newbie questions regarding unlocking SIM and packet rates

[alfred_jp]

hi...

im a newbie to the Softbank X01HT, and to be sure would like to ask a few questions before purchasing one...

when people say 'unlock SIM,' it would just allow the X01HT to work with any carrier's card, right? which means that if in another country, i take out Softbank's U-SIM card, and replaced it a local card; then it should theoretically work?
i know that the MAX for the 'Teigaku' for the X01HT approaches 10,000 yen - but does this limit still hold if we use third-party apps, ie., Opera Mobile, Skype, etc.?
when people say 'SIM Free,' i would understand that this is to make the X01HT work even without a SIM card inserted (as ive heard a lot of rumors that without the U-SIM, it just becomes a brick). am i correct in this?
as a follow-up to previous question, if i do choose to make my Softbank X01HT 'SIM Free,' then i can use it just like any other PDA with Full functionality, ie., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.?

thanks in advanced...!!!

Note: i apologize for asking things that may have been asked before... 'did try searching through the forums, but couldnt find a clear answer to some of my inquiries...

[alfred_jp]

....

when people say 'unlock SIM,' it would just allow the X01HT to work with any carrier's card, right? which means that if in another country, i take out Softbank's U-SIM card, and replaced it a local card; then it should theoretically work?

....



i found my answer to this in this post:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=1043066&postcount=96

...

if some can help me in my other questions - it is much appreciated...

thanks!!!

[alfred_jp]

hi...

im a newbie to the Softbank X01HT, and to be sure would like to ask a few questions before purchasing one...

i know that the MAX for the 'Teigaku' for the X01HT approaches 10,000 yen - but does this limit still hold if we use third-party apps, ie., Opera Mobile, Skype, etc.?
when people say 'SIM Free,' i would understand that this is to make the X01HT work even without a SIM card inserted (as ive heard a lot of rumors that without the U-SIM, it just becomes a brick). am i correct in this?
as a follow-up to previous question, if i do choose to make my Softbank X01HT 'SIM Free,' then i can use it just like any other PDA with Full functionality, ie., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.?


i was wondering if anyone can verify these or not?

thanks...

[MikeChannon]

SIM free does not specifically mean it works without a SIM it means you can use your own SIM from your own network. i.e. it is already unlocked. In general this means it will be more expensive to purchase as it is not subsidised by a network provider.

In fact the Hermes does work without a SIM with all the functions that are not SIM dependent.

You will not get a cheaper device if you run third party software because all devices sold come with pre-installed MS operating System and a set of applications (like them or not)



Mike

[Tokyorob]

Hi Alfred,

I will try and answer some of your questions

The X01ht will work fine as just a PDA without the sim installed

The unlimited access is a bit more tricky Opera will work for the unlimited access and i'm unsure about skype tho

Softbanks price plans are a confusing as hell and it does seem to matter what you use it for .

Also you know that the unlimited price of 5,900 yen is a offer and real price is about 9,800

Really if you just want a internet browser/PDA/Skype/Email and not a Phone I would say that you get a Sharp EM one ( if you live in the Tokyo) it's 39,000 with a 2 year contract and a flat rate of 6,000 for unlimited access

it's what i have done ..

Rob

[alfred_jp]

hi rob,

thanks for the reply...

actually im looking for an "all-in-one" type of thing, so the eMobile wont work (voice services are said to begin in 2008/3). also, once you leave tokyo - no more signal...

willcom's WS004SH/WS007SH wont work either since there is no international roaming. also the fact that PHS signals are very weak outside tokyo.

id rather have an AU - unfortunately, no PDA-type devices; so i guess im left with Softbank.

as for the motivation for my post - my only need is that i can use this device when i go abroad and being able to use the locally available SIM cards (so i dont have to pay expensive roaming charges)... im not so privy with experimenting with various ROMs, etc.

but what im worried is that compared to eMobile and Willcom, Softbank's browsing rates are very expensive...

[ecsk2]

Hi Alfred,


Really if you just want a internet browser/PDA/Skype/Email and not a Phone I would say that you get a Sharp EM one ( if you live in the Tokyo) it's 39,000 with a 2 year contract and a flat rate of 6,000 for unlimited access

it's what i have done ..

Rob

So you actually have a Sharp EM one and are using it?