The days of a phone being just a phone have been lost. In the 90’s you would rarely see a phone used anything more than simple, quick conversations. As the New Year rolled around, so did new technology. By creating “smart phones” (phones that are technologically advanced and innovated), multiple industries have monopolized on a niche convenience market. Ranging from the gossiping teenage girl to a seasoned veteran of business – there is no doubt that this new age era of phone madness will be anything short of historic. Unfortunately, with any great thing comes the inevitable, a catch. Commonly you will see a company, such as Apple, release a new phone but only for a set of service providers. This way, the service providers and company benefit off a symbiotic relationship and mark up prices accordingly. To the many thanks of tech savy smart phone supporters, your iPhone can now be unlocked, or “jail broken”.
Jail breaking a phone is simply a process of unlocking it to all service providers and making it widely versatile. Essential for anyone looking to continue with their current phone plan that is a comfortable price for them. Unlocking is almost as revolutionary as a smart phone itself, making them more affordable (since you don’t need to pay those ridiculous provider charges) and accessible. The world is beginning to grow wise to the tactics of vendors that cash in further by exploiting consumer need. While jail breaking a phone is a common practice and usually the initiation to getting a new iPhone, like everything else, you have pros and cons
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PRO- Unlocking the iPhone will allow you to pick a service provider of your choice. By being able to keep your current phone plan you can avoid costly start up charges and the non sense of companies that you may not trust. Also, you can look for other providers that would of otherwise been unavailable that are cheaper than what you currently are using. It keeps you free to make choices accordingly to your budget (which always fluctuates).
CON- You will need to receive updates on your own and figure out a way to install them. Most companies do not condone the practice of jail breaking and frown upon it. While it is currently legal to do so, this does not mean that they won’t make it difficult.
PRO- With the knowledge of unlocking and what it is under your belt you will be able to access other phones besides the iPhone. Not only that, you will be able to assist friends and family in joining the new smart phone sensation.
CON- Downloading and installing apps is a new demon. Without the support from major companies and if you aren’t very tech savvy, there may be hurdles in using that brand new app everyone has been talking about. For example, you can’t use Apple’s Video talk feature.
PRO- The use of other applications that AREN’T from Apple (or another company)that you can use only with jailbreak phones. These are useful little programs that make up for the loss of other features. An example of this would be Google Talk. Also, you can customize your phone much easier when it is unlocked.
Overall, you will find the benefits may outweigh the cons, or you may feel that the cons outweigh the benefits. It is all due to your situation and what is more viable. Unlocking your phone is due to wanting to keep service providers and certain key features you do not have access to with a non jail broken phone. Though, if you currently have a supported service provider (AT&T) and are not willing to lose functionality, then your best bet is to stick with the phone as is. Choosing to unlock or just front the cost is a double edged sword, stay close to this site and keep yourself informed to make a well-researched decision.
