is really a luxury item as there are phones that offer similar features for a lot less money. For internet and email capabilities you can get a Blackberry or Motorola Q for a lot less than an iPhone. If you are looking for touch screens and music, there are hundreds of phones that will suit these requirements without having to shell out so much money. Although the iPhone's advertising is geared toward teens and young adults, does a teenager really need a $500 cell phone? This is the fist reason in our Top 5 reasons not to own an iPhone: Price.

Reason number two in the top 5 reasons not to own an iPhone, the battery. Did you know that you cannot replace the battery in your iPhone? If that battery dies, you are out of luck. Apple decided that soldering the battery to the unit was preferable to offering a proprietary battery or any standard cell phone battery. This way when your battery dies, and without a doubt it will in under two years, you have to get a new iPhone. Apparently many users did not realize this as Apple made no effort to make this common knowledge. Now they are in litigation over the battery issue. Therefore, if you are considering buying an iPhone be sure to get a warranty that covers the battery if you can. Otherwise you will be paying for another phone within 24 months which is the average life of a cell phone style battery.

Reason three: Internet access. Although the iPhone is touted as having amazing internet capabilities, there are many shortcomings to its browser. The browsers search capabilities are severely lacking. This makes finding what you want on the internet difficult and time consuming. The other feature the browser lacks is the ability to store passwords. This may have been done as a security measure as cell phones are not as secure as a laptop, PC or Mac. However, keeping track of a lot of passwords is difficult. Internet searching and browser issues is our third reason.

Reason four not to own an iPhone is memory. You can purchase a 6 GB, an 8 GB, or a 16 GB iPhone. When you use up all of your available space on the iPhone, you must delete or back off content to another device like your PC or Mac. Many iPhone proponents claim that this storage capacity removes the need for a separate MP3 player, such as an iPod, therefore saving you money. In reality, teens can download 16 GB of music and video in an amazingly short amount of time. This leaves no memory for other applications or photos. You will still need a separate MP3 player so there are no real savings to be had here. There is no ability to upgrade the memory via a memory card or flash drive. This is another area where the iPhone is lacking.

Finally, reason number five in our top 5 reasons not to own an iPhone is the service provider. You are limited to AT&T's cell phone service packages for the iPhone if you wish to use it. These packages are expensive as they all include data and internet. AT&T has no incentive to change their iPhone service pricing because they have exclusive rights to provide service to the iPhones. This has led to a great number of hacked iPhones on the market that can be used on other networks. As long as Apple and AT&T's agreement stays exclusive, you will have hackers.

Overall, the iPhone is an overpriced, over hyped, cell phone. These top 5 reasons not to own an iPhone are valid and you should consider this before you buy one.

An Overview of the iPhone

Apple knows what customers want, and they take created the Apple iPhone with this in mind. This is one of the reasons this phone has become so popular. One of the biggest features that people want when they purchase a cell phone is simplicity. A cell phone needs to be easy to use. People want simplicity and functionality; they do not want a hassle when it comes to locating phone numbers and contacts. Here we will give you an overview of the iPhone and some of its features.

The features of your Apple iPhone are so numerous that to list them all would fill an eBook. Your iPhone includes widgets (small programs that make everything simple) that help you to keep up to date with things such as the weather, stock reports, and anything else that you might wish to know. Keeping these on your start page gives you everything that you need to know right there, available for you to access anytime you need it. It is this ease of use combined with a plethora of features that has made the iPhone so popular.

Continuing on with an overview of the iPhone, we should talk about mobility – that is hands free mobility. Accessories are essential for hands free communication with your iPhone. For ease of use while driving (and for safety) or moving around, you need a Bluetooth for your iPhone. For cell phone users who run, jog, or walk, a sport band to attach your iPhone to your arm will keep in touch with everyone.

The iPhone takes guessing out of making a phone call. By using a single fingertip, you can make a call to any of the people on your contact list, either by selecting their name or their telephone number. Need to make a conference call? If you are talking to two people, you can merge the calls so you can conference. It does not get any easier!

An overview of the iPhone would not be complete without mentioning the memory capacity of the iPhone. You cannot upgrade the memory or add memory cards. There is a 6 GB model, an 8 GB model and a 16 GB model. That's it, no more. Another complaint is with the internet browser. Many feel that the search capability is severely lacking and the browser does not have the ability to save passwords. However, internet access is relatively easy with an iPhone. Let's face it, there is no such thing as a perfect internet connection.

