iPhone - Things to Purchase on eBay

(left-click to enlarge any pic)

06/22/11 - Do not try to install a larger battery in the 3GS model, as it is very difficult and can cause the phone to not work correctly.

Apple has made it very difficult by placing the battery under everything and they charge approx $90 to replace it via a qualified repair person.

by being selective about what functions are running, you can ensure thre battery will last at least one complete day.

05/21/10 - The FM Transmitter and Charger is a very good buy at $5.65 (includes shipping) and has the best reception I have seen on these devices. Just plug into your iPhone and cigarette lighter and your iPhone is charging while you listen to your iPod songs.

04/28/10 - The cable and charging dock is now my new iPhone charger and alarm clock. It goes into the stand each night ... no need to worry about battery getting low. $3.45 (includes delivery).

04/16/10 - The first car windshield mount is rigid but shorter. The second one has a flexible neck. Both are very helpful in keeping the iPhone accessible ... especially for hands-free calls and GPS (see $.99 GPS app purchase).

The Rubber case is also quite useful and keeps the iPhone from sliding around.

The waterproof case will be useful in the rain or when in a canoe.

04/08/10 - After a few weeks with the iPhone, I am very satisfied with its features and performance. The only criticism is battery longevity

One of my purchases (below) is a replacemet battery with 50% longer charge time than the original ... $4.99 total cost. Better than the battery replacement program offered by Apple ($80 before taxes).

03/28/10 - Here is a list of things I have purchased lately on eBay ... along with the price (total) I paid.

As you can see, retail stores cannot come close to these prices.

At these prices, you would think the quality is sub-standard but that is not the case. Quality has been exceptional (in most cases). I don't understand how they make money at these prices.

However, if you haven't used eBay before, there are some things you need to understand to be confident you won't make a mistake. Let me know if you want some assistance/guidance.

1. Screen Lens Glass Replacement - $4.42 - in case of scratches

2. External 1900mAh Backup Battery +Cable - $9.09 - in case i run out of battery and can't charge

3. White Silicone Skin Case cover - $.99 - protects and non-slip

4. HOT HARD Case Skin Cover - $2.31 - bid a little high on this one

5. 6 PCS Clear Screen Protector Cover - $.83 - protect from scratches

6. Rubber iPhone skin Cover - $.31 - backup to other silicone skin

7. Waterproof Case Pouch + Armband - $3.98 - good to 20M depth

8. Car Mount Holder Stand Cradle - $5.06 - firm mount to the windshield

9. Larger Battery - $4.99 - 1600 mAh vs 1220 mAh - original battery doesn't last very long under certain conditions

10. Mini Car Charger (USB) - $2.00 - charge your iPhone quickly with this cigarette lighter adapter

11. Car Holder With Vent Clips - $2.00 - holds iPhone to windshield

12. USB Cable & Dock, Black - $2.00 - use as a charger and bedside alarm clock

13. MP3 car cable - $2.59 - connect to car MP3 player

14. FM Transmitter and charger - $5.65 - for cars without MP3 player ability

15. Belt Clip - $2.00 - easy access (golf course, hiking with GPS, etc)

iPhone - Putting songs on iPhone

05.16.11: This is an updated blog item from 2010.

I do this this on my 3GS iPhone periodically.

This is for Windows 7 users only.

iTunes may try to suggest you buy their songs in order to add to your iPhone ... but that is not the case.

As you are aware, iPhones have an IPod section where all your songs are contained. Apple tries to make it a problem to add your songs (vs their paid-for songs). 

Here are the steps to move your PC songs to your iPhone:

1. start iTunes on your desktop but don't connect the USB cable yet

2. to add a folder of songs on your PC to the iTunes Music folder, in iTunes, go to" File" - "Add Folder to Library" - select the folder and click on "select folder" and it will move all the songs in that folder

To add a song to the iTunes Music library in iTunes, go to "File" - "Add File to Library" - then select the specific MP3 file

3. when you have included all the songs, attach the USB cable from your PC to your iPhone

4. If you have automatically allowed sync (which you shouldn't) it will begin to sync immediately. Otherwise, right-click "DEVICES" in iTunes (see pic) and select "sync".

4. selective sync of music items (aka moving songs to your iPhone from your PC) is now happening (see pic)

6. when sync has finished (may take a while), unplug the iPhone

iPhone - Jailbreak and Unlock

These jailbreak and unlock procedures allow for enabling 3rd party apps to be installed on your 3Gs iPhone (jailbreak) and enabling use with any other carrier supporting iPhones (unlock).

The first thing to understand is iTunes controls your 3Gs iPhone.

iTunes also enables you to restore your original factory software.

iTunes is the method for synchronizing your 3Gs iPhone with your PC.

iTunes is your connection to the iPhone apps store .

Be sure you have the current version of iTunes installed on your PC, before considering jailbreaking and/or unlocking.

Further down in this item, you will see how to move songs from your PC to iTunes and then to your 3Gs iPhone.

Caveats:

Do not undertake jailbreak and unlock, if you are concerned about warranty of your 3Gs iPhone while jailbroken.

Do not consider, if you have concerns about not keeping your iPhone to factory specifications ... and are in doubt about the legality.

You can easily restore your warranty approved system via iTunes, at any time.

Reasons to Jailbreak:

• install 3rd party applications rejected by Apple
• video recording
• changing the look and feel with custom graphics and themes
• free tethering
• enable unlocking your iPhone

Reasons to Unlock:

• international use
• use with other north american 3Gs iPhone carriers

How To Jailbreak and then Unlock a 3Gs iPhone

1. check your 3GS iPhone settings for Version and Firmware (Settings -> General -> About)

2. 05/05/10 - there is now a procedure for 3GS Version 3.1.3 but I suggest waiting a few weeks before reviewing further

2. Review the differences between jailbreak and unlock

3. If your Version is 3.1.2, follow the procedure for jailbreaking a 3GS iPhone with Version 3.1.2

4. To then unlock Version 3.1.2, initiate Sn0w (step 8 in the above procedure)

If you run into any problem, go to the iPhone Blog Forum and check previous problems/answers and ask your question.