How Much Does an IPhone Cost?

December 30, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Omair Haneef asked:


The Apple iPhone first took launch during the month of June in the year 2007. The iPhone is a remarkable device with many capabilities. The iPhone is a camera phone, a media player, and an internet device. There are currently two generations of iPhones. The original being the first generation, and the new version (iPhone 3G) is the second generation. The second generation adds 3G data capability that allows for faster 3G data speeds and also assisted gps. Yes, GPS is supported in the iPhone!

Each generation of iPhones comes in two models: 8GB and 16GB. The only difference between the two models is the amount of memory supported. The cost of the iPhone depends on the generation and also the model (either 8GB or 16GB). The newest iPhones are of course the 3G versions.

So now the main question is how much does an iphone cost? To answer that question one must consider if they are looking to purchase a locked or unlocked iPhone 3G. Locked iPhones are ones that are locked to cell phone carriers (e.g. Cingular) and can only be used with that specific carrier. For example, if you buy an iPhone that is locked to Cingular Wireless then you can only use that iPhone with Cingular and not with say another carrier such as AT&T.

Locked iPhone 3G 8GB and 16GB can cost around $600-$700 CAD. On the other hand, if you are looking to purchase an unlocked iPhone the prices are noticeably different. Unlocked iPhones can be used with any gsm carrier. You must be aware that there are three different versions of unlocked iPhone 3Gs. There are software unlocked, turbo sim and officially unlocked (never locked) versions direct from apple. Software unlocked iPhones are ones that are taken out of their packaging and are manually unlocked by use of some unlocking software.

Turbo sim unlocked iPhones are ones that are also removed out of their packaging but instead of software they are unlocked by a device called a turbo sim. The problem with iPhones that are software or turbo sim unlocked is that they have problems when it comes to upgrading the iPhones firmware. For instance, after upgrading these iPhones would go back to locked mode, meaning they would be locked back to a carrier.

Officially unlocked iPhone 3Gs or also known as the “never locked versions” are iPhones direct from apple that are unlocked (never locked). These legally unlocked versions do not experience any problems at all when it comes to upgrading firmware. The cost for an officially unlocked iPhone 3G 8GB is a little over $900 CAD and the 16GB is a little over $1000 CAD. The cost is higher because these versions are rare and are not easily obtained.

Sure, the cost is higher but it is worth it because these versions are directly unlocked by apple and will not experience any upgrade problems. In the end it all comes down to personal choice, which do you prefer?



Safely Unlocking a iPhone 3G 2.2.1

June 29, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Gen Wright asked:


that iPhone’s have taken the world by storm is undeniable. The uses and features that are inherent with the purchase of an iPhone are quite amazing. So what if you want to take advantage of all the features within a 3G iPhone 2.2.1 but you don’t want to switch your cell phone service provider. This is exactly where terms like unlocking and jail-breaking come into the discussion

While there are many people who are aware of the fact that you can unlock iPhones, there are very few who actually understand why or how you would go about performing such actions. The following are some examples of how you can unlock your 3G iPhone.

IPHONE UNLOCKING

The term unlocking is bandied about when discussing the limitations that are placed on iPhones by the Apple software managers. These restrictions prevent your iPhone from using a different carrier then AT&T ( The iPhone is locked to the AT&T Network)and limit your ability to download, install or even use certain applications that you may want to. iPhones are prevented from being used in the same way that an iPod is and you have no real ability to access the system files or change the set up. The term unlocking refers to the process of unlocking these system restrictions and in turn allowing you to use any SIM card, any carrier, and it will also let you access, read and write all types of media and system files in any manner you wish. Essentially this gives you complete control over your 3G iPhone.

When the iPhone was first released the iPhone Devteam quickly managed to find a way to unlock the iPhone via a software hack. Via a small program that was available for download freely you could unlock the iPhone within a few minutes. Disadvantage of the software unlock was that this would nullify your warranty with Apple. Apple catched up on the software unlock and closed the security leaks that the Devteam was exploiting, and released a new firmware version for the iphone.

Within a week, the Devteam found a new security leak, and they released a new unlock software to fully unlock the iPhone. The cat and mouse game between Apple and the Devteam continued, as Apple released a new version of the iPhone software, permanently closing the secutiry leak.

The latest iPhone 3G with software version 2.2.1 ( modem version 2.30.03) can not be unlocked via a software solution. The Devteam promised they will find a new solution, but it seems that the security leak in the iPhone has been closed permanently.

Now, how should you go about unlocking your iPhone to take advantage of all the benefits?

The best and currently only option to unlock the iphone 3G 2.2.1 is by using an unlock sim. The entire iPhone unlocking process is as easy as inserting a simcard in the iPhone. This card was tested by iPhone unlocking experts and you can be sure that every precaution and tip will be explained in the membersarea in order to unlock and optimise your 3G iPhone 2.2.1 in the safest way possible.

Main benefit of unlocking the iPhone via this small hardware sim is that the phone will stay unlocked when Apple releases the next firmware update, and the unlock will not void your Apple Warranty, like with software unlocks.