Tmobile iphone - Step by Step

I went to craigslist and found an 8GB 3G iphone for $150. I borrowed my friends working ATT sim card and took it with me to test in in the iphone to make sure it worked properly. It did. After purchasing, I came home and jailbroke and unlocked the iphone - so it would work on the Tmobile network. The $15 a month unlimited text plan (no contract) is available in the continental US from their website and stores. But you can choose whichever plan that works best for you:

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/prepaid-plans.aspx?WT.mc_n=PrePdPlnsOvrLowRt&WT.mc_t=OnsiteAd

I walked into a local store, asked them about the details of the plan. They verified. I worked with them to choose the number, get the paperwork done, and they told me the total for the sim card, account setup, taxes etc. come out to close to $30. And some of that cash would end up as minutes on the phone. Since it is no contract, the most I could lose is $30 - and walk away. Its worth a shot right? My plan is to use my office phone, free wifi calls via icall, google voice phone, and any other device to make most of my calls. By giving out my google number as my main number, I can get a txt msg of their voicemail immediately on my iphone. I would not take any calls on the tmobile sim unless I wanted to pay the .10¢ per minute charge. I communicate mostly by txt msg, and anything else - I call from other devices. Seems to work pretty well for me so far. Some friends have complained about the amount of different numbers I call from, but thats a small inconvenience compared to the amount of money Im saving! At the very least, its worth a test. FYI - ATT and Tmobile are the only carriers that work on the iphone. Maybe in 6 months, a CDMA version will be released on the Verizon or similar network. Then there will be even more possibilities.

MISC IPHONE INFO:

enable sending MMS on tmobile iphone 3G and above

http://startupmeme.com/how-to-fix-your-t-mobile-mms-issue-with-iphone-4-on-ios-4-0/

http://modmyi.com/forums/t-mobile/723471-how-fix-mms-problem-after-jailbreaking-unlocking-iphone-t-mobile-us.html#post5389678

How to enable T-Mobile Internet on an unlocked iPhone, iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikuPn40D2yQ

easy jailbreak for - 4.0.1

http://www.jailbreakme.com/faq.html

jailbreak 3G 4.0.2

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2010/08/how-to-jailbreak-ios-4-0-2-using-redsn0w-for-iphone-3g-users-windows.html

jailbreak 3gs 4.0.2 coming soon (3.1.2 is possible)

http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-iphone-3gs-4.0.2-with-sn0wbreeze-2.0-custom-firmware-windows/

Downgrade 4.0.2 or 3.1.3 to Any Firmware (not for 3GS/iphone 4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvU_cReQYjQ

unlock w/Ultrasn0w 1.1-1

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2010/08/iphone-dev-team-release-ultrasn0w-11-1-to-improve-battery-life.html

3GS 402 unlock via mac os?

http://tipsneeded.com/jailbreak-iphone-3gs-ios-4-0-2-firmware/

http://tipsneeded.com/unlock-ios-402-with-ultrasn0w/

iPhone Security Tips to Keep your iPhone Secure

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2008/10/security-tips.html

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2009/11/how-to-change-your-jailbroken-iphones-root-password.html

iphone firmware

http://www.felixbruns.de/iPod/firmware/

How to boost volume on your iPhone/iPod

http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-boost-volume-your-iphone-ipod-329308/

http://forums.macrumors.com/archive/index.php/t-744573.html

iphone service and repair (check serial to see if your iphone is real)

https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

http://cydia.hackulo.us/

then, install "Installous" and "Appsync 4.0"

http://www.iphonespies.com/iphone-news/hackulous-tutorial-how-to-get-free-iphone-apps/

iphone game pad

http://www.greedmontpark.com/2010/08/02/iphone-game-pad/

emulators for iphone

http://www.pure-mac.com/iphone/emulators.html

http://apt.123locker.com/

AT&T cracking down on shadow iphone users

OK the options are as follows:

01- put your sim back in your old phone, call att & deny that you have an iphone, and have them not change your plan. Put the sim card back in the iphone after the phonecall. Rinse and repeat. And hope they give up before you do.

