1. You can still use the K800i, you just have to find out if you can use it in your area. The K800i runs on 900/1800/1900Mhz, while Cingular uses 850/1900Mhz. You'd have to find out if 850Mhz predominantly runs in your area, or if you can just get by with 1900Mhz. Look up your coverage and see what's in use. The K800 is a nice phone, but if 850Mhz is being used (which I am thinking is likely) around MIN, then it just becomes an over glorified paper weight. You'd be repaeating the catch phrase of the old Verizon commercials "can you hear me now?" over and over again. I had the same issue when I had my K750i and P910i...they became a waste of money because I couldn't use them for the lack of 850Mhz. Your best bet is to stick with the K790a, which is geared primarily for the North Americas. I'm not too sure if and when SE will be coming out with a silver K790a. Probably another option is to buy a K790a and swap the housing into a silver one.
2. Essentially, there is nothing wrong with buying unlocked phones. The only thing that you would have to do is get the settings for MMS and internet. However, you can get them on the SE website...very simple to use. Just one thing to remember, people who prefer to buy phones that are from the carrier usually have an easier time when having to replace it if it is defective. Having the warranty from the carrier makes it really simple for customers because they can just fall back on that, and they usually get their replacements in a few days (if not the next day). Unlocked phones, you'd have to deal with the manufacturer, which more than likely will take some time. So, branded and unlocked phones both have their pro's & con's. It just depends on what is more convenient for you.
