iPhone questions - need advice from GeekZone iPhone users

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eeb41039

59 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

# 17820 13-Dec-2007 13:19

Hi there,

Thought I would see if the community can give me some advice:

1) I'm looking to buy an iPhone and have found several available at sellmefree.co.nz - anyone bought through this site or have suggestions on the best place to purchase one in NZ? I don't want to import one from the US and I'm looking to pay about NZ$900 max.

2) Currently only 'Out of the Box' 1.1.1 or lower iPhones can be jailbreaked then unlocked - is this correct as ToshBuy mentioned they've only got 1.1.2 ones left?

3) One site I've looked into mentioned an AT&T register/unregister fee - is this necessary or can I jailbreak/unlock an iPhone with currently available tools online.

4)Finally, are there any thoughts on the best unlocking soluton? I've read some posts but nothing seems definitive. I'm leaning towards an AnySim unlock (seems like less hassle) but maybe the IPSF will do... lduncan mentioned in an earlier post that early versions of AnySim 'messed' with the baseband/bootloader but have these issues been ironed out?

Any help much appreciated guys/gurls

STI

239 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

# 99775 13-Dec-2007 15:13

2) Yes that is right. New ootb iphones with v1.1.2 firmware can't be software unlock yet (other than TurboSim etc, but that's costly). Generally if you import one from US it is going to have the new firmware. If you are buying from sellmefree make sure that it is v1.1.1.

3) If you use Jailbreak then you don't have to sign up with AT&T, and you can jailbreak with tools available online.

4) I used AnySim, the problem with the baseband is resolved.

Madmax77

152 posts

Master Geek

# 99778 13-Dec-2007 16:10

I have a mate who is trying to sell his, his old G4 12-inch Powebook doesn't have USB 2.0 so can't sync properly with it...he's only had it for a month and was looking at the $750 mark for it. I assume it is the correct firmware version, he brought it from Parallel Importers and it works fine. PM me if you are interested.

Cheers

eeb41039

59 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

# 99781 13-Dec-2007 16:47

@ STI - Brilliant, thanks for the input - glad to hear the AnySim baseband probs have been sorted.

@ Madmax77 - Thanks for the offer on behalf of your friend but I'd rather try another source - call me wierd but I'd like the device to have as less "hands on" time as possible (especially if they aren't my hands : )

@ Everyone - Can you tell what firmware version an Iphone has if it's brand new from the states and is sealed in the box i.e is it listed on the packaging somewhere?

Cheers

STI

239 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

# 99805 13-Dec-2007 18:22

If you get a iPhone now it will be most likely have firmware 1.1.2, which CANNOT be unlocked yet. You can jailbreak it and use it as a Apple Touch (no phone function) until unlock solution found.

The forth and fifth serial number on the back of the iPhone packaging indicates which week the phone is manufactured. For example a iPhone with the serial number 7R742UFXXXX is manufactured in week 42. According to what I have read if the week of manufactured is 45 or less then it will have the old firmware and can be unlocked.

I think you will have a better chance finding a iPhone with the old firmware here rather than in States.

eeb41039

59 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

# 99811 13-Dec-2007 18:41

Thanks STI re: manufacturing week info...

...and I totally agree that i'll have a better chance here in NZ - Some of the iphones i've been looking at have been imported in the last 5 weeks, so i'm hoping they'll have the 1.1.1 firmware. Armed with your advice I'll now be able to check.

nzbullet

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

# 100015 14-Dec-2007 20:26

A friend of mine had real troubles with buying an iphone from ebay (not saying that everyone does) but he ended up getting his from selmefree and was the least hassle. Personally I would go for sellmefree, at least you will be dealing with a someone locally and if they are really local you can pick it to make sure it is either on 1.1.1 or was upgraded to 1.1.2 from 1.1.1.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on

Cheers
nzbullet
Note: My thoughts and comments are my own and not of anyone else including my employer

downhill

56 posts

Master Geek

# 100028 14-Dec-2007 21:14

OurFord
I bought 3 week 44 iPhones in the US on 12 November, came home and flicked two to cover the cost of my one!! Sold one on GZ forum and the other on SellmeFree... all were v1.1.1 and yes I h@cked all of them with jailbreakme.com and AnySim. Mine is working a treat on VFNZ although you have to be careful to apply the EDGE settings fix (through installer) which saves your edge setting (off in my case to keep a cap on the GPRS usage)

The iPhone is fantastic and I wouldn't be without it now. the OOB v1.1.2 ones being sold now will eventually be h@cked - give it time.
To keep a tab on developments check this site out. -->> http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgzw9xs_0gfhxns

There are a few VFNZ related notes about using a iPhone in NZ here -->> igeek.ibloggin.com all uploaded by an iPhone on VFNZ.

So in answer to your questions -

1.only buy a 1.1.1 phone and sellmefree or zillion.co.nz are probably your best bet.
2. no AT&T contract necessary, I even roamed the US with my iPhone the minute I h@cked it.
3. Jailbreakme.com / AnySim / AppTap is the best unlock solution... unless you want to pay $$$ for TurboSim

I see that Parallelimported.co.nz have spotted the worldwide shortage of 1.1.1 phones and has raised their price to $1499 (it was $1099 two weeks ago)

good luck

rebeltrousers

230 posts

Master Geek

# 100070 15-Dec-2007 09:25

2c:

Do a search on pricespy.co.nz

Expert infotech in Auckland has the best price of around $919 + you get 1-year warranty etc.

Their phones are 1.0.2 or 1.1.1 so all-good!