There are other features that you may like and find useful. There are more than 10,000 YouTube videos that have the H264 encoding the iPhone requires. This means that there is a literal sea of video content for you to view for free. If you want to watch any other type of video, you will have to get it converted to your iPhone's format first. YouTube is working very closely with Apple. The result of this is that videos posted to YouTube are easily viewed on the iPhone. In addition, the enormous selection of movies and TV programs on iTunes means that you will find something to suit your tastes, no matter what genre of video or TV programming you prefer.

There is so much that iPhone offers that it is impossible to list everything that it can do in this article, which is just an overview of the iPhone. This device is one that manages to combine fashion, form and function into a single unit. You can buy the iPhone online or through AT&T. Take the time to get insurance on your purchase. If it breaks, you drop it into a glass of iced tea, or your dog eats it, you want AT&T to foot the bill. Now that you have an overview of the iPhone, why not an iPhone, enjoy it and listen to all the music you can possibly fit onto a single phone. Although it is pricey, it provides a lot of entertainment for the money.

A Downside to the iPhone

One of the biggest features that people want when they purchase a cell phone is simplicity. Apple knows what customers want, and they take created the Apple iPhone with this in mind. This is one of the reasons this phone has become so popular. It is easy to stay in touch with your iPhone. Playing around with the iPhone is so much fun. However, the iPhone has missed on a couple of points. There is a downside to the iPhone. It is not the perfect peripheral that it proclaims to be. Some of the issues are with the battery, memory, and AT&T.

What – there is a downside to the iPhone? Actually, there are several. The first issue is with memory. It is not possible to upgrade or add to the iPhones memory. You have either 6 GB, 8 GB, or a 16 GB model and that is it. If you love to download content and music, you will quickly find yourself running out of space. This means loading and unloading content from your iPhone to your computer. Nothing is more annoying than starting a download and finding out you cannot complete it because your memory is too low. This was one area that Apple missed on. Teenagers can download an amazing amount of music and video content. Having the option to use memory sticks would have been a nice feature.

Many iPhone users are unhappy with the fact that the iPhone battery is sealed and cannot be changed. The overall consensus with the current owners is that they were not warned about the battery situation. Apple is being sued about the iPhone battery and the lack of disclosure on the fact it cannot be changed. I agree with the users here. If you shell out $500-$600 for a phone and it dies in 6 months, you are going to be pretty upset. The ability to change cell phone batteries is standard within the cell phone industry. Perhaps apple would have been better off with making money on battery replacements and this would have many users happy and Apple out of court. Short battery life is the number one complaint of heavy cell phone users. This is another downside to the iPhone.

Finally, the calling plans that AT&T offers for the iPhone leave a lot to be desired. Lacking calling plans that allow free usage between AT&T users, or calling circles, or other forms of unlimited use, AT&T has fallen behind all of the other cell phone carriers. Furthermore, limits on area coverage and interruptions in service reduce the cell phone user’s sense of freedom. This is why most of us chose to have a cell phone – the ability to roam and call when and where we please. The iPhone and AT&T really shaft the consumer on the exclusive contract between the two. AT&T has no incentive to give better rates to iPhone users because they legally cannot go anywhere else. Roaming charges and fees for the iPhone are astronomical. This is a downside to the iPhone and it is compounded by the fact that hackers have found a way to unlock these phones so they can be used on other cell phone networks. Apple set itself up for this one, and until the exclusivity is removed, the hackers are going to be right there breaking into every code update that Apple releases.

Apple has been making computers and peripheral devices for many years now. You would have thought that they would have put a little more effort into researching the effects on users that memory, battery life, and availability of an affordable cell phone plan would have on potential users. I foresee a decline in the iPhones popularity due to these concerns. Hackers will keep having a field day with unlocking iPhones until the agreement between AT&T and Apple expires, or it gets sent to the courts. It will be interesting to see how the battery issues turn out in court. There is a downside to the iPhone and Apple has done nothing to fix it.

What Makes the iPhone Different?