02- call att and tell them you never purchased an iphone with them - and you do not authorize them changing your plan.

03- Get out of your contract and go with somebody other than ATT and keep your iphone:

http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2010/04/14/how-to-get-out-of-a-phone-contract/

http://cellphoneforums.net/alt-cellular/t255105-how-get-out-cellular-service-contract.html

tmobile phone plans 

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/plans/Cell-Phone-Plans.aspx?catgroup=Individual&WT.z_shop_plansLP=individual

04- change the IMEI of the phone so that ATT cannot tell it is an iphone (may cost upto $50)

>> Can only mask IMEI on 2G (4.6 BL iPhone)?
>> iPhone | How to Change Your iPhone IMEI with ZiPhone (Windows)
>> Hide/Cloak hacked iPhone existance from Carrier (AT&T) : Possible?

TETHERING
I tried to use my sim with a Medianet plan on an iphone too and I faced the same problem of not being able to
connect to the internet. I did some research and realised that the phone was missing AT&T’s data settings. Hence I went here and installed the proper settings. Although tethering did not work on my phone (probably because I was on iPhone 3.1), the data connection went active.

FYI - Boost Mobile's phones and network are iDEN, not GSM. The iPhone is a GSM phone.
Even the iPhone GOPHONE is unable to access the web.

>> Unlock CNS (Carrier Not Supported) iDEN i465 Clutch Boost by JIC Technology
>> Give Your Old iPhone New Life With Prepaid Data and Minutes
>> Turn an Older iPhone into a Prepaid Voice and Data Unit

$15mo T-Mobile Prepaid Unlimited Text + iPhone FTW

 

Goodbye AT&T, welcome back T-Mobile! So I was paying around $50 monthly to ATT for 450 minutes. I recently heard about a tmobile pay-per-use txt only plan for $15 a month - no contract. Costs $10 for activation - and I got $3.25 credit on the account. If I want to make a phonecall with this account - its .10 cents a minute. I dont plan on paying for calls via my tmobile sim. I do plan on using texting for most of my interactions. If I want to make a phonecall, I can do that via wifi. And I am within wifi range for most of the day (home/work). I am using gizmo+google voice, icall, and vonage - to make free phonecalls - as best I can - via my jailbroken/unlocked 3G iphone. My reasoning is that me and my friends are doing more and more texting.
>> T-Mobile Prepaid Plans $50 Unlimited Talk/Text or $15 Unlimited Text Started May 16

Aretta Communications VOIP

Thus begins my new opportunity with Aretta Communications. Im hoping to learn something new, and help streamline their workflow and overall make things better for their customers. Much thanks to my buddy Kris Sheets (Director of Operations and also AAUG) who told me of the opportunity and got me in the door.
Aretta (simply stated) does VOIP. The service is priced, not per extension(or per seat)—as is typical in the hosted VoIP business—but by the maximum number of simultaneous calls the account is provisioned for (i.e., the number of lines). See our rates/pricing here. Aretta Facebook page.

make free calls on iphone

UPDATE: Unlock iPhone 3G/3GS iOS 4 With Ultrasn0w 0.93

Ultrasnow 0.93 is compatible with all basebands since iOS 3.0, they include, 04.26.08, 05.11.07, 05.12.01, and 05.13.04. This only works with phones that were previously jailbroken. This worked for me (I accidentally upgraded my phone to 3.1.3 with 05.12.01 baseband).

