iPhone!!!!!

[jaydisc]

Optus did that for my second phone. With the first phone, I had to request it. Optus then basically forwards the request to Apple and Apple unlocks the serial number of the phone in their database. To complete the process and unlock the hardware, you have to do a restore, as it's when the restore completes, that iTunes checks the properties of the serial number and accordingly unlocks your phone. So give Optus a call to do it, but give yourself time for it to happen and to do a restore.

As far as battery replacement, Apple does have a program in the US for US$79 where they will replace it. It's unclear if this program is global. Best thing to do is call Apple Care and check. I'll wager they can do it on the spot at a genius bar appointment at Chadstone.

[Paulbot]

Went to the Genius Bar today and was told to download the latest software update and do a complete restore on my phone and see if that fixes it. And if not, come back within 7 days and pick up a new phone they've put on hold for me (for $110). I was tempted to just get the new one right there but am trying the software update/complete restore now.

[jaydisc]

Sweet. Yeah, Apple's definition of an iPhone repair is to give you a newly refurbished one and send your old to repair for the next customer. It's exceptional service. I coulda/shoulda warned you about restore. That's always the final step before replacing. I recommend doing it anyway, but if you can't be stuffed, just say you did anyway.

[Sharky]

alrighty,

my current phone contract is due to expire next week and was wondering if it is worth while picking up the iPhone, i have the iPad currently with 3g connection and all that jazz so it takes care of alot of the similar things as the phone.. so is there a point in getting the phone still??

i kind of think having the capability of them linking together is an advantage but i am not sure if it will be used to its full potential and in turn worth "investing in"

any advice is always appreciated..

[jaydisc]

Well, staying in the same ecosystem will always be compelling. Any and all of your purchases are authorized for use on your iPhone. I've got a Mac, iPhone and iPad, and I barely, if ever, use the iPad. (I have it to test all the software I've never written ). When I'm at home, or able to use my Mac, I use that as I'm a keyboard ninja and I'm just considerable more proficient with it. When I'm out, even though I might have the iPad with me, the iPhone is just a one-handed power house.

What are the alternatives?

[blackie]

Mines slowly falling apart. 6 months till I'm out of contract. I hope the next gem iPhone is released before then.....

[Sharky]

What are the alternatives?

just about everything on the market there is so much choice...

[jaydisc]

OK, so you're definitely getting a new phone and contract? It's just which phone? What do you think of your iPad and iOS? Do you have a lot of apps? Do you use a Mac or PC? Do you use Gmail, Google Calendar or any Google properties?

[Sharky]

OK, so you're definitely getting a new phone and contract? It's just which phone? What do you think of your iPad and iOS? Do you have a lot of apps? Do you use a Mac or PC? Do you use Gmail, Google Calendar or any Google properties?

yeah i definitely need a new phone and the contract is up i will be going with telstra as it will work well with bundling it with my future home phone in a few months time (since it is a new estate only hardline telstra is availiable there)

i have a PC at home and do use gmail and google blogspot, i use my Outlook calender alot. and the iPad gets a good work out both at home and at work it is a handy tool. even the travel time i tend to watch alot of movies on it so i do find the ipad easy to use and i do have alot for it.

[jaydisc]

I think as an existing iOS user, you would find the alternatives frustrating as none have the same fit and polish, and of course, none of your existing investment in apps would carry over. Some folks like diversity and playing with varying operating systems at the same time. I prefer consistency; makes me faster.

Outlook without Exchange is a bit of a dead end. Well, wirelessly at least. You can always sync your iPhone or iPad to it, but that requires a wired sync via iTunes, which many find inconvenient. Using Google Calendar and a different desktop app would allow you to have the calendar on all devices syncing wireless and automatically.

At the moment, the only two viable options are iOS and Android, and I'm just not familiar with the Android offering in Australia. With Android, unless you get a Nexus One or a Nexus S, you're going to be beholden to your carrier for operating system updates, and in such a fast moving industry, that can be frustrating. If you do go Android, research a handset that runs the latest OS, and is expected to get free updates in a timely manner. The remaining options are RIM, Microsoft and Palm/HP, although I'm unsure if the latter have an Australian offering. Microsoft and RIM are 3 years behind everyone else, and while Palm OS is pretty slick, the app market is not comparable to Apple or Google's at all.

Sorry, this is a bit of a rambling mishmash of insight. Hope some of it is of value to you.