For a BASIC unlock/jailbreak of the 2G iPhone

[Ridge911]

Hi all,
I may be coming into an iPhone soon and will unlock it. I understand how to do it (it has been covered to death), BUT, I am a little confused on the jailbreak issue.

I'm sure there are lots of great apps from Cydia and all, BUT I just want it to work properly without any fuss. I've heard horror stories about "Installer" and I don't know if there are others I should avoid.
In short, I would like the ability to download some minor Cydia apps in the future (games or useful apps) , but that is all. Nothing fancy. NO video editing, picture changing, music morphing, gravity defying apps. What should I download from the iClarified list of programs to do this? If I can unlock the iPhone for T-Mobile and it work like a plain iPhone, I would be happy (Youtube, web browser, phone, ipod).
I've looked at the list that it gives you when you initially unlock, and I am lost on most all of them.
Should I just NOT select anything and then continue the unlock process?

I hope you guys understand my question.
Thanks- ridge

 

[DannyBres]

Use the Pwnage Tool and select Activate the phone, de-select installer and you will be fine!

 

[gilkisson]

Indeed. Avoid Installer exactly as you would a roadkilled raccoon. Install Cydia. From there, you are free to install as little or as much as you wish. The way it ought to be.

I recommend Cycorder, Winterboard, and PDAnet. It's cool to be tooling along at 70+ MPH on the Interstate (wife is driving, not me!!), making a post on MacRumors, all tethered up. Very cool indeed.

Have Fun!