How To Jailbreak iPhone, iPod Touch Using Spirit For iPhone OS 3.1.3, iPhone OS 3.1.2 [Windows]

Jailbreak iPhone 3.1.2 Firmware with blackra1n (see link above for better way)

http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-iphone-3.1.2-firmware-with-blackra1n-zni327/

Browse Flash Websites on your iPhone and iPad [No Jailbreak Req.]

http://www.redmondpie.com/flash-on-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch-using-cloudbrowse-9140784/

gv mobile is free and makes free calls

(with iphone jailbreak)

http://www.redmondpie.com/gv-mobile-2.0-for-jailbreak-iphone-now-available-on-cydia-9140358/

icall is free

http://itunes.apple.com/app/icall-free-voip/id293837001?mt=8

vonage on iphone is free and makes free calls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5kZoniTFEE

skype to skype is free

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/features/allfeatures/skype-to-skype-calls/

skype free to residential/biz

+18003733411


>> Get Rid Of Your Forced iPhone Data Plan & Save Money Your Monthly Phone Bill

iCURRENT (news reader)

Overall, its interesting, but still lacking in areas to make it more compelling.

PROS

-easy to setup to match my interests

-but just a step above what a RSS reader does (how is it more different?)

-i like the content channel page format

-i like the front page of the newspaper feel

CONS

-info nuggets not easily portable? ex: for use in igoogle

-cant sort by content type? (video, audio, podcast, ebook, and most viewed, etc)

-content display should look more segmented (look at tweetdeck or similar for ideas)

-logo/banner needs improvement

-i dont see that they advertise their facebook page, or their twitter page

-is there a forum to discuss issues, or blog for your site/team?

-iphone/android app? or atleast an ETA on mobile app?

-embeddable html badge for websites - to show/share the users content channels

-read my post dated 071409 here

More reviews: 01 | 02 

*not to be confused with - http://current.com

SANYO XACTI REVIEW

$150 - sanyo vpc-cg10 1600847
PROS
-easily grab still frames from MP4 video for photos (only use photo option if you need flash)

-has most options/functionality compared to others (image stabilization is good for handhelds - Zi8 does not have this)

CONS
-does not include SD CARD (most dont) (i bought an 8GB for $30 at a local store)
-slow/no response on snapping photos (2 options - simply record video and grab still frames from the video, or hit the button and countdown outloud - 3,2,1... and it snaps within 3 secs)
-short battery life (really short, i suggest buying a backup battery)
-UI could be simplified (other similar camcorders are much easier to use)
-cant manage files/SD card easily
-no light when doing video (use an external source - from cellphone or better)

-no mic jack (for pro recording of audio (Zi8 has this))

>> a good review in the comments here

OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A CAMCORDER
-return policy, recording time, format of video, under water, carry case, HD camcorder, flash for night photos, night vision, battery life, memory, image stabilization

Why isnt there a cellphone/camcorder that will do all this? (video on iphone looks pretty good)

KODAK Zi8 REVIEW

(Gathered info for someone else on this product - I bought the Sanyo Xacti (see next post))
>> this site talks about issues with Zi8

the ZI8 records in H.264 MOV and the audio is AAC LC format.

>> firmware update 1.06 for Kodak Zi8 

>> vimeo forum on 1.06 firmware

Just to let you know AnyVideoConverterPro works nicely converting MOV to MP4 with the setting of x264 (video codec), and 1000 (video bitrate) when converting a 1080p video. I then move this MP4 into Vegas 9 with none of the audio/video sync issues. Final video quality appears good. I suppose there are many converter apps out there but since I already owned this one and tried it with success, just wanted to let you know.

This just rewrites the mov wrapper so that Sony Vegas can see the video. It doesn't change the original video and is very fast. 

One approach that I found did work when using .MOV files (albeit not 100%) was to rename the .MOV file to an .MP4 extension and then import that file into Project Media. From there I could then bring the .MP4 file into the Vegas editor and the audio track did indeed show and play. However, one drawback was the video and audio were out of sync by about 5 seconds. I can ungroup the video and audio and manually adjust video and audio to be in sync. Not ideal. 

