Does anyone know if Mac IChat will work for video/voice or text or both communicating with the US from Europe, specifically Italy? Also what is the latest on using Iphone 3Gs in Italy with after market unlocking devices and Europe or Italian SIM cards, specifically for phone function: sending and receiving calls from the US?. The ATT international plans seem expensive. Using the Iphone as a WiFi platform seems to be one option for emails and internet access.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
iChat will work fine for voice and video - it doesn't care where you are. Just make sure that the internet connection (wifi or otherwise) that you are on is fast enough to handle the traffic, which you will only know for sure when you try it.
Pete
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
Pete,
It depends where you are. If the ISP blocks the chat ports, you won't be able to use it.
Chris ,
How are you going to connect your Mac to the internet in Europe? I hope not thru your cell phone.It's very expensive. At least 10-15 EUR per KB.In Italy, in order to use internet either thru an ISP you need to register with the goverment.The problem is that when you want to use the wifi, if it comes from other people around you, you won't be able to register.The only time wifi would work is in a hotel.
Posted by
DC Metro
36 posts
My dad has a legally unlocked iPhone 3G from Italy. It works great with any GSM simcard anywhere in the world. Not sure what is really your question.
iChat will also work anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection and there isn't anything blocking one of the ports that iChat uses. I'm not sure how common free Wifi networks are in Europe but using your iPhone to access the Internet using Wifi hotspots is probably ideal so you don't have to bring the laptop over. Be careful of sending sensitive personal information over unencrypted networks.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
Bea,
For public wi-fi in Europe, blocking of those ports is getting rare. Ports iChat uses are not classified as high risk anymore. Us Mac users are a strong enough voice now :)
Pete
Posted by
OP
Lewiston, Idaho, USA
5 posts
Thank you all for your information. I would consider trying IChat especially since my daughter may be in Sienna this summer and it may be a convenient and economical way to keep in touch. My question regarding a 3G Iphone was for a phone purchased in the US and locked. I have seen webpages of 3rd party unlocking devices which allow use of other SIM cards overseas. Has anyone tried this? Also, any experince with Truphone for the Iphone, enabling VOIP phone calls using WiFI access?
Posted by
DC
209 posts
I have a distrust of any 3rd party anything tinkering with my phone. I went to the store where I bought mine, told them I was going overseas, and they unlocked it for me. You might try that first?