Tags: Halo, Halo 3, screenshots, kills, pwned, print, services, canvas, professional, gamertag, xbox 360

Due to the amount of email I got for my last iPhone 3G unlock post, I wanted to put together a few FAQs that will hopefully answer any questions you have about Activating, Unlocking and Jailbreaking. There are plenty of great sources for getting started on the process on so I am not going to give a full tutorial. This is just some Need to Know’s:

You can find perfectly good tutorials on the iPhone-Dev Team Blog or great Tutorials with Video step by steps at iClarified. These are just the in and outs of what to expect for your device and the state that it is in.

*As per my previous post, you CANNOT unlock an iPhone 3G with software 2.2.1, and Baseband 2.30.03. If you have upgraded you are out of luck until the geniuses at iphone-dev.org, release an upgraded unlock for this. *

- Important for OSX 10.5.6 users: Before you do anything with either the iPhone 3G or iPhone 2G, as far as Activating, Jailbreaking, and Unlocking are concerned, make sure you fix “DFU bug” introuduced in Leopard 10.5.6, that will keep you from putting the iPhone in DFU mode. This will keep you from successfully doing any Jailbreaking, or Unlocking. Here is how to temporarily downgrade:

- You will go to: http://developer.apple.com/hardwaredrivers/download/usbdebug.html
- If you have to Sign In or Sign Up go ahead and do so, to get to the download page.
- Download IOUSBFamily.kext 3.1.5 for 10.5.5 (Place this in a folder on your desktop named 10.5.5)
- Download IOUSBFamily.kext 3.2.7 for 10.5.6 (Place this in a folder on your desktop named 10.5.6)
- Once you have them downloaded, eject and unplug all of your USB devices except for the mouse and keyboard, then run the installer package you downloaded for 10.5.5 - IOUSBFamily.kext 3.1.5.
- Reboot your Mac, and you are ready to rock with QuickPwn or PwnageTool.
- Do everything you have to, and once you are done with QuickPwn or PwnageTool, the run the installer for 10.5.6 - IOUSBFamily.kext 3.2.7, Reboot and you will be back to normal.

**Failing to re-install the USB family 3.2.7 will result in Kernel Panics every time you plug in a USB device.

- When you are in DFU mode the screen will usually be completely black, so if your iTunes reads your iPhone in restore mode, then do not mess with it.

- When using PwnageTool or QuickPwn: If you get an error when trying to install your custom .ipsw on your iPhone in iTunes, the ipsw is probably corrupt or you did not put the phone in restore mode correctly. If this happens:

• Take phone out of restore mode- From black screen, press and hold both Power button and Home button for 10 seconds, then release the Home button. You should see the Apple Logo and the iPhone should return to it’s normal state.
• Now whether you are using PwnageTool or QuickPwn, simply start over. sometimes it takes a couple of tries.

Tags: iphone, 2g, 3g, jailbreak, unlock, getting started, DIY, quickpwn, yellowsn0w, pwnagetool, restore, DFU, steps, Mac, IOUSBFamily

I have always liked Best Skins Ever for all of my electronic devices, but when I buckled down and picked up an iPhone 3G, there was something that kept me from keeping only the protective shields on it. On the black iPhone 3G they look great, just because clear on black is virtually invisible, but on the white 16GB iPhone 3G, you should see the lint gather on the ends of the shield, and put the brilliant white in a darker hue, which just was not working out.

I looked around and knew that I was not concerned with dropping my iPhone as much as I was concerned scratching the back of it when setting it down. I looked for the tightest, most form fitting case that offered the best protection, without sacrificing and of the slim design. I walked out with two cases, and decided on only one. This was the iSkin Solo.

In case you are wondering what the other case was, that did not stand up to my tests, it was the Power Support Air Jacket. This was my first choice, and ideal because of the thin plastic and minimal bulk added to the iPhone. I had it for about a week, and it looked like absolute crap and had two significant stress cracks on the bottom, after normal use. This case is mediocre at best, and not worth the $34 price tag.

Although I am sure there are a few other cases people will prefer, I settled on the iSkin Solo. This case has a nice flexible plastic/rubber material that feels virtually indestructible. It adds little bulk and fits easy in the pocket. I would highly suggest it. So it is essentially as awesome as a really good silicone case, with a smooth plastic feel. It comes in 4 colors - Red, Blue, Black, and White. This iSkin Solo also comes in a “fashionable” version called Solo FX, which has one of those mirror like screen protectors and a sort of snazzy design on the case. This option is not my sort of thing, but will surely suit many iPhone owners. Check em out HERE.

