Re: iPhoneCharles,
Indeed making changes to the phone software is a criminal act. This probably
does not apply to Russia, but in the usa one can easily be sued for damages
(lost revenue, intellectual property, etc.). iphone software is no different
from windows or the office; therefore the same rules apply. asking someone for
a product key for an unlicensed copy of software is illegal. indeed, its
unethical.
If I am not mistaken, you have passion for wines? So if I ask you to get me a
dozen of cases of crapy russian wine, 144 rare french wine labels and a contact
who can peel of the original and glue on the "fake" label would you help me?
How would that make you feel?
And what if I ask you... Charles, can you help me sell the "fake" wine? What
would you do?
Respectfully,
Misha
[email protected]
www.fandorin.com
From: Charles Borden
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:33 PM
To: The Moscow Expat List
Subject: Expat List Re: iPhone
Misha:
I do take offense at your generalizations about expats in your return message
to me and its implications. My simple response to your initial message about
iPhones was to correct your erroneous message to the expat list and the
implication it contained.
You used the word "illegal" - this implies a criminal act and hacking the
iphone is not a criminal act. It may, in some cases (and only if some cases)
breach a contract with the seller of the iphone in another country.
With respect to the pre-G3 iPhones that were brought to Russia, these iPhones
were sold without a phone contract in the US and it was not until the G3 phone
was released that a phone service contract became necessary. Any person could
buy a pre-G3 phone at a US iPhone store. If they needed phone service they then
signed up online with AT&T though there was no requirement that they do so. In
this way Apple sold millions of phones to Russia and China, essentially with
the help of hackers.
With respect to G3 phones, they were sold with a contract in the US, but it is
cheaper to buy a new phone in Russia (22,000 rubles) than a locked phone with a
contract in the US (about $2,000) and the only people who have the phones
converted usually are already paying a contract in another country. They simply
also wish to use the phone with a Russian service on their iPhone as well while
they are here. Since they are paying the US contract anyway they are not
breaching any contracts and certainly are not performing criminal acts.
For someone who wants to use a G3 iPhone in the US with any GSM provider it is
now better to buy an unlocked phone in Russia at 22000 rubles (about $650) that
can be freely used in the US without a long term contract.
I cannot speak for phones from other countries such as Germany or UK but assume
similar economics. Some countries in fact have required that Apple sell
unlocked phones charging that Apple is unfairly restricting competition.
Charles
On 2/17/09 6:34 PM, "Misha (Live)" <[email protected]> wrote:
Hi Charles,
I do not want to spark another heated discussion so I reply to directly to
you.
I apologize in advance if you find this email offensive.
I have a feeling you know why the iphone come locked so there is no reason to
beat on the dead horse. if someone to wants to unlock the phone they can do 1
of 2 things:
- jail break the phone
- pay the full retail price of the phone
there is no other option. period.
the name of the first option suggest that the action deals with something
illegal. and why would someone ever promote and suggest something illegal? is
it because we live in russia and its quiet normal for people to engage in
activity that leads to that? frankly everyone who openly suggested on ways to
unlock the phone suck. it all starts small, somewhat innocent, but what will be
next? Hopefully not along these lines: I raped a teenage girl and need advice
on how to escape punishment?
I am sick of expats coming to Russia and not promoting truth and honesty. I
am sick of loser expats, who can't achieve anything at home, come to Russia and
be proud for bribing police and government officials. There is a role that all
of us should play to make Russia a better place. You need to play your role
too. So if you say nothing you will will at least look smarter.
Cheers,
Misha
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