Ok, so here we go:
1) 2G is fully hackable, since it was the first. I own one. The 2G is also the only one that lets you spoof the IMEI number in case your network does sweeps to force you to pay for a data plan. I'm on AT&T and they do this. As far as they know, I'm using a Razr V3
Also, the 2G (and also 3G) support video recording via a Cydia app called Cycorder. Works great. If you intend on unlocking the 2G to use on a different network, you need "magic firmware", which doesn't update the baseband (maintaining the unlock) and comes pre-packaged with Cydia. You use these to update your iPhone to newer firmwares if you wish, AFTER you've jailbroken them. You download the firmware and install through iTunes. The only difference is you hold SHIFT while you hit restore and browse to the firmware file. That's it. Right now, if you want to update to a newer firmware, you'll have to restore to it, not update.
Home of Magic
2) 3G can be jailbroken, but not necessarily unlocked. It depends on what firmware it's on. Once you jailbreak it, the easiest way to unlock is to install Ultrasn0w from Cydia. Again, you can use Cycorder for video recording AND you can optionally add Voice Control and video editing from the 3GS if you'd like. IMO, the 3G is the best choice. The S is pointless...
3) The 3GS is the pickiest in terms of unlockablilty. But yes, it can be jailbroken, even the latest firmware. I wouldn't really recommend the S unless you're going to be sending and uploading lots of videos and such, but it doesn't offer you anything more than more speed really. In terms of 3G, it's 360kbps (3G) vs 720kbps (3GS). It's also slightly faster than a 3G, and much faster than a 2G.
If you want to avoid data charges by only using Wifi (AT&T KNOWS if you're on an iPhone), then get a 2G. If you want speed and compatibility, get a 3G. If you want the bleeding edge, but not necessarily most compatible, get a 3GS.
Quote:
Originally Posted by iPenguin2  BTW, ZiPhone is way outdated. |
On a 2G, ZiPhone downgrades the baseband and allows you to change the IMEI to anything you want, getting you past IMEI lockouts (for stolen iPhones) and network sweeps (to avoid paying data). Also, something else, my sister has been using a Razr V3, and AT&T offered us an early upgrade. So you can use this to your benefit as well. Carriers have all of the phones you buy through them on their system. If you buy from another carrier, or an unlocked, OEM phone, they won't know what you're using though.