US cell phone carriers have always discouraged unlocked cell phones—they just don't fit in with the US model of cell phone service, where you're expected to lock into a two year plan in exchange for a subsidized cell phone, and where the carriers want to control that cell phone, and slightly increase their profits by marking it up with their own branding and paid, locked to the phone apps.

But there are many important uses for unlocked cell phones, whether you need to travel internationally, switch between a company and personal phone number, have the freedom to change carrier to keep youself in the most affordable plan, or whether you just want to say no to all the carrier's add-ons.

Many companies are seeking to introduce cell phones that are unlocked out of the box to the US market. Blu, a South American company, was one of the first. Palm tried with its last attempt before dieing, and a few other companies offer unlocked cell phones (but ones that aren't truly unlocked in terms of software, just GSM carrier flexible).

Now Unnecto is hoping to be the next big unlocked cell phone company, and it's main appeal to consumers will be its dual SIM card—the easiest way to switch between GSM carriers or cell phone plans. It would seem from early reports that they've developed software to make the switch easy for the consumer—insert both your GSM SIM cards, and the phone will accept calls from either and guide you through your outbound communications.

In any case, this is just the first in a world wide trend for more unlocked cell phones to reach the US.

In Apple's first quarter without the late Steve Jobs, it appears not just to be doing fine, but to be continuing to go up. Remember the day Apple was more valuable that Exxon mobile? There may be more days ahead like that, which is good news for used iPods and other Apple devices.

Worry over Steve Jobs death, (besides the sadness at his genius passing early) mainly focused on the fact that he tightly controled EVERY aspect of Apple, making great products that latest long as used devices, like iPods. In fact, numbers would be astounding if someone combined Apple's first sale retail with an estimate of what sells used…

iPods, iPhones, and iPads are continuing to sell at astronomical rates. People who have used iPods or iPhones upgrade frequently because the devices don't disappoint, and Apple is constantly innovating. There's no sign of the market dipping in the next few months, either!

Of course, who knows how Apple will do once they design their first new product without Steve Jobs. Will used iPods and iPhones sell like crazy out of nostalgia for "classic Apple"? Or will they're new products maintain the same sleek design, simple interface, and flawless performance?

Only time will tell… but the used iPods market will be almost as good an indicator of Apple's future success or failure as their quarterly reports!

The holiday wars between Samsung's Galaxy 2S and the iPhone 4S were pretty brutal, but by now you probably know which one you're watching for to hit the used cell phones market.

The iPhone 4S has Apple's great craftsmanship and durability, and as a used cell phone it would still be pretty bad ass. Siri is a great tool, although still growing, and (the unfortunately very crackable) glass screen gives a brightness like no other.

If you're a hard core smartphone user, the Galaxy S2 may be the used cell phone to watch for. Without any of Apple's Apple-only nonsense, it's more versatily, easily plugging into your other chargers that you may have gathered the last few years. And it's a great phone, with the growing Android app store behind it and more modability than the iPhone.

Whichever used cell phones you're hoping for, make sure you get a great deal on them. While many carriers are now recycling and reselling used cell phones, they're just going to bloat them back up with carrier apps and restrictions, and they don't have the same selection as online retailers.

Don't forget accessories, like a car charger, spare cable, or case!

Which phone are you hoping for?

Apple is expected to release the next generation iPad in March, and older iGadgets, including used iPods, iPads, and iPhones, will likely hit resale as front end users raise cash for the new toy.

The new iPad 3 will likely replace many used iPod touches, as it will add speed of use, as well as compatibility with top end wireless networks. Unlike your used iPod or iPhone at home, this iPad will have the battery, etc., to handle new wireless networks to Apple's standards.

Of course, none of this had been officially announced—it's all come from a nameless source in Apple's overseas factories, which are working to produce enough iPad 3s to meet demands when the product launches later this spring. There's little doubt as to the truth of it…the market is eagerly awaiting not just the iPad 3, but other announcements from Apple, including a television that may bring the iPhone 4S's Siri into your living room, as well as another major tech device hooked into your iCloud and other Apple gear.

Of course, if you're angling for a new iPod 3, you can get cash for your used iPods and cell phones here! Just make sure you're the first in line, because if demand even resembles that for the iPad 2, it's going to be hard to get one right away…

France now has a free wireless network, and it's contract free. Will it ever happen in the US? Only if you use unlocked cell phones.

The French network is based on the distribution of boxes—phone boxes, cable boxes, etc.—to subsrcibers of the company, Free.fr, which act as wireless hubs usable by any cell phone made to work on the network.

Calls, texts, internet, TV—they all come in off the data lines, and with each new subscription, coverage grows, backed up by spectrum, when a local wireless box isn't available. Apple once had this plan for the iPhone, but it never came to fruition, the most they accomplished was distributing, and controlling the look and interaction of the phone across networks, a feat only accomplished on other phones by unlocking them (or buying already unlocked cell phones).

In fact, carrier competition in the US is so fierce, so guarded from such a cheap way of operating—one that gives the users more power, and a better experience, that most spectators of the industry would be shocked if such a thing were to happen. Even the giant Google hasn't managed to get a wireless network in place.

Unlocked cell phones are the only way—in the US—of undermining the phone companies. Why? Unlocked cell phones undo all the stock applications, the stupid carrier-specific restrictions, etc., that keep phones from being great. That keep great OSs, like Android, from being able to update.

