Where do I buy an unlocked smartphone in San Diego? (to buy, university)

[yojuanjo]

Can you tell me which is the best shop in San Diego to buy an unlocked smartphone?

I don't know which one to buy, I like the ipohone 4 (like everyone) but it also can be any Nokia or Balckberry. I want to stay connected, WiFi access, GPS, Bluetooth...

Thnaks.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

GS Wireless on University in City Heights hands down.
4227 University Ave. 92105

I have been working with these guys for years back in my field testing days (pre-smartphone).
This is the ONLY place I go to get these types of phones last minute as I need to buy a lot of phones. He has the latest stuff in there form Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Moto etc.
Prices are decent and he also has unlocking hardware and software there if needed.

As a former mobile phone un-locker, the owner there is legit and knows what he is doing if that is what you need.

[yojuanjo]

I'm from Spain and I'm visiting San Diego in a few months, what I want is to buy an unlocked mobile phone I can take back to Spain as I presume prices will be better there.

Thanks.

[earlyretirement]

That store that Shmoov recommended sounds solid. I've bought several phones off of Ebay before and had great luck. I've only purchased from Power Sellers that have over 500 transactions and no negative comments. I've purchased unlocked Iphones brand new in the box.

I also lived abroad where electronics were 2 or 3 X the cost of in the USA so I bought several iphones that were factory unlocked. They were expensive but were really great. They weren't jailbroken so I didn't have to worry about updating the software.

The iphone is a really great phone. The only thing that really sucks is the battery on it.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by yojuanjo

I'm from Spain and I'm visiting San Diego in a few months, what I want is to buy an unlocked mobile phone I can take back to Spain as I presume prices will be better there.

Thanks.

Vale.. The Euro to Dollar exchange works heavily in your favor.

[Oerdin]

Virtually all independent wireless phone shops will unlock a phone for you.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by Oerdin

Virtually all independent wireless phone shops will unlock a phone for you.

Right, but he was looking for "unlocked" phones sans carrier crapware in it. In other words, an AT&T phone can be unlocked by an independent or by the user. A user can unlock their subsidized for free, but dont know that. Pay your bills on time and call the tech support number where they will give your instructions on the process. Each SIM lock is specified by its IMEI which only the carrier has here in the US. Any other pay service via the internet does the same thing a user would.

CDMA devices on the other hand MUST be flashed.

Unlike the US, Nokia still is one of the most sought after manufacturers in the world for unlocked phones.

[JacobCali]

check out [URL="http://www.safelist.com"]www.safelist.com[/URL] one of the best san diego classifieds web services, with all members verified prior to being allowed to sell on the portal, so there's no worries of getting scammed.

[yojuanjo]

Originally Posted by shmoov_groovzsd

Vale.. The Euro to Dollar exchange works heavily in your favor.

That's the idea

[yojuanjo]

Hi again, Does GS Wireless have any email or web address where I can contact them prior to arriving?

I also have read good comments about PCS Connection do you have any opinion?

Thanks again.