//Thoughts on the Jailbreak Scene
Originally posted on T3chH3lp by Sean Zahrae
With iOS4 finally out and thousands of iPhone and iPod touch users flocking towards the new operating system, many people are finding themselves disappointed with the features that were allowed on their device. All idevices (except for the original iPhone and the iPod Touch 1 gen) get the new springboard dock and basic features such as folders and a unified inbox, but Apple has disabled other features such as multitasking or home screen wallpapers on all devices other than the 3GS and the new iPhone 4. With these key features missing, users feel left out in the cold unless they slap down another $200 or more for an ungraded device.
Enter:Jailbreaking
Jailbreaking is a common term used among iPhone enthusiats that refers to a process where an application called Cydia is installed on the iDevice and allows for any code, third party applications and add-ons not approved by Apple, to be installed on the iPhone or iPod. With iOS 4, however, jailbreaking opens up features in iOS 4 locked down by Apple to users with devices lower than the 3GS or iPod touch 3G.
With all these features missing from iOS4 enabled with just a few clicks, thousands of iPhone 3G and iPod touch users are jailbreaking their devices without the faintest idea of what jailbreaking really does:
Advantages:
- Install applications from thousands of other sources and not just the App Store (GBA Emulator, video recording software,etc.)
- Enable iOS4 features on the iPod Touch 2G and iPhone 3G and even the original iPhone
- Unlock your iPhone for other carriers such as T-Mobile
- Enable tethering on your iPhone without calling AT&T and changing your internet plan.
- and much much more.
With advantages, however, come disadvantages…
Disadvantages:
- Although tutorials are out to jailbreak just about every Apple device out there, one slip up can “brick” your iPod/iPhone and cost you your device
- Apple Warranty = Voided
- Your device DOES slow down, I even noticed it on my 3GS (Unlocked/Jailbroken)
Personally, I’m on a different carrier than AT&T which requires my iPhone 3GS to be unlocked and jailbroken, Even if I was with an offical carrier (AT&T), however, I’m sure that I would still eventaully jailbreak. The way that I intend to use my iPhone is close to that of a power user with Cydia applications and addons that help me with daily tasks. With that said, take a look at Jailbreaking and see what it can offer you, if the pros outweigh the cons, go ahead and check it out! If you don’t like it, just plug it into iTunes and just click restore.