>> x264vfw codec
x264vfw is the VfW (Video for Windows) version of well known x264 encoder + ffh264 decoder (from FFmpeg project)

Sony published a quicktime update that fixed the problem of no audio importing, but it's now out of sync

http://bit.ly/7sCJIs 

SOURCES

http://www.redban.com/blogy/?p=364

http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/24/903832

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital#Speeds

upgrading the DSi - on the cheap

So I got my 8 year old son what he says he wanted for Christmas. I was against it, but out-voted. But this thing is pretty cool. But without spending $30 a pop on every game, I need to educate myself on the alternative options. One of my friends told me about the R4DS card - and where to buy it.

>> video - R4 DS card
>> video - R4 DS
>> R4 DS Card - Firmware Download And Set Up For R4 DS
>> How To Put Nintendo DS Games On Your R4 DS

>> fighting anti-piracy

>> nintendo DS accessories

ROMS
>> http://romplanet.net
>> http://www.nintendo-ds-roms.com
>> http://www.romulation.net/

>> music has to be in AAC format (*.m4a *.mp4 or *.3gp)
>> and of course - the homepage

What I want to know is:
-the best ebook reader for it

-is it possible to watch videos/movies

meebo chat client

Committed to using a web based IM client (chat history included) - instead of using a messaging client. And so far - I dont think Ill be going back... (more and more services should be moving to web based services/apps)
BENEFITS:
-no installed app on my pc
-does many chat clients
-able to record chat history
CONS:
-indication of new chat message is not super clear, but you do get a sound, and it does have an optional plugin for firefox to aid in this

cheaper cell service/market shakeup eminent?

3 times I have used Amazon to get a decent cellphone - that they payed me to take! Those days are now over. A search on their website comes up mostly with phones that cost a penny - and much more. What happened?

Now rumors are abound about the shakeup in the industry. With the big battle just heating up BTWN Apples iPhone and Googles Android, the other carriers are (and need to be) pulling out all the stops. Hence my research begins for what is to come...

>> ClarkHoward
>> PCmag

>> Engadget

In another boon for cheap cellular service, we're beginning to hear word about something from T-Mobile called Project Black. This cryptically named market thrust will reportedly usher in much lower price points for unlimited service starting at $50/month. But for now, this is just a rumor until it goes public.

"Also, expect MetroPCS and myCricket to merge if Project Black is real."

my local Walmart is already carrying Straight Talk Phones:
4004 Lawrenceville Hwy Nw, Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 921-9224

Now the question is, does anyone know how/where to get a smartphone flashed to work on the ST(Straight Talk) network? Cuz I want a decent smart phone to use on their network.

On Tracfones with SIM cards, the carrier can be identified in the same manner as any other SIM-based phone, by interpreting the SIM number. On T-Mobile phones, the first line of the SIM number will end in "SIMT5", on Cingular/AT&T, the first line will end in "SIMC4".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TracFone_Wireless

Verizon is CDMA. No special sim cards, you just have to flash the PRL. The only other thing is, most CDMA providers require that your ESN (phone's serial number) be in their database and attached to your account. This would be the difficult part. Requires either someone on the inside, or a company-approved program (or clever social engineering).

Straight Talk is one of TracFone's newest brands and as of July 30, 2009 provides customers with two different value based 30-day rate plans. Straight Talk is an MVNO that uses Verizon's CDMA 1XRTT wireless network which was introduced in 2001 and is said to deliver between 40 and 60 kbs (kilobits per second) to customers[7]. Straight Talk's coverage is limited in certain areas (most of Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Mississippi and western Texas)[8] but provides good coverage in the major metro areas

Looks like Page Plus has a comparable deal.

WARNING: Buzzirk Mobile, Global Verge, Zero1 Mobile, are scams.

And beware - there are probably many more to come. Be smart, do the research.

>> Use Google Voice with your existing number
>> The quest for a truly open smartphone: can it be done?
>> Nokia N900
>> Maemo
>> OKI 900 (old school)
>> Free AT&T phones (w/new service/contract)

Thanks to my friend Paul Sibley [f] for getting me started on the research.

times, they are a changin...

Be aware, that the market has changed/is changing - not just for designers - but for everyone. Maybe leverage these tools for projects that are assigned to you? Or for you to make a career decision? At the very least, look around and test one or two out just to see the possibilities - or maybe earn some extra cash. Or maybe someone could create a business(team?) around this "crowd sourced" model?