When you are in the market for a new cell phone, you have a plethora of phones to choose from. One of the biggest challenges is finding the perfect phone that is compatible with your current cell phone provider. The choices slim down considerably when you start to head into the realm of smart phones. Smart phone are more expensive than others, mainly due to the fact they offer a higher end technology. The iPhone by Apple, is one of these smart phones. Why should you choose an Apple iPhone instead of another smart phone like a Blackberry? What makes the iPhone different from all of the other smart phones available.

The Apple iPhone has a touch screen. While other cell phones have touch screen capabilities, most of the other smart phones do not. That is why they have keypads. The iPhone's touch screen is one of the features that have made it so popular. Everything is done through the screen. It makes texting, sorting through the main page, finding contacts and browsing the internet so easy. No awkward and cumbersome key pads to deal with (men know that these are usually too small to be practical), and no stylus to lose. Everything is done with a tough of a finger. You page through your options and make your selections with your fingertips. The volume and other controls are also controlled with just a tough or two from you. It is this ease of use that is what makes the iPhone different from the other high-end smart phones.

The features of the iPhone are another way that it is different from the other smart phones. This phone is crammed packed with features. As some would say, "this is a mack daddy phone". What are the features that this phone has that others lack? First, there is the fact that the Apple iPhone has given the user the ability to have music, video content like movies and TV, texting, emailing, internet, photography and GPS navigation all in a single device. This is in addition to having great call quality. When you look at the fact that this allows the user to only need a single device instead of having to cart around a PDA, MP3 player, camera, cell phone and GPS system, and you have a very appealing device. These features are what make the iPhone different from all of the others.

Is there anything else that makes the iPhone different? Yes, there are but these may not be positive differences. it is only available with AT&T's cell phone service. If you happen to be in an area with limited or no service by AT&T then you are out of luck if you want an iPhone. Another feature that makes the iPhone different is the battery. It cannot be replaced. If your battery dies, then you need a new phone. Not very good news to someone that has just spent $500 on a phone. There is no way to add to the memory of the device. You can purchase your Apple iPhone with either 6 GB, 8 GB, or 16 GB of memory. If you run out of room on your phone, you have to delete something. There are no slots for memory cards. This is something that Apple should have researched better. Teens who love music and video content can burn through 8 GB or memory in record time.

Overall, what makes the iPhone different from all of the others is its ease of use and versatility. Along those lines, Apple did a fabulous job. Just like with anything else it is not a perfect phone, then again, what is?

Features of your iPhone

The features of your Apple iPhone are so numerous that to list them all would fill an eBook. Your iPhone includes widgets that help you to keep up to date with things such as the weather, stock reports, and anything else that you might wish to keep your eye on. Everything that you could desire or need to know is right there, available for you to use whenever you need it. It is this ease of use combined with a plethora of features that has made the iPhone so popular.

The iPhone not only is a great phone and camera, but it is also a wonderful way to get rid of boredom. With the Apple iPhone, you take the ability to find out everything that you need right there on your cell phone. The features of your iPhone include accessibility, convenience, and technology, all rolled into one very portable package. It is able to be used by professional and novice users alike. The Apple iPhone is one of the most amazing pieces of technology that is available today. It makes no difference what you are looking for in a cell phone; you will find that the iPhone delivers it fully.

The Apple iPhone is equipped with something called an SMS application, which includes a QWERTY soft keyboard that is highly intelligent. This phone literally has it all - phone, Internet access, games, music, and a built-in digital camera. The iPhone reacts to the gentlest touch to the sensors embedded into the screen's surface. This allows the user to perform a variety of tasks such as dialing, scrolling, or searching, by using the screen. It does not get any easier. It is also a breeze to adjust the volume on your iPhone so that you do not disturb the people around you. If you can operate a DVD player then you can use an iPod. The controls are very similar to each other. You can play, stop, rewind and pause, just like on the remotes you are used to. The Apple iPhone has an maple screen of 3.5 inches and this allows you to enjoy anything that you rented or purchased from the form iTunes or downloaded from YouTube.

The iPhone comes with three choices of capacity - 6 GB, 8 GB or 16 GB. A major complaint is that the iPhone lacks any ability to expand the memory. Connecting to the internet is one of the iPhone's featured abilities, many feel that the search tools need massive improvement in their functionality. Furthermore users state that the browser has difficulty saving password information. The touch-screen makes scrolling really a breeze. The iPhone lets you adjust the size of the fonts to make reading more enjoyable. It has a magnifying glass feature that lets you zoom in on a single word or section of words. To access the magnifying glass, just tap and hold the screen. Focusing on the area you are editing makes it easier to view your work on this smaller screen. These features of your iPhone make reading and editing email and texts easy.

