jimf15e
05-15-2008, 02:23 AM
My questions are a little specific, so I couldn't find any posts that answered them completely so I'm putting them out there for the world to answer. I'm currently stationed overseas and in need of a new iPod. My wife has the first iPhone, and I definitely will be getting the new version when it's released. However, I'm not due back to the states for a few months. What I'm considering is getting one when it comes out and just using the iPod/WiFi funcitionality until I return. No, I do not want to by a Touch and then sell it when I get back. Of note, I'm in a country that has no GSM access. My questions are:
1) Do I have to activate an iPhone to use the non-phone functions? I believe I read that I do.
2) I'll be adding this on to our existing AT&T account as a family line. Can this be done with the iTunes activation process (ie just add the new phone, change to a family plan, and have just one all-encompassing bill)?
3) Can you activate via iTunes on a non-US ISP? I know there are international restrictions to activation. I'm on a US base but our ISP is provided by the local economy. I can currently buy and rent iTunes music and movies with US dollars. However, I can't do things like watch Netflix Watch Instantly movies or stream videos that are restricted to US markets.
In other words, in my perfect world I'd just use the iPod functions until I return. In my semi perfect world I'd activate it over here (if possible), pay for my minutes even though I'm not using them, and still use the wifi and iPod (like an iPod Touch). Finally, in my least perfect world I can always have my wife activate it then send it over here. If that's the case, she'll have to go through the family plan activation process.
Thanks - sorry it's so long and detailed!
Jim
1) Do I have to activate an iPhone to use the non-phone functions? I believe I read that I do.
2) I'll be adding this on to our existing AT&T account as a family line. Can this be done with the iTunes activation process (ie just add the new phone, change to a family plan, and have just one all-encompassing bill)?
3) Can you activate via iTunes on a non-US ISP? I know there are international restrictions to activation. I'm on a US base but our ISP is provided by the local economy. I can currently buy and rent iTunes music and movies with US dollars. However, I can't do things like watch Netflix Watch Instantly movies or stream videos that are restricted to US markets.
In other words, in my perfect world I'd just use the iPod functions until I return. In my semi perfect world I'd activate it over here (if possible), pay for my minutes even though I'm not using them, and still use the wifi and iPod (like an iPod Touch). Finally, in my least perfect world I can always have my wife activate it then send it over here. If that's the case, she'll have to go through the family plan activation process.
Thanks - sorry it's so long and detailed!
Jim