hi all,

was woundering peoples feedback in regards to the iphone?

also is anyone aware how to get it sim free???

thanks

KingCarl

eBay is you're best option sim-free but beware, updating a patched iPhone through iTunes will completely block the phone and be very expensive to unlock.

Do a quick google search and you'll probably find some online retailers that sell sim-free. Not sure on the reliability of these though.

Its pretty risky buying sim free - apple are super hot on sending regular software updates which are also designed to re-lock the handset. You may also struggle to access iTunes through your PC as again this is linked to the IMEI code within the handset itself. I would not recommend buying sim free at present as you will pay more upfront and then be left with a semi-functioning phone with no warranty....

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Rob Barnes
Head of Broadband & Mobile
moneysupermarket.com

Agreed Rob,

The O2 option really isn't that bad when you consider the unlimited data usage that comes bundled with the tarrif. Makes it a slightly easier pill to swallow.

It is, but this is a little misleading - the unlimited data is 2G rather than 3G so any web surfing/mail downloads will be S-L-O-W, the only way to access fast data is via wi-fi which isnt exactly freely available unless you want to sit in Starbucks all day.

Personally I have an N95 on O2 with data - 3.5G web surfing in some areas, guaranteed 3G everywhere else. I am waiting for the 3G version of the iphone to come out (with a better camera - 2 meg is rubbish!).

Dont get me wrong, I am an apple fan - have macbook and ipod - the phone just doesnt live upto the hype at present

regards

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Rob Barnes
Head of Broadband & Mobile
moneysupermarket.com

safe as rob thanks for you expertise it's greatly appriciated!

Not worth gettin it unlocked. half the features wont work.

If u want an Iphone just get it the normal way. At least you know everything will work (visual voicemail, youtube, email ect). It's down to £169 @ cpw now. and the tarrifs are much better. £35 for 60 mins and 500 texts and that includes unlimited data. (better then the standrad o2 tarrif)

durster2006:

Not worth gettin it unlocked. half the features wont work.

If u want an Iphone just get it the normal way. At least you know everything will work (visual voicemail, youtube, email ect). It's down to £169 @ cpw now. and the tarrifs are much better. £35 for 60 mins and 500 texts and that includes unlimited data. (better then the standrad o2 tarrif)

Hi sorry Durster but this is not strictly true, I have first hand experience of an unlocked iPhone and you can use pretty much all the features you would have access to with O2 (the exception being Visual Voicemail as far as I'm aware).

If it's true I stand corrected. A friend of mine says he can get hold of a thing called a Turbo sim, Which will make all the features work (bar visual voicemail).

im waiting on one to arrive.

durster2006:

If it's true I stand corrected. A friend of mine says he can get hold of a thing called a Turbo sim, Which will make all the features work (bar visual voicemail).

im waiting on one to arrive.

As far as I'm aware (Although I'm not sure of the legality of it) you don't even need that. It's possible to unlock it for use with all features with your usb cable and some free software you can download by doing a quick google search.

I have had an Iphone pretty much since they came out, bought from the states, unlocked to all networks and what is called 'Jailbroken' so you can install a massive library of unofficial software.

It is true that apple frown on such activity, and do indeed throw regular updates onto itunes to counter the unlocking procedure, but there is a work round within days to allow the update and keep the phone unlocked.

The phone itself is nothing short of fantastic , initially unable to send mms, record video,etc etc but all doable now with 3rd party software.

In short if you like /are able/happy to take the risk to re-flash your phone every now and again to keep up with the updates - then go for it, if not -go the official O2 route.

i had one 2 months before they came out in uk from states - easy to unlock -

if u like the internet - great phone

if u like ringtones - forget it-not loud at all and the speaker on the phone that plays them has broke -still plays on the headphones (replacing that part will cost me £88) with not many people around willing to do the service) so yeah if your rich get it on contract

and great for music

thats my experience