If you are thinking about this case check out the photos and the iSkin website for information. I am not trying to influence what case you decide on because obviously everyone has different tastes, but if you are looking into this particular one, it is a home run.


By the way, I have the clear one which is no longer sold by iSkin. This version was only sold as a package with the holster (which I will never use) called ‘The Duet’ so if you are looking for this clear option to show off the Apple logo, etc. look on eBay.

-Jake

Tags: iphone, iskin, solo, clear, revo 2, Air Jacket, cases, silicone, crappy, iPhone 3g, scratches, best skins ever, bodyguardz

Being as nerdy as I am, I was more than excited to get my iMac last week. Little did I know I would not be getting it, and I would have the most horrible ordeal I have ever dealt with. It goes a little something like this:

Keep in mind I usually get packages from FedEx in about 2 business days whenever ordering from Apple...

March 9th - Placed my order for refurbished 24” iMac through Apple Store Online.
March 10th and 11th - FedEx does not work
March 12th - In transit
March 13th - Tracking shows that I am to get the iMac on this day. I am home. No one comes, and there is no door tag. Tracking states they attempted delivery. Something seems fishy, but I take the blame, assuming they came and I missed em.
March 14th - Wait all day (starting at 7am) for the iMac, with the TV turned down enough so that I can hear the door. Tracking shows they have not come yet, so I am good. Randomly check tracking around 3pm to find the same message, saying that they “Attempted Delivery”. Since I know They will not be working on Sunday or Monday I call FedEx to see what the hell was going on.

Me: Hi I missed delivery yesterday, did not get a door tag. I intentionally stayed home all day to receive the package today but you guys are saying, again, that I was not home? I am home and the office is open (I live at an apartment complex, and the package only required an indirect signature)
FedEx: Well it shows here that they did, what time does it say they went on the door tag?
Me: ........... There was no door tag, they didn’t come.
FedEx : Really? No door tag?? I’m sorry about that, let me try and find out what is going on.
On Hold for about 10 minutes
FedEx - Well it looks like they only had a zip code for that package and no address, which is why it hasn’t got to you.
Me: Who told you that? Whoever it was, tell them that is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. I will tell you what’s happening, Your driver is claiming to attempt delivery but it is obvious bullshit. He probably at happy hour, not doing a god damn thing.
FedEx: *laughs* (she knows I’m right)
Me: I will go pick it up. Where should I go?
FedEx: You can’t unfortunately, that is only for Express deliveries, not Ground. The driver sent to you is contracted by the Main driver in the area, and we are trying to get in contact with him so that he can go deliver it today. If he cannot make it today, they will try again on Tuesday.
Me: How’s monday? I would like it then. I think if I can work around their schedule for two full days, they can accommodate me for one.
FedEx: Since our drivers work on Saturday they have Monday.
Me: *Sigh* Get a hold of them and call me back when they are on their way please.

At this point I know I am not getting a thing until Tuesday and give up. I have someone stay at my apartment to sign for it on Tuesday, and the iMac arrives. I come to an enormous box in the middle of my living room the size of my coffee table. I tell myself that I know Apple does not ship like this, and looked very strange. Disregarding the extremely large packaging, I carefully opened the box to find what looked like a dumpster full of trash when opened. Everything was just thrown in the box and the iMac itself was lying upside down with no protection. Everything seems fairly in tact. I get everything out of the box in an orderly fashion. Soon I start to forget about all of the trouble and time I wasted trying to get this machine, and proceed to take the protective foam around the iMac off. Looked perfect until I glance at the screen and notice 2 cracks going right across the middle. Obviously I am furious.




I look at the box again and notice a little FedEx sticker that says:
“We regret that you package was damaged in transit”
and a box is check marked that states: “Your package has been repacked”.

I simply say: “This has to be a joke.” I guess I should have thanked them for repackaging my broken computer.

The only winner here is Apple Online Store support. I immediately call them They sympathize, issue a $100 credit and set up an Overnight replacement as soon as I send back the other one. They email me a label for return, so I tape the box up and take it to a Fedex/Kinkos and the replacement. The replacement was sent out the next day since Apple got confirmation that I sent out the broken one.

This may not sound like a lot, but when it is actually happening to you you’ll get it. I’m just venting.
Thanks I feel much better.

-Jake

Tags: fedex, imac, apple, shipping, incompitent, assholes, home delivery, contracted, drivers

If you are dumb, like me, and accidently upgraded your iPhone 3G to firmware 2.2.1 without using Pwnage Tool , then you might find yourself with nothing but an iPod touch at this point. The reason is that, there is not an “out of the box” soft unlock for software version 2.2.1/baseband 02.30 on the iPhone 3G. There are quite a few people asking, so here are the most common answers when it comes to unlocking your iPhone 3G:

- If you have Baseband 02.30 (Settings > General > About > Modem Firmware), then you cannot use YellowSn0w to unlock, simply because it only works on 02.28.

