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7:42 pm
August 13, 2009
Offline
I'm currently using the Nokia 5130 on a 7-11 prepaid plan. Recently I was thinking of getting an ipod touch to take advantage of wifi at hotels and other places when I'm traveling. After some consideration I'm thinking instead that I should get an iphone 3G so that I don't have to carry both a phone and wifi device. I'm not interested in using a data plan, I would prefer to save my 7-11 prepaid dollars and use only wifi. I haven't used an iphone before. I’ve been reading through various posts and I have some questions. I'm hoping to draw on your experience.
1) If I get a used iphone locked to Rogers that hasn't been jailbroken, will that cause me issues? Or is it far more beneficial to get a jailbroken and/or unlocked phone?
2) I've read that it's a good idea to stick to an OS version older than 4.2, though I think this only applies to the 3GS. What are the steps to check what the current OS is on the iphone 3g?
3) Will I be able to turn off data usage on the iphone so that it only uses the phone and wifi? I won't be using a data plan and I don't want to have my 7-11 prepaid dollars wasted by unintentionally using data.
4) How do the GPS maps work? Do they need data or wifi? Or will it use up 7-11 prepaid dollars to work? Will it work like a Garmin or TomTom? This would save me from having to carry a GPS device too.
5) When shopping for a used iphone, what pitfalls should I watch out for to know if I'm getting a good one vs a bad one? What are good questions to ask of a seller?
I know this is a lot of questions, I appreciate any answers you can provide.
Thanks
7:48 am
March 10, 2010
Offline
1- A locked Rogers phone is the best bet.
2- On a 3G it is better to stay on os3. It runs better and there are no real advantages to os4
3- No need to turn off data. If you don't call SO and activate it, your phone will not get data. You should turn off the 3G switch in preferences/phone though.
4- maps will work with wifi. To get a true gps program you will need an app like Navigon and data however.
5- When shopping, look for a phone in really good condition, at a good price, and ask about battery life.
8:24 pm
August 13, 2009
Offline
Thanks andreww for the anwers.
I did end up getting an iphone 3GS. I'm not bothering with the data plan, and just going to use wifi. My friends with iphone plans are jealous, since I'm only paying about $50 a year for phone and text usage while they pay at least that much every month. SpeakOut rocks !
An update answer for my own questions:
1) I got a Rogers locked iphone and it worked immediately with no modifications. I just popped in my SIM and away I went.
2) I'm on version 4.2.1 and everything works great, no worries about the version. But if you want to check what version the phone is go to Settings/General/About/Version.
3) Yes you can turn off the data in Settings/General/Network/Cellular Data (switch to off)
4) Most Navigation GPS program apps for the iphone need to either have constant Wifi or a Data plan to update the maps and directions as you drive. I did however find a free Navigation GPS app that will work without wifi or data (referred to as off line). The app is called NavFree USA. When you install the app it includes North American maps saved on your phone. The app is between 1 to 2 Gigs. It will work using just the GPS capability of the iphone. It shows your current location while you drive, gives turn by turn direction and updates directions on the fly just like TomTom or Garmin and its FREE. It currently has limited maps for Canada. I can confirm that It does currently cover the Golden Horseshoe and Windsor in Ontario. This was my most happy discovery. I now have a wifi web-browser / phone / Navigation device all in one.
5) When shopping for an iphone ask if it still has warranty. If they will tell you the serial number you can enter it on the apple website and it will tell you when the warranty expires. You don't need a password or anything just the serial number. I bought mine with 8 months warranty left, which gave me peace of mine if any issues come up I can get it fixed.
