Video: What is an Unlocked Phone

[Ed Hardy]

It's unfortunate that the unlocked phones are often the best on the market.

I'm not sure what caused the U.S. carriers to bypass the HTC Touch HD, but it was far, far better than the Touch Diamond, which was widely available.

And there's no interest from these carriers in the Nokia N97, either.
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[Antoine Wright]

It's unfortunate that the unlocked phones are often the best on the market.

I'm not sure what caused the U.S. carriers to bypass the HTC Touch HD, but it was far, far better than the Touch Diamond, which was widely available.

And there's no interest from these carriers in the Nokia N97, either.
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Sometimes, its the price of them doing a subsidy that's a turn off. Othertimes its the reputation of another device already in their stable that might get knocked off its perch.

[Holster]

I am considering buying my first unlocked phone. My 8525 is ready for retirement and AT&T doesn't have anything I am interested in or they have added so much bloatware that it is almost unusable. I have some questions about unlocked phones. (1) How can I tell if a phone is an international or US version? (2) Does it make a difference if it is US or international? (3) What are some TRUST-WORTHY sites/places to buy an unlocked phone from? I don't do a lot of internet commerce and could use a couple suggestions.

[Antoine Wright]

(1) How can I tell if a phone is an international or US version? (2) Does it make a difference if it is US or international? (3) What are some TRUST-WORTHY sites/places to buy an unlocked phone from? I don't do a lot of internet commerce and could use a couple suggestions.

(1) If the phone says "quad-band" or has the numbers 850/900/1800/1900 then you will be able to use it equally well in the US as well as overseas. If its missing he 850 portion, then its a phone made for European/Asian/African markets moreso than North American ones.

(2) The only difference of note is that you can travel to other countries, and all that you'd need is a new SIM card in order to use the mobile. Or, you'd be able to use an international plan with your current carrier and just simply use the mobile as you would in your home country.

(3) That's a list to put together; I'll let someone else tackle that one

[Holster]

Thanks AWright! That's some useful information. The whole international vs US thing was really bugging me. I'm not a data plan user, so 3g/no 3g isn't an issue for me, but I do want the dern thing to work as a phone!