- You CANNOT downgrade the Baseband at all.

- YellowSn0w is the only software unlock available (praise the iPhone-dev Team) and is FREE. This means you should not pay money for any software to “unlock” your iPhone 3G.- Usually 3rd party sellers are just talking about Jailbreaking but will refer to it as “Unlocking” to trick you.

- Factory Unlocked iPhone’s do exist and are legit, but cost a pretty penny - Check out ImportGSM

- If you have an iPhone 2G (any version) you can simply upgrade via iTunes and Jailbreak/Unlock with QuickPwn - Easy

Now if you have your iPhone 3G upgraded to 2.2.1 and you are on BaseBand 02.30, then you have one choice: SIM adapter. This is just a small piece of plastic, with a tiny chip on it, that will ‘’piggy-back’’ your Carriers sim card. This will ultimately unlock your iPhone. I would just use this as a temporary fix until the Dev Team releases a software unlock for the upgraded baseband. You can get these on eBay for around $10. There are a tone of them, and I could not say which works best, but I got the i-smartphone sim,and it works great.

Before you would need to cut your original SIM card to fit the chip in but they make these adapters so thin, that it is unnecessary to do so now. Once you get the adapter, follow the steps:

- Eject the SIM tray on your iPhone 3G
- Line up the adapter with your carrier SIM card
- Slide the try back in with the SIM and SIM adapter in place
- Done.
- Edge, GPS, SMS, .....Everything works.



Now when you initially do this it can take up to about 5 minutes to catch the signal. I would suggest either rebooting the iPhone, or going into Airplane Mode, then back online.



The only issue I have come across is you will lose signal and it will not reconnect. You will get a “NO SIM” or “NO SIGNAL” error. This can happen from time to time (not often). I spent alot of time figuring out that your SIM card will go into “No Service Mode” if this happens, and it is your job to reactivate.
Here is the fix:
- First make sure that you leave it alone for a while. It may try to connect up to 3 times before giving up.
- If the iPhone does not connect to the network, you will need to: take out the SIM > put it in another phone without the adapter > Make a call > Put the SIM + SIM adapter back in >Voila, fixed.

Let me know if you have any questions about this unlock option. Good luck!
-Jake

Tags: iphone, 3g, unlock, smart sim, gevey, i-smartphone, yellowsnow, baseband, 2.2.1, 02.30, 02.28, how-to, error, no sim, no service, fix

I just ordered a 24”, 2.8GHZ, 2GB RAM, 320GB Hard Drive, iMac for $500 less than regular price.
How did I manage to pay that much less? Buy Refurbished.

The Refurbished Macs come with the standard 1 Year Apple Care warranty, and you can purchase the 3 year extension. I cannot give you any details on physical condition of the product, and how it is packaged and shipped. It will arrive this weekend, where I will have an in depth review on the refurbished iMac, and let you know if you are better off buying new.

-Jake

Tags: Mac, apple, store, refurbished, applecare, genuis, imac, macbook, macbook pro, used, new

So after much deliberation, advice and testing, I have finally chose to move from my bad ass Blackberry Curve 8900 to an iPhone 3G. I have to say for anyone looking to move to a Blackberry from an iPhone: Do it. They are some of the best handhelds on the market now, and the only thing Blackberry lacks is Applications. This is what pushed my decision to the iPhone.



Although Blackberry has the features we are looking for in a mobile phone(physical keyboard, seamless video recording, reliable email, killer battery life and beautiful hardware designs) it is hard to ignore the business level usability. We cannot forget that Blackberry was aimed more toward the business consumer, and is just now appealing to a new generation of users.

The new line of devices, like the Storm, Bold, and Curve 8900 are more appealing than ever, although as you are using them you cannot help but feel that the applications that are meant to keep you connected with your social networks and friends are pretty utilitarian. With the release of the Blackberry Application Center this may change.

For now the iPhone applications have done nothing but got 10x better since the last time I have used an iPhone. This gives me the faith to jump back on the iPhone wagon. Word. I’m going to play Touchgrind now.

**If you have any questions on either of these devices feel free to email me or comment below**

-Jake

Tags: blackberry, 8900, curve, t-mobile, unlocked, iphone, 3g, apps, vs, winner

Here is a list of the cellular devices I have used this past year:
iPhone 2G ---> Nokia N95-4 ---> iPhone 2G Again ---> T-Mobile G1 ---> Blackberry Bold...
This is where I am starting my new journey.

