Why Do People Jailbreak? (iPod/iPhone/iPad)

Many people have iPhone’s or iPod Touch’s but most agree that the exiting experience of this revolutionary product does not last, “It gets boring”. The reason is because these people still haven’t done anything to it that Apple didn’t want you to. Some, like myself, will browse YouTube and look for what they can do with your device. At this stage many people will stumble over the word JAILBREAK for the first time. Why should you jailbreak your iPhone or iPod Touch? In this article I will go over the main advantages and disadvantages of jailbreaking apple devices.

Reason #1 – Changing iPhone Looks & Feel 

When you buy an iPhone or iPod Touch this is probably how they look like without jailbreaking. Apple has placed a generic black background that makes sure your device doesn’t stand out from the millions of iPhones out there. You will only see your wallpaper in the unlock screen for a split second.

By jailbreaking your iPhone or iPod Touch you will be able to change the looks of your device replacing the boring standard icons that come with iPhone. The application is called Winterboard is perhaps the most popular reason people jailbreak their iPhones!  Winterboard allows you to apply themes (there are tons of them out there) on you iPhone or iPod Touch to make it look even cooler. These are just a few samples to show what Winterboard can do to your device;

Moreover, everything from the sounds to the unlock screen sliders to the keyboard itself can be easily changed, but only if you jailbreak the iPhone or iPod Touch! A definite Advantage!!

Reason #2 – Install 3rd pary applications via Cydia  

Cydia is a software application for the iPhone OS that lets a user browse and download applications for a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch (third party apps). It was developed by Jay Freeman (also known as “saurik”). Cydia will let you download applications which have been banned by Apple to hit the Appstore for certain reasons. In Cydia you will be able to download themes, tools, utilities and toys which will enrich your experience with your device. Everything starts in Cydia and ends in Cydia!!! 

If you want more information on Cydia visit the official site; http://cydia.saurik.com/

Reason #3 - Access to T-Mobile GSM Network 

The biggest problem with the iPhone is not the “death grip” that blocks your mobile signal -- it's AT&T. Until 2012 AT&T will have exclusive rights over the iPhone, and with all of AT&T network problems -- mostly related to its tendency to drop calls -- many are justifiably wary of purchasing a phone tied to a problematic network. But the latest jailbreak gives users access to T-Mobile's GSM network, which works overseas and may be more robust in your area.

Reason #4 - Cool Jailbroken iPhone Apps  

Apple's legit App Store has many cool apps, but jailbroken iPhones and iPod Touch have a wide array of banned creative and quirky apps. Access to Cydia -- the hub of "illegitimate" apps -- is a huge motivation for jailbreaking your iPhone. There are are many lists of great jailbreak apps to check out -- here are a few standouts:

MyWi: Turns phones into mobile hotspots

Intelliscreen: Puts e-mail and calendars on the home screen

MxTube: Download YouTube videos onto your phone for offline viewing

My3G: Allows for previously Wi-Fi-only processes to run on 3G, like HD YouTube videos

PDANet: Share Internet connection

Reason #5 - Fast and Easy to Jailbreak! You can Restore it to normal!!

Disadvantages...

Many people want to know what are the disadvantages of jailbreaking before they try to do it with their precious device. Well, there is a very very slim chance that you can brick your iPhone or iPod Touch (which basically means rendering it unresponsive). If this happens you can usually fix it by doing a reset (press and hold the home and sleep buttons at the same time). If you jailbreak you will be voiding your Warranty even though it is now legal to jailbreak your devices Apple will not cover any damages or malfunctions to your device.

In the end, the advantages far exceed the disadvantages and jailbreaking is a very useful process. In a sense, jailbreaking will untie the hands of your iPhone or iPod Touch and allow it to be used to its full capabilities. It also opens up a whole new world of functionality. Do the research and see if its right for you, we definitely think it is!