There are many blogs and forums where you can get expert advice on how to use your iPhone. The iPhone has become a status symbol. This little piece of technology combines form, fashion, and productivity into one device. With so many features of your iPhone to explore, it could take weeks before you understand its full functionality. Apple has been making computers and peripheral devices for many years now. It is no wonder that they have made the iPhone so versatile and functional.

The Apple iPhone - Super Phone or Super Hype

The Apple iPhone, super phone or super hype? Is this cell phone really the complete package that Apple purports it to be or is it all hype? Let us take a look at the facts and fiction about the Apple iPhone to see how it really stacks up against the advertising.

Ease of use, this is what Apple shows in all of its advertising. On this point, they hit it dead on. The Apple iPhone is extremely easy to use. If you can tap something with your finger or slide your finger along a screen you can use the iPhone without difficulty. For ease of use, the iPhone is a super phone.

Music listening and storage. As far as sound quality goes, the iPhone is great. A set of good quality stereo earbuds are required to enjoy the iPhone's sound quality. To complete the upscale look of the iPhone, perhaps a set of Bluetooth stereo earphones are in orders. In the category of sound quality and music playback capability, the iPhone is a super phone.

Storage is another feature that Apple hypes the iPhone. With 6 GB, 8 GB, and now 16 GB, this seems like a tremendous amount of storage. Here is where the downfall is, you cannot upgrade the memory or use external memory such as memory cards or sticks. Therefore you are limited by the amount of content you can have on your iPhone. You cannot take content with you. A work around could be to store content on an internet site and swap it out when you want it. Any teenager I know can blow through even 16 GB of music in an amazingly short amount of time. If you add in videos and TV shows, 16 GB becomes filled rather quickly. In the storage department, the Apple iPhone becomes hype instead of a super phone.

What about battery life. Here is where there is no hype at all: actually Apple has very little to say about the iPhone's battery. Here is why. You cannot change it. Most cell phones have a removable battery. This way if it dies, you change it out with a new one. The iPhone lacks this capability. Once that battery dies and will no longer hold a charge, you need a new phone. The reason Apple is so quite about the battery is probably due to the current litigation surrounding this. Is this hype or super phone? Neither one. The battery issue definitely does not qualify it as a super phone. Apple has said very little so there really is no hype involved. Perhaps we should just categorize this as buyer beware.

What about that touch screen? This is where you see the Apple iPhone hyped to the max. Is this super phone or hype? The touch screen is super sensitive. If your phone hits up against something in your pocketbook, or knocks into something while you are getting in and out of your car, you can end up calling people or having your iPhone do something weird. The touch screen does allow you to easily manipulate the iPhone. Overall, the touch screen ranks it as super phone not hype. Just be careful with it.

Next there is internet access. All of the commercials for the Apple iPhone show it as a super phone when it comes to internet access. You can use any WiFi to contact friends on Facebook or watch content on YouTube. Well, the browser needs better search capabilities. This is one area where the iPhone is lacking. Another is that the iPhone's browser does not store password. This was most likely a security feature that Apple built in. Personally, you are better off it does not store your passwords. In general WiFi networks are not secure, and you do not want your banking access information readily available to the public. Is this super phone or hyper. I will give them super phone on this one although it is not any different than any other smart phone out there.

The Apple iPhone, super phone or hype? It is looking like it comes out as a super phone. Especially if you want the music and internet capabilities.

The Dangers of Unlocking Your iPhone

You may have heard that there is an unlock for the iPhone. Not only can you unlock iPhone firmware 1.0.2, now firmware 1.1.2 is also cracked and so is firmware 1.1.3. There are many ways to unlock your iPhone. If your read all of the hype, then you might think that this is not a big deal and anyone can do it. You have the choice of purchasing an unlock from iphonesimfree.com or you can search YouTube for the latest video on how to unlock your iPhone. There is risk associated with this, especially if you start messing around with the bootload program. The dangers of unlocking your iPhone may actually outweigh the benefits.

