Product code?

[TheVictor]

Hi guys, