When it comes to the iPhone you have two choices: you take True up on their shiny new 3G package deal or you get involved with some nefarious goings on involving jailbreaks and downloads.

What’s the difference between the new True iPhone 3G pack and getting my own subscription?

If you’re asking, and don’t already have an iPhone, the answer is probably to go for True (1331, www.truemove.co.th). IPhone hackers extraordinaire will probably tell you of their faster DTAC EDGE connection, of the joys of jailbreaking an iPhone (and then having it crash on you, taking it back to MBK, etc.) and of things you can’t even begin to understand. But if you don’t want the hassles, True gets the job done.

No, I really want to get my iPhone at MBK. Then what?

1. Unlock It

MBK vendors will unlock the phone for you. If a friend brought your iPhone back from the US, you are going to need to unlock it. You can drop by at almost any MBK stall selling iPhones and get it done for around B1,000. Or do it yourself by checking out our online guide at www.bkmagazine.com/feature/how-unlock-iphone.

2. Jailbreak It

Jailbreaking means making it possible for your iPhone to install third party (non-Apple) software. Check out Lifehacker’s guide at http://tinyurl.com/227ewm. Keep in mind that there are different jailbreaking methods depending on your firmware’s version (see point 4).

3. Upgrade It

Like any other technological device, your iPhone needs an upgrade to keep up with the new features and functions. However, if you have an unlocked iPhone and you update the system, your iPhone will shut down and instantly turn into an iPod Touch. It is possible to upgrade AND have an unlocked iPhone, though—you just need to re-lock it before upgrading.

4. Re-lock It

Go into your computer’s iTunes. Plug in your iPhone, click “Restore” in iTunes and follow the instructions. Keep in mind that the process will erase all your settings and data such as SMS messages. Once you have restored it, you can now upgrade the firmware using iTunes.

5. Download It

Now that you’ve broken every law possible, it’s time to put your iPhone to good use. If you’re a Windows user, you need to use iBrickr (http://cre.ations.net/creation/ibrickr), and for Macs, the AppTapp Installer (http://iphone.nullriver.com/beta/). These programs will install an application on your iPhone, that gives you access to great third-party programs. For a guide on how to do all this, check out http://tinyurl.com/2a482k.