Before we go any further, we need to be certain that everyone understands what we are talking about. An unlocked iPhone is an iPhone that has its firmware hacked into. The most common reason for this is so that the user can bypass the Apple – AT&T exclusive agreement that AT&T is the sole provider of cell phone service for the iPhone. When you unlock your iPhone, you are allowing the iPhone to be used on any cell phone network using standard GSM technology. Now that we have the terms cleared up, we need to see if it is really worth risking the dangers of unlocking your iPhone.

There are risks, make no mistake about it. Some of those risks are recoverable, some are not. If you make a serious mistake, you can "brick" your iPhone. In a sense, this is exactly what happens, your iPhone locks up, cannot be recovered from, and is now nothing more than an expensive brick. In order to prevent this from happening, you need to be certain that the instructions you are following are accurate. Even iphonesimfree.com will not guarantee that their software will not harm your iPhone. All they state is that it will work. They do not offer money back guarantees.

Why do you need to unlock your iPhone? If you are happy with AT&T as a cell phone service provider and you enjoy their visual email (an AT&T exclusive) then there is no reason to unlock your iPhone. Just keep using it as is. You can keep upgrading to the new firmware releases without worrying about killing your iPhone. If however, you would rather use T-Mobile as a cell phone provider or if you are looking to get enhanced music and video content then you can unlock the iPhone.

Here is the risk; right now, there are hacks to unlock the iPhone through firmware versions 1.1.4. However, only iphonesimfree.com states that their product is guaranteed to work with every firmware update from Apple. They claim that any unlock from them is good for every firmware update. Others claim to be able to have unlocking instructions for free that will unlock your phone without having to downgrade to firmware version 1.0.2. The problem is if you unlock your iPhone this way and then you upgrade to a higher version and it does not work, your iPhone will re-lock. If this happens then you might not be able to use your iPhone even if you go back to using the SIM card that originally came with your iPhone. Then you will have to go and figure out a way to get it to work. Apple will not be of any help to you if your iPhone bricks or even refuses to connect to a cell phone service because you decided you wanted to hack the firmware.

What about buying an unlocked iPhone? Here again the dangers of unlocking your iPhone still hold true, only this time you have no idea of how the phone was unlocked. If you purchase an unlock from iphonesimfree.com and have problems you can contact them and they will help you. Vendors selling unlocked iPhones may not be so helpful.

The dangers of unlocking your iPhone may not be apparently clear. However, there is a danger of ruining your iPhone. That makes it very expensive experiment. Are you sure you want or need your iPhone unlocked? If you do remember the dangers of unlocking your iPhone before you do something that cannot be undone.

SIM Cards For Your iPhone

Here is the good news. It is easy to replace the SIM cards for you iPhone. You have to decide what purpose you want these SIM cards to perform. Some offer enhanced features to your iPhone. Many of these will work only with AT&T and cannot be unlocked. Others will actually unlock the iPhone and allow you to use it on any network, not just GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.

Here is the biggest problem with unlocked phones, you cannot just get them to work on any network. The cell phone provider needs the phone information from the inside of the phone in order to set up service. Therefore, in order to use an unlocked iPhone on another network other than AT&T you will have to get a SIM from a different phone and replace the SIM in your iPhone with that SIM. It is not as easy as it first sounds. You first have to activate the first phone on whatever network and then switch that SIM into an unlocked iPhone. So far so good right? But how do you change the SIM? That is easy. Look near the headphone jack. There is a little hole. Take a paper clip, unbend it, then poke into the hole. The SIM holder, located under the home button, will open up and allow you to remove the SIM. Another problem with changing the SIM of an unlocked iPhone is they may not be the same size. So you may need to get a plastic tray that helps the SIM fit into the iPhone's SIM tray better.

You can also get SIM cards for your iPhone that do not need to be unlocked. Some of these offer better performance and additional features. These do not have the same issues as the unlocked, but size still can be a problem. Many will come with a plastic try that works as an adapter. For these SIM cards, all you need to do is to swap out the SIM card, your phone should remain activated. If you have trouble, contact the vendor of the SIM first, then contact Apple.