Even if you don't want unlocked cell phones, you're happy with the random apps taking up space, or the restriction of updates—spite them just a little. Scrape off their branding.

If you're lucky enough to still have your first gen iPod nano, you can swap that used iPod for a new one, since the battery is faulty.

Don't have one? Check out the selection of used iPods and pick one out for cheap, than swap it for a brand new iPod nano with Apple!

In any case, don't keep your old used iPod nano, since the battery of the first gen model is more likely to explode with age, causing injury (especially if you keep the tiny thing in your pocket).

Before getting rid of your old used iPod:
-Make sure you sync with your computer to your song collection is up to date and backed up.
-If you used other features, it doesn't hurt to wipe personal data from your used iPod and other old devices.
-Make sure it's a first generation nano, and eligible for the exchange. They had a white or black front and silver back, whereas newer models are solid.

If you don't have a used iPod nano, 1st gen, there's still a great way to upgrade. As evidenced by the fact that first gen nanos are still around, used iPods have great longevity and functionality, so you can save money and still get great features that are new to you!

Many places are still facing severe weather threats this winter, and there's a way they can increase their safety: used cell phones.

While you can use any cell phone to prepare for winter, many newer cell phones will use up battery life faster, and may have more difficulty placing calls in an emergency (*cough* iPhone *cough*).

Many used cell phones have survived to be useful by still having a strong battery life, and older used cell phones are more likely to not have several features which quickly drain the modern smartphone.

During an emergency, you want to have a fully charged cell phone on hand (and, quite honestly, at least one friend with an SUV that can brave the weather). Used cell phones are great for this purpose: a new cell phone will have apps that may tempt your boredom into draining your battery.

Program the non-emergency police phone number into your phone, and at least too "in case of emergency" (ICE) numbers, one of whom does not live with you. Depending on the type of weather and the nature of your emergency, you may want to alternately try texting and calling.

Texts often get through during peak use because they are small, but during an emergency situation many phone companies give priority to cell phones.

Most people buy cell phones today for everything but making calls, and the quality of phones call making abilities has gone done in many cases. If your phone isn't strong at making phone calls, choose a used cell phone well known for having a strong signal, long battery life, and antennae that isn't easily blocked by your finger and can broadcast through severe weather and clouds.

A recent explosion in the Apple iPad factory may soon cause a shortage of iPads, when the holidays have already caused a swell in buying.

Still have to have one? Get the better deal! Used iPods and iPads are cheaper than new, and work as well. It's the brand name without the brand price.

Plus, unlike the newest iPods used iPods come in a broad selection of colors, GB sizes, and, most importantly, prices.

You can even afford an use iPod or iPad for the amusement of your cat, who will be enthralled with touch games featuring fish or bugs.

Of course, no word yet as to whether Apple's supple of iPads will be affected, but who wants to wait and find out? Just check refurbished iPods for your favorite model, and get the tunes and apps going now!

Another benefit to used iPods is that you don't have to wait in line at stores, and fight other after Christmas deal shoppers ready to push you over for that promotional iPad case or discounted store model.

And if you're concerned about Apple factory conditions, which semi-regularly make the news, buying refurbished iPods and iPads instead of new is a great way to reduce production of something that may not have the best impact on the fireign impoverished.

When you create unlocked cell phones, you create access to more software, as well as to control over the software your cell phone originally came with.

If the benefit of unlocked cell phones was ever questioned, Apple's hiring practices reinforce the awesome-sauce of the unlocked cell phone software market.

Alternative app-stores are often filled with the dreams of inovators, who see room for improvement in features that lag, bug, or lack. Apple's two latest hires, for instance, both proved themselves with software and ideas that were sucessful in the unlocked cell phone app store before they were hired—and those features are now integrated into iOS 5.

In comparison, locked cell phones often restrict what software you can have, sometimes having a root kit to undo certain changes you may make with each update.

Need more room for apps? With unlocked cell phones you can delete those pre-installed programs that you never use, so that you can have the software you want instead of ads.

If you're looking at the iPhone 4 or 4S, or used iPod touches, make sure you check out unlocked cell phones first. They might help you get more out of your phone: memory, customization, and speed!

With the ubiquity of technology, many kids want cell phones. They see their parents using them, their idolized teenage relatives, and even some of their friends. And they've used cell phones themselves—and they know about the cool games, chatting functions and other capabilities.

Still, some parents don't feel that young kids should have cell phones. The risk of radiation! The responsibility! The expense! Is it even appropriate to treat kids like adults with such devices?

But there's an alternative. Used or refurbished iPods. Kids need to be exposed to technology early: they'll be using it when they grow up! Even if tomorrow's handheld devices are radically different, the sooner they start the better they'll adapt.

Easy and affordable, used iPods offer the games and interaction of a cell phone without the same radiation risks (they won't put it to their ear) nor the same costs (no monthly phone or texting charges).

If you get a used iPod touch with WiFi, kids can still get access to the internet so the can chat their friends, one of the main appeals of cell phones. Plus, they'll be able to download age-appropriate educational games.

If you want to teach your kids responsibility, technology, etc., consider an affordable refurbished iPod instead of a new cell phone.