Very stupid question(s)... (unlock phone and install a game)

[MrCrispy]

As they say, the first step is admitting you have a problem. That being said, I'm more than willing to admit that I'm an idiot.

I read a bunch of posts and tried searching but to no avail. Apparently the questions I have are so obvious it doesn't need to be asked:

I want to unlock my phone and just install a game or something. I have at&t and I'm fine with that. I was looking into ipwned and it seems like the safest route (specifically not causing too many problems in the long run). What options should I use to just leave it still on the network?

At the same time, if I've already activated it by the normal means is that going to cause a problem?

There, I've swallowed my pride and asked. Feel free to call me noob and other things. I can take it. As long as someone answers my questions its worth it.

 

[Zwhaler]

Noob

But seriously, don't do anything until you get some responses to this thread. It seems to me that you want to Jailbreak your iPhone, meaning that you want to have the ability to put games or other applications on it. Pwning is not the solution to this, and out of every available option, you not only will not solve your problem by using it, there is a high risk of bricking (permanantly ruining, software-wise) your iPhone, especially if you don't know what you are doing. Am I on the right track so far? If so, let me know if you are using a PC or Mac, so I can point you to some good Jailbreaking software.

Oh, and welcome to MacRumors

 

[MrCrispy]

ok then

Thanks for the welcome!

I'm using a mac for this. I'm not a complete noob to computers (I've worked as a network admin for about...yeesh....8 years. dang I need a new job). I just like to make sure all my questions are answered before I do anything.

My biggest concern is being able to cleanly upgrade to the new firmware when it comes out.

UPDATE!
According to a few PM's I've gotten (thanks granka and others), I should still use the pwnage tool. The only difference being that I just don't neuter the bootloader. Considering my dog is still mad at me for that I think my iphone will be thankful as well. From the way it seems, if I just make sure none of the items are checked during the pwning process then it will just jailbreak it and be on its merry way.

Before I start the process, thus potentially changing my life forever (and finally being able to play a game on this thing. I've been forced to actually pay attention in company meetings so far), does anyone see anything that makes you say "STOP YOU FOOL!"?

One big question still remains, however: will I have to activate the phone with at&t again when this is all over or will it be sync'd and kind of back to where it was before just with the ability to install stuff?

 

[Oskee2001]

i'd be interested in hearing how this all goes for you because i'm in the same situation....i'm on an official at&t plan and only want to jailbreak, but i haven't because i'm nervous about causing any damage. Let me know what steps you took and how it worked out. Thank you!

 

[cheekybobcat]

You might want to wait for the SDK before deciding to jailbreak, especially if you have the official AT&T plan. I don't really see a point in jailbreaking with the SDK right around the corner.

 

[Oskee2001]

point well taken....i've been considering just staying put as well.

 

[fishkorp]

You might want to wait for the SDK before deciding to jailbreak, especially if you have the official AT&T plan. I don't really see a point in jailbreaking with the SDK right around the corner.

Just to clarify, the SDK has been out since March. I think you mean the 2.0 software that will let you install official 3rd party applications? The SDK is what allows people to write the programs, not run them.

And there's still very much a point in jailbreaking for some people. The SDK has some restrictions and limitation, like no background processes. Many people will still have a want/need for jailbroken phones.