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While the amazing device does indeed have applications for "just about everything," Apple's sometimes arbitrary or self-serving rejections of offerings such as Google Voice have turned more people on to the idea of freeing themselves from dependence on Apple for such resources (and also, in some cases, from AT&T for a network signal). Trying this might result in better coverage, or save some money on data-plan costs- but don't expect any tech support from Apple or AT&T. Unlike jailbreaking limited to loading third-party apps, jumping to a different network is not completely reversible, because of the changes it makes to the phone's modem firmware. [...] if you install openSSH (to allow wireless data transfer between your phone and your computer) and you forget to change the default root password, your entire file system could be open to other people on the same network, and your personal data could be at risk.

IPHONE "JAILBREAKING" HAS been a hot topic since Apple released its smartphone more than two years ago. While the amazing device does indeed have applications for "just about everything," Apple's sometimes arbitrary or self-serving rejections of offerings such as Google Voice have turned more people on to the idea of freeing themselves from dependence on Apple for such resources (and also, in some cases, from AT&T for a network signal).

A collective of hackers known as the iPhone DevTeam publishes easy-to-use, cross-platform tools that let you install third-party apps for the iPhone that Apple won't admit into its App Store.

However, the legality of jailbreaking is in question. The Dev-Team offers its free tools without proprietary code so as not to violate copyright laws. But Apple recently filed a statement arguing that jailbreaking is copyright infringement because it incorporates a modified version of Apple's bootloader, the software that loads the main operating system.

Some jailbreakers want to use their iPhones on a network other than AT&T's. Trying this might result in better coverage, or save some money on data-plan costs- but don't expect any tech support from Apple or AT&T. Unlike jailbreaking limited to loading third-party apps, jumping to a different network is not completely reversible, because of the changes it makes to the phone's modem firmware. And the legality of this kind of jailbreak is even more questionable than with apps.

Suppose you're interested in a relatively simple jailbreak just so you can experience third-party apps. This has advantages, but it brings some cautions to consider as well.

The Pros

Rebellion against 'The Man': Apple argues that by keeping firm control over the hardware that runs its software, it's able to maintain quality and a consistent experience. But with the App Store rejections, limitations on software developers, and usage restrictions (MMS is here, but where is tethering?), some people feel constrained by what the iPhone can't do. Apple has been very clear that it isn't happy with iPhone hacking; nevertheless, if you like to rush out of the electronics store without letting the security guard check your receipt, you may find a rebellious thrill in jailbreaking.

Third-party apps galore: Cydia and its newer, lighter competitor Icy are the unofficial app stores available only to jailbreakers, with hundreds of terrific apps not approved for the App Store. Examples? Cycorder is a camera app that enables video recording on pre-3GS iPhones; PDANet allows tethering of your 3G connection to your laptop; and GVMobile is an app for the Google Voice service. Plus, you can still obtain free and paid applications from the official App Store.

Total Ul customization: The iPhone's user interface is excellent, but there is just something cool in giving your phone a Snow Leopard face-lift. Or making your home screen look like a vending machine. Jailbreaking lets you do that, and much more. For instance, you could install systemwide add-ons such as SBSettings, which enables quick access to your system settings from within any app. The list goes on and on.

The Cons

Bye-bye, warranty: It's sad, but truejailbreaking voids your warranty. If you experience hardware problems with your jailbroken iPhone, don't demand any help from Apple. But you can probably get around that limitation. If you use Hunes to restore a clean version of the iPhone software (not one from a backup), Apple will never know that you had previously jailbroken the phone.

Updates can break jaUbreaks: If you're the kind of person who waits in line to buy the latest and greatest Apple hardware, or worries about the security implications of not installing a new software update, jailbreaking may not be for you. Installing an update on your hacked iPhone will likely negate the jailbreak, meaning your phone will still function, but all your jailbreak apps and plug-ins will be erased.

Increased instability: Every operating system is prone to crashing occasionally, and the iPhone OS is no exception. With unofficial, hacker-originated software installed on your phone, you might experience more crashes.

Security-breach risk: jailbreaking may open up root file-system access, which makes it possible for users to unwittingly do serious damage. For example, if you install openSSH (to allow wireless data transfer between your phone and your computer) and you forget to change the default root password, your entire file system could be open to other people on the same network, and your personal data could be at risk.

Fear of the brick: While the Dev-Team has generally done an adequate job of testing its tools prior to release, cases of users "bricking" their iPhones in the jailbreak process have been known to occur. These are simply inherent risks. If you don't want to gamble, jailbreaking may not be your best option.