From websites, logos, business cards, and more... (and if your jobs not listed - it may be soon).
>> http://www.crowdspring.com
>> http://zooppa.com
>> http://www.designbay.com
>> http://99designs.com
>> http://www.designcrowd.com
>> http://www.logodesignguru.com
>> http://www.mistersoft.org
>> http://www.getafreelancer.com

>> the video that inspired this post (apologies - its only on facebook)
>> and the Zooppa video that I saw a week before that made me think

ps. my only question is, why is facebook, information week, and others - seemingly restricting the direct sharing of their videos? Funny that there is still some huge limitations in all this interconnectedness.

time to buy some new tires

I was dissapointed to find out that the tire site Ive been using for the past 2 years upped their pricing (by $20 on the tire I used to buy from them). So I went looking...

Things to think about while you are looking around is: installation price, taxes, shipping, free rotation?, and more.

https://www.tiresavings.com
$50 ($131 total)($32 shipping for 2) Federal Triangle TR918 205/55ZR16

https://www.tirerack.com
$56 ($144 total)($22 shipping for 2) BFGoodrich Traction T/A T 205/55R16

http://www.unsertire.com
$74 (free shipping) 205/55HR16 NEXEN N5000/89H/BSW

I then called my trusted local shop to get a quote.
They only had the NEXEN N5000 for $79(99 installed).

Once you find the cheapest tire you want, do a search on that tire brand and model (ex: Federal Triangle TR918). I clicked on images in Google, then looked at the sites with images, and checked the prices quickly on those sites. I actually found a tire I liked better for just a little more money.

http://tires-easy.com
$54 ($33 shipping for 2) Federal Triangle TR968 215/50 R17 91V

So I went from: $60 Hankook k106 205/55R-16 to a $70 Federal Triangle TR968 215/50 R17 91V (including shipping)

>> FYI - nice tire review site

Borrow from Kiva for U.S. Entrepreneurs

Kiva.org, a great concept has finally come home (on a limited basis - areas of New York, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta and Miami). One of the reasons we are here is to help each other. Kiva enables you to help others by lending them money. If you've got $25 or more in your bank account, why not try lending it?
>> Another take on the move to the U.S.
>> News originally from TechCrunch
>> 2 sites for P2P Lending(Microfinance) - in CHINA

qajack?

Qajack. A social networking, video based, question and answer site (with some reward?). Not sure exactly what will drive this, but it is interesting. And for this society, it gives you another opportunity to show your ego - and therefore - could be popular - just for that. Im curious to hear the variety of answers to the questions I post. And Im sure you've got some questions - now all you need is a web cam.

a New Era o' Beers

So whilst I was with the boys on the annual Hopfest snowboarding trip, we accidentally stumbled across a surprisingly tasty beer - Giddy Up. This reminded me of a recent beer experience that I had at the Decatur beer festival. It stood out, as the best beer that I have had in some time. So much so - I had to take a photo - so that I wouldnt forget (pictured above). Then last night, I was introduced to the Goosinator - which finally sparked this blog post.

Old Heathen (by Weyerbacher, Easton, PA)
http://www.weyerbacher.com/cwo.php?id=7&page_id=24

Giddy Up (by New Belgium, Fort Collins, Colorado)
http://justbeer.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/new-belgium-giddy-up/

Goosinator Doppelbock (by Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, Colorado)
http://beeradvocate.com/forum/read/1144737

Delta DASHED

Dear Delta (an potentially other airlines), I fear that you may be losing touch with the customer. Hopefully not a similar fate of the American auto industry.

First, I would like to assume some of the blame (for not getting to the airport sooner) - but I truly believe that if there was time wasted or spared - that fell on your shoulders.

