Hello. I need to unlock and de-brand (install original manufacturer firmware) two mobile phones: a Samsung SGH-C225 & SGH-T329 (Stripe). I heard that unlocking the phone is usually done via a code that your provider (in my case, T-Mobile) gives you. I also want to de-brand the phone and get rid of that sucky T-Mobile special firmware. I've been told by others that T-Mobile USA started blocking Java apps from connecting to the Internet directly on phones sold in their stores. (I pay for mobile Internet access from them and nothing is changed regarding this.) So I can install an application and run it fine unless it needs to connect to the Internet.

Anyone have any ideas as to what I need to do and where I need to get the required equipment? For the SGH-C225, I already have a data cable. Is this (along with whatever required software) enough for flashing it? If not, is it really worth putting out the money for the required equipment as opposed to just buying a new phone that is not branded & locked?

Thanks very much...

PS: Is there any way I can open the permissions menus for the Java apps without requiring a flash to my device?