You will need to explain a few things for me, if you don’t mind. Although I tend to think of myself as a
technical-psuedo-nerd, keeping up to date with what I can do with a mobile phone (in terms of carriers, etc)
has me oh-so confused. Which, to be honest, isn’t that hard to do.
I currently have a HIPTOP AKA SideKick II. What I really need want is the ability to sync up with outlook
or an exchange server. I can get a decent price on a new BlackBerry, but it lacks a camera, and as sad as it may
sound, I love having a camera on my phone. I use it all
the time. I guess I should also mention that I am with SUNCOM,
and that actually leaves me a bit limited as to phone choices. Anyway, I have been looking at the TREO 650 and
actually wouldn’t mind investing in the TREO 700w. I have been thinking (scary thought, huh?) I might try to
get ahold of an unlocked 650, but not fully understanding the whole “unlocked” thing. I do not want to invest
in one unless I am sure that it will work on SUNCOM’s network. So, if you do not have any suggestions, I’ll
be Googlin’ and see what pops up..
As I understand it, an unlocked phone will work on anyone’s network that supports the phone (ie. GSM 1600 or whatever). The problem may come down to support. Suncom is unlikely to give you technical advice or troubleshooting on an unlocked phone. Also, your software may be slightly different than Suncom’s which may amount only to your unlocked phone not having Suncom’s logo on it OR in the worse case, Suncom may have added some proprietary s/w that you won’t have access to.
I’d rub elbows with a Suncom tech.
Having an unlocked phone/pda means that it is open to be used on any carrier’s network. The “lock” on it is essentially a SIM lock, so that the device will only take a certain’s carrier’s SIM card. Like the other commenter said, the problem with unlocked phones is that most of the time the support for them is limited. However, if you were to get a Treo from SunCom that was already unlocked (which is common to do…more on that in a minute) they will be able to give you support. If you got a Treo that was originally designed for something like Cingular, then they may not. It’s wacky, but that’s how it’s done. Most carriers make the offer of having your device sold unlocked with a two year contract, or will unlock it for you AFTER two years (as Cingular does). The process can be complicated if you want to buy one and wait to unlock it (which means you pay less now, but wait longer). Be leery of buying unlocked devices from Ebay and the likes, try to get one directly from the retailer.
ALSO important is that you can use an unlocked device when/if you travel abroad, assuming that it is a world phone. PDAs are world phones
This is, again, because of the SIM lock. However, if you travel abroad, don’t up your international plan with SunCom. Just buy a prepaid international SIM card for the country you’re visiting, it’ll be much cheaper and the service will far exceed anything that Suncom can offer.
I may have worked for a few wireless companies. What?!
Coolness, thanks for the 411, ya’ll
look man! i’m commenting! LOL! it’s totally working…at least on my work computer. i’ll try it again when i get home.
OK - what happened to your message from 4/22 - no more frivolous spending - lol -
Mom
This would actually be a work related item, mother!
omfgwtfbbq that’s the funniest thing i’ve ever seen.
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