vB Easy Archive - What is the difference between locked and unlocked AT&T handsets?

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What is the difference between locked and unlocked AT&T handsets?
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Posted by: 68Rustang

The title is very vague, I know. Let me explain.

I am finally fed up with VZW. After 10 years with them I am making good on my threats to go to another carrier and will be moving all 7 of our lines to AT&T.

I need two smartphone/PDA devices and 5 regular handsets. Researching on HF I see many people mention buying an "unlocked" handset from somewhere vs. a "locked" one from AT&T. Other than the contract obligation are the phones physically different? One main thing I am looking for something with internal GPS but I will not pay for the AT&T Navigator.

I need Exchange mail. My current devices run WM6.1 and I don't have many issues. I have never used a Blackberry and don't want to set up any new software on my servers. I am looking at the e71 but haven't touched one yet? When is the next iPhone due?

Posted by: damba98

It's always helpful

.

Buying an unlocked handset also means you aren't contractually obligated to continue with a carrier since it's not locked to their service/network. In this sense you could for example buy an unlocked GSM/UMTS handset and use it on either ATT or T-Mo (depending on which frequencies it had.). Along with having the correct frequencies, all you need to do is pop in the new SIM card and possibly configuring the handset for data/MMS,etc. Buying a subsidized handset means there is some fixed time that you are required to stay with a carrier, otherwise you pay the penalty ETF for leaving early (just like Verizon).

If you already like WM6.1 and are familiar with the email setttings, etc., you could choose a Fuze or an upcoming HTC model since you would get a very nice discount as a new customer. After 90 days you would be eligible for ATT to provide you w/ an unlock code should you later on wish to make it easier to sell down the road. I won't touch the iPhone since there are about a million other threads on the topic you touch on

.

hth,
Pedro

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Rustang

The title is very vague, I know. Let me explain.

I am finally fed up with VZW. After 10 years with them I am making good on my threats to go to another carrier and will be moving all 7 of our lines to AT&T.

I need two smartphone/PDA devices and 5 regular handsets. Researching on HF I see many people mention buying an "unlocked" handset from somewhere vs. a "locked" one from AT&T. Other than the contract obligation are the phones physically different? One main thing I am looking for something with internal GPS but I will not pay for the AT&T Navigator.

I need Exchange mail. My current devices run WM6.1 and I don't have many issues. I have never used a Blackberry and don't want to set up any new software on my servers. I am looking at the e71 but haven't touched one yet? When is the next iPhone due?

Posted by: damba98

Sorry, I meant to also touch on the GPS topic...

If you stuck w/ WM you could simply purchase and install Tom Tom, which is wonderful software IMO, or use Google Maps, which is also good (and free). Neither requires a monthly subscription.

-Pedro

Posted by: RogerPodacter

basically you can buy the phone from the carrier, i.e. ATT, or you can buy the unlocked and unbranded version directly from the manufacturer. the unlocked unbranded version is always better. all restrictions are removed, like the ability select gsm, 3g, or dual mode. also there are no limits on mp3 ringtones. also, the GPS can be used with any gps application out there.

there are many advantages buying unlocked handsets. i purchase only unlocked handsets for the last few years now. its great because you can pick up some nice Euro phones that arent sold in the USA and they are usually more advanced than any phone sold here in the states. and you avoid signing the 2 year contract as well.

many people isgn the contract with ATT, pic a phone and sell it for profit, and use that money to buy a better unlocked phone online.

Posted by: 68Rustang

Thank you for the reply. I understand the locked vs. unlocked inregards to the contract. VZW has a nasty habit of crippling their devices to try and force customers to pay for their subscription services. Does AT&T do anything similar? My current smartphones are SMT5800s which, I think, are made by HTC. As released from the OEM the device is equipped with GPS, WiFi, a whole host of Bluetooth capabilities, etc. VZW strips the functionality from the software and or in the case of the WiFi and GPS actually has the hardware stripped from phone.

Looking through the AT&T website I see many of the phones mention aGPS for use with AT&T Navigator but nothing specific about "real" GPS.

Does AT&T pull the same crap VZW does?

Posted by: damba98

I believe there are some ATT phones that have GPS locked, but I honestly don't have a specific list. There are some GPS related threads if you do a little searching though.

Like I said in my previous post, on the Fuze (and on my Tilt), you would get access to the internal GPS. It works well for me via Live maps, Google maps & Tom Tom. When I went to Poland last year I downloaded some maps just to get my feet wet w/ Tom Tom & GPS in general on a mobile device

. Nothing like the Verizon crippled device crap you had to deal with. There's so much flexibility it's wonderful

.

-Pedro

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Rustang

Thank you for the reply. I understand the locked vs. unlocked inregards to the contract. VZW has a nasty habit of crippling their devices to try and force customers to pay for their subscription services. Does AT&T do anything similar? My current smartphones are SMT5800s which, I think, are made by HTC. As released from the OEM the device is equipped with GPS, WiFi, a whole host of Bluetooth capabilities, etc. VZW strips the functionality from the software and or in the case of the WiFi and GPS actually has the hardware stripped from phone.

Looking through the AT&T website I see many of the phones mention aGPS for use with AT&T Navigator but nothing specific about "real" GPS.

Does AT&T pull the same crap VZW does?