Sharp IS03, introduction and shamefully embarrassing newbie questions?

Putti P

New member
Hello

My name is Peter and I live in japan (though I am Canadian). I am thinking of getting the new IS03 when it is released at the end of Nov.


I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me clear up a few questions/issues that I have. Unfortunately (at least when it comes to mobile phones), I live in Japan. All 3 carriers Docomo (#1), Softbank (#2 exclusive iphone provider) and AU/KDDI (#3 provider for IS03) have locked phones and AU/KDDI uses CDMA. I (long story) use AU/KKDI and will stay with them for the next 2 years (contract on sons and wife's phone).

So I am thinking of getting the IS03. However, beyond the name Android, it really means nothing to me- pathetic - so

1) my first question is what is the best/easiest web resource to get a good overview of Android for the non tech newbie?

2) I use an mac (since the classic 2) - so ideally I should use an iphone, but changing providers is not a good option, and all the tales of woes for the iphone 4 seem to reinforce that ( Ialso don't like being sucked into apples system where I use their computer/ have to use their mobile me service for integration and have to give credit card info to fully use itunes even if I do not want to buy from them ... Rant aside, will I be able to easily manage my android device from a mac? Sincing calandars (etc- it is pain now with my itouch - because I won't pay for mobile me) and do it through google apps... I will switch from mail to outlook as soon as the new MSoffice is available for mac (I hate being forced to use mail so I can work with my touch (even entourage is better)

3) The IS03 is supposedly locked, is there a way to UNLOCK it so it can be used with other CDMA systems outside of Japan.
For my purposes, this is important because I travel a lot and roamiong charges are silly. approx $1.50 per minute and of course and one who wants to call me needs to call Japan and it is routed back to me and we both get a stupid bill. So I would like ot be able to swap out the chip when I go overseas- but AU/KDDI says it is locked. I talked to a tech rep and he said, (we can't officially say it can be done nut I have heard it is possible, but if it is possible you will get no supprt form us... yada yada yada...)

Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any comments or advice you may have. Thank you in advance.

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

Were you able to find the answers to all of your questions? Are you currently using the IS03, and if so, how do you like it so far?

I have an IS03 myself, and your third question interests me. Through my research I have found very little about what can be done with the IS03 in regards to rooting or unlocking. I've been doing a little of poking around here and there, using some of the methods that were made for other Android devices

That being said, If the AU rep says it can be done, then in due time, I'm sure it will be done. My Japanese isn't good enough to browse through the Japanese sites that may be helpful in this regard.

Have you found any new information?
 
Back
Top