I arrived at the airport at 7:15am, for an 8:35am flight. I "checked-in" the day before - via your website. I tried to use your kiosk, but it failed to find me in its database. I contacted a nearby employee, who instructed me to goto the service desk. Upon reaching the roped-off line-area, your employee promptly asked "What are you doing here?" (I have to admit, I was a little taken back by such a basic question) But I replied "I'm here to fly on a plane" (she let me thru). Then I patiently waited as time crept by (noticing similar concerns by other people in the line (I did see another couple walk up, was directed to another area - and walked by me on the way to the gates - and I found happiness for them). I finally was called to the service desk at 8am. Your associated informed me that I would not make my flight, and I would be charged an additional $50 "administration fee" to change my flight (which I was told "could not be waved"). I expressed my dissapointement, explained what happened, and asked to speak to a manager. He was very polite, apologized, and called for a manager.
Joe * came over, introduced himself, and said the same thing as your associate. But he would not admit any problem on Deltas fault, and stood by his statement of "we need at least 45mins before your flight to process you". I tried to explain to him that he wasted that 45mins while I waited in line - but it fell on deaf ears.
I chose the only option presented me ($50 to catch the next flight), thanked the service desk guy for his patience, and he thanked me for my attitude (I guess the way I handled it) - and went my way.

The solution to the problem:
I've experienced this before - so it's not out of the question: an employee at the check-in lines looking at each ticket - prioritizing passengers (based on flight times).
Another possibility? Why not address each ticket holder outside the airport as they are coming in (to assess each situation, and capture their arrival time & flight info)? Then another at the entrance of the service desk line (another scan of ticket info). This will only help Delta track process times & passengers with more detail.
I mean after all, you don't really know how long I (and other customers) waited in line - and I would think - you would want to know that info.

What do I want out of this?
A change in service/policy, an apology, $50 refund (for my additional charge), a free round trip ticket? I would be happy with any one of these.

and finally...
Take Care of Your Employees, and your customers will be taken care of? http://academicearth.org/lectures/take-care-your-employees

I also sent this to Delta, if I get a response from them, I will try and post it.

using Google SITES for your next website

We are officially using Google sites for some simple client sites. It allows the wiki access, super easy to setup, you can use Google Forms 01 | 02, use Google Moderator to Crowdsource Group Questions.
The next question is, how to implement ecommerce (adding an ecom componenent - like a module for adding a cart/checkout/etc.).
Most carts are really lacking. This is whats hot now: Magento - an open source cart, php5, object oriented, skins, etc. For custom apps, we're using zend framework and symfony framework.
Here are some easy examples: SummitChase, AlcovySurveying.
This post was completed in part by William Gorman at ContigoTech.com.

thinking about the purchase

One solution could be to take containers back to the grocerystore (or place where you purchase goods), and have them refilled, like: cereal, shampoo, beverages, petfood, etc. But this would have to entail producers of these products to develop a system like this, adopted by the public, and more...
Also - we need to stop purchasing paper towels and napkins. A hand towel, or handkercheif that you can wash - could be a much more sustainable solution to the problem of messes.
Corporations & large companies should have a cleaning staff that sorts recyclables/garbage. And why should there be a garbage can at every employees desk? Doesnt that seem wasteful?
and a slideshow about plastic bags stats/info... and other handy links:
http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/
http://www.compostthis.co.uk/
recycle or donate shoes
http://www.runtheplanet.com/shoes/selectin/recycle.asp
http://ecoworldly.com/
http://blog.ecoflip.org/greenblog/
http://cleantechnica.com
http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/
http://www.grist.org/

universal content server?

Why are we duplicating content? Over, and over and over? Why cant we simply share content - in one location? Or at the very least - torrent it? An example is: my mom sending me a funny video - attached to an email. Why didnt she just send me the URL? It may be, that it all comes down to - ease of use. My mom has no clue what a torrent is. And why would she? Could this be implemented into our email client/web browser somehow? Or could just a link to a specific piece of content work? That way, you can see/listen/view/edit it at any time? Anyone on this?
FYI - a reliable way to make new things: work on overlooked problems