TMobile Phone for 15 YO

[txtxyeha]

Previously my 15 YO had my old iPhone 3G which we unlocked and inserted a TMobile sim card to use their $15/mo. unlimited texting. Like him not having a data plan b/c we disabled Safari anyway. He just needs a texting maching that holds music. Apps and fitting in our pre-existing Apple eco-system (i.e., iTunes on the iMac) were very nice bonuses. All was great until he dropped the phone in a swimming pool. Given that I've lost a phone to a urinal, can't be too surprised or mad at him.

I'm thinking about upgrading my iPhone 4 to the new 4S, then unlocking the former and beginning chapter 2 in this saga. Couple of things getting in the way right now: 1) it will take about a month to get a new 4S for me (not that big of a deal), and 2) is there a hack available for the new iOS 5?

Thinking about walking into a TMobile and just saying, "Give me a texting machine I can load music on to.". My question is how we we load said music on the device? Will iTunes recognize a non-Apple device?

Giving him a music machine is important b/c he's not a heavy text'er and having music on the device is a way to ensure that he'll have the tethering device on his person. Thx for your help.

 

[Dionysus]

What about an iPod Touch, you might find a used one on Craigslist. Texting would be limited to iOS devices using iMessage on iOS5 so that may not be an option if he needs to text other devices. I don't think you will get iTunes to recognize a non-Apple gadget without some hacking.

Best bet is probably what you were doing before. Older iPhone with a cheap text plan.

 

[HoustonHorn93]

If you want to stick with an iPhone I've got a 3G I was about to sell. Actually it's my daughter's but I'm getting a 4S this weekend and she's getting my 4. I don't know abything about unlocking it though so you'd be on your own there.