Where do you buy SIM cards for your iPhone? The place with the biggest selection is eBay. As per usual, when shopping on eBay make sure you are dealing with a reputable seller. Check the seller's ratings and feedback. Also check their PayPal ratings. Never pay by check, cash, money order, or wire transfer. Always use PayPal or your credit card. On eBay there are literally hundreds of different SIM cards to chose from. Many have very vague descriptions. In addition, many of the newer SIM for 1.1.1 and higher will require a rather extensive unlock procedure. If you see terms like iphoneSIMfree, Jailbreak, or AppTapp then you know you are dealing with a SIM that will require an unlocked iPhone in order to use it.

Overall, changing and locating SIM cards for your iPhone is not a difficult task. The problem lies with the SIM cards that can only be used in an unlocked iPhone. If you are planning on unlocking the 1.1.1 and higher firmware be prepared for a long drawn out process or be prepared to pay iphoneSIMfree for their version of an unlock. Then you have the issue of finding a way to use the unlocked iPhone on another network. The iPhone supposedly only works on a GSM network, which translates to AT&T or T-Mobile in the US. Exactly how these other SIM get the iPhone to work on a non-GSM network is something I have been unable to figure out. All in all be careful when purchasing SIM cards for your iPhone. Know what you are buying.

iPhones on eBay

Can you buy an iPhone on eBay? Yes, you can. However, there are important things to watch out for if you want to buy iPhones on eBay. With eBay it is always caveat emptor - buyer beware. This is true when you are looking to purchase iPhones on eBay as well. If you take measures to be sure that you know what you are buying, then you can get a really great deal on an iPhone. However, if you are not careful, you will be disappointed and possibly out of a lot of money. This is what you need to be aware of when buying iPhones on eBay.

First, know what you are buying and if you are not sure ask the seller before you bid. Some things to look out for are conflicting information between the title and the extended description. For example there was a listing for an unlocked 16 GB iPhone. That is what the title said. In the description is stated very clearly that this phone is locked but then went on to say that they are using it with T-Mobile, so it is clearly unlocked. The best way to resolve issues like this is to send the seller an email and ask for clarification. Save this email and the response you get so that if you are the winning bidder you have recourse if the iPhone is not as described.

Know the difference between unlocked and locked. Unlocked means that the firmware has been hacked and now you can insert any chip that will work on ST&T or T-Mobile's networks. If you use T-Mobile you will lose the visual voice mail, which is an AT&T exclusive feature. In the US the iPhone will work only on cell phone networks AT&T and T-Mobile. This has nothing to do with the chip and everything to do with the wiring. The iPhone will only work on the radio frequencies that AT&T and T-Mobile provide. The terms "unlocked" and "new, unopened box" are incompatible. You have to open up the box and hack into the firmware in order to unlock the iPhone. Apple does not ship unlocked iPhones. In order to hack into the iPhone you must open the box, and hook the iPhone up to a computer. This is hardly unopened. Locked means that the firmware that Apple shipped the phone with is intact and untouched. These phones will only activate and work on the AT&T network. However, a locked phone has no issues or troubles with any firmware upgrades whereas an unlocked phone must be careful when updating to be sure they do not re-lock the iPhone.

Another thing to look out for when buying iPhones on eBay is to know if the phone is refurbished, new, or used. A refurbished iPhone is one that Apple (hopefully) has taken from not working properly to a like new state. This is a great way to get an inexpensive iPhone. However, an ethical seller will clearly state that this is a refurbished item. Les scrupulous sellers may not disclose this. If unsure, ask. New and used are self-explanatory.

Be alerted to the fact that there are phones that are similar in appearance to the iPhone but they are not iPhones. On eBay, you will see phones called A88, iPhone, PDA, cell phone... These are not Apple iPhones, they are iPhone look alike. Make sure that the manufacturer of any iPhone you purchase is Apple and not CECT.

Finally make sure that you are aware of the sellers return policies and only pay through PayPal using a credit card or pay directly with a credit card. Never pay with cash, checks, Western Union, wire transfers or money orders. This way if you are sold a fraudulent item, you have recourse through your credit card company or PayPal. Buyers who do not take credit cards or PayPal are questionable so once again remember caveat emptor, buyer beware.

eBay tries to make their venue a safe place to purchase items. An educated consumer stands the best chance of getting a good deal. Before you buy iPhones on eBay do a little research to be sure you are getting exactly what you are looking for.