I have recently become infatuated with using a Blackberry after giving up my G1. They are probably the best phones on the market right now, and are starting to reach that consumer level, not sticking with the business image. I had a Blackberry Bold, which was absolutely amazing. Once I heard the Curve 8900 would be hitting T-Mobile, I utilized my contract and swapped out.

The Blackberry Curve 8900 experience is everything I expected it to be, with the exception of T-Mobile’s lack of supply for demand. As about a week past, I felt like I needed to try out the iPhone again. I know I left it because of the lack of a physical keyboard, and no 3G unlock (at the time). Long story short, I have in my hands an Unlocked Apple iPhone 3G and the brand new T-Mobile Blackberry Curve 8900. I am going through some serious evaluating and will let you know who ends up on eBay and why very soon. Stay tuned.

-Jake

Tags: iphone 3g, apple, blackberry, storm, curve, javelin,comparison

Due to the recent downfall of our economy, I was having trouble making ends meet, and had to sell my new Aluminum Macbook to pay rent :(. Anyway I found myself purchasing a used iBook G4(1.33GHZ, 1GB RAM) for my day to day use, and the first thing I wanted to do was reformat the hard drive and get a fresh install of 10.5 on it. Of course, my luck would result in the optical drive not working, leaving me with a new adventure trying to install leopard with an install disk but no DVD drive. If you find yourself in this situation with your PowerPC here is just some information you need

Make sure you have:

-Leopard Install DVD (I do not condone pirating OSX from a torrent site or anything like that). In this case I used my Leopard Family pack Install DVD. Consider this making a “Backup” of your legit DVD.
-External Hard drive with Firewire port. On the G4’s you will not be able to boot from a USB dive, it will HAVE to be Firewire. If you try to boot from a USB you will get an error.

*To cut down on Space, for a faster install, use Carbon Copy Cloner to create an image from the DVD, and strip OSX of its localized languages, and printer drivers you will never use.*

Obviously this would have to me set up on another Mac, if the Optical Drive does not work:
Insert the Install DVD > Open Disk Utility
Format the External drive with sufficient space for the DVD. I just partitioned 10GB as “Apple Partition Map”
Once you have partitioned the Hard Drive
Click the Restore Tab and drag the Install DVD listed on the left into the “Source” field.
Then drag the APM image to the “Destination” Field
Click Restore.

This will create the image you need to boot up on your G4. Grab some coffee because it will take a while. It will also look like it is stuck sometimes, but just let it do it’s thang... This is not really a tutorial, just more of an FYI for people who are in the same situation I was in. Good luck
- Jake

Tags: mac, ibook, external, osx, leopard, firewire, iso, install, PowerPC, G4

This past thursday I ordered the brand, spanking new Blackberry Curve 8900 from T-Mobile. Little did I know that I would be facing one of the biggest FAILS T-Mobile has ever conjured, in my 6 years of having service with them. To make things short, it seems as though people are simply not getting their new Blackberry’s. Order shipments seem very scarce, resulting in customers who ordered Thursday, receiving on Friday, Customers that ordered Wednesday, still have not received them, and others not even getting confirmation of the order.

I personally ordered on Thursday afternoon, so considering the history I have ordering with T-Mobile, I should have seen the phone this Saturday. I called them Yesterday and they said my phone is “Pending shipment” due to the overwhelming amount of orders they had as of Thursday. Obviously this is complete bull!@#$ and I am going to try and shed some light for people going through this same issue. Here are some things you can use to try and figure out what the crap is going on, since you cannot get a straight answer from CSR’s at T-Mobile:

- “Pending Shipment” essentially means they don’t have shit, and are trying to cover up for something they mean to fix right away. I think this means they might be getting a new shipment soon and do not want to say “BACKORDERED”

- Business customers got their bulk order of this phone first, before consumer-level customers, which makes it even more likely that they ran out of stock, not anticipating the 8900 would be in such high demand.

- The defective units have also caused a big issue. There are faulty keyboards, camera lenses, and software problems, that have been reported with the first batch of phones. Returns, and exchanges have probably attributed to low stock and delay.

- The online store does not say they are Backordered or Out of Stock.

In any event it sucks, so if you guys have any inside information on what is happening, let me know. At this point there is only one advantage to waiting for the phone, and that is: If they are replacing defective units this will save you the headache of having to exchange it later. But if you are in dire need: Call them, fight to cancel the order and find one at your local T-Mobile Store. Good Luck.


-Jake

Tags: blackberry, T-mobile, backorder, 8900, javelin, dang, Crackberry