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Free the iPhone from AT&T

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the well-it-is-the-fourth-of-july dept.

Acererak was one of several readers who noted that DVD Jon has released information on unbricking an iPhone. You sacrifice all cel phone functionality of course, but you have an iPDA that will work on your WiFi. Currently the hack is windows only but it doesn't look very complicated.

4 of 314 comments (clear)

  1. Unlocking a Cell Phone is LEGAL by MCSEBear · · Score: 5, Informative
    From Ars Technia -- November 24, 2006

    The newest list of exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is out, and the Register of Copyrights is recommending six exemptions this time around. If you've been hankering for the legal authority to remove Sony's rootkit or to unlock your cell phone, then this will be big news. If you were hoping for the ability to make backup copies of your legally purchased DVDs, you're (still) out of luck.

    Exemptions are allowed for 1) the educational library of a university's media studies department, in order to watch film clips in class; 2) using computer software that requires the original disks or hardware in order to run; 3) dongle-protected computer programs, if the the dongle no longer functions and a replacement cannot be found; 4) protected e-books, in order to use screen-reader software; 5) cell phone firmware that ties a phone to a specific wireless network; and 6) DRM software included on audio CDs, but only when such software creates security vulnerabilities on personal computers. You are allowed to unlock your cell phone no matter what Apple or AT&T think about it. They can't sue DVD Jon for breaking their bullshit attempts to control hardware that they have sold. The purchaser can do what they want with their own phone.

    Whole article is at: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061124-8280 .html
  2. Re:Yeah make it worthless, then I can afford one!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Tapwave Zodiac :)

    Cool factor > Still looks cool to this day!

    User interface > Yup its pretty nice touch screen interface

    Wifi > With an SDIO card yeah

    Almost full featured browser > yup got that too

    Full screen > tis a pretty big screen

    Video player > hardware mpeg4 decoder built in :D

    plus it plays emulators and has tonnes of over features :)

    f*ck the iphone get a Zodiac off ebay now!

  3. Or... by dwightk · · Score: 5, Informative

    1. Buy the phone 2. activate it through Apple 3. Cancel the plan within 2 days

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    Like anyone can even know that
  4. Why risk it? by NMerriam · · Score: 5, Informative

    Wouldn't it be a lot simpler to just use 999-99-9999 as the SS# when signing up for AT&T, which allows you to buy a prepaid phone plan? Then you pay $30, get access to the iPhone, have no AT&T contract, and can even use it to make phone calls if the mood ever strikes you. You also don't miss out on the software updates and new features Apple has already said are coming, and someday when someone offer unlocking for $50 you can get that done as well.

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    Recursive: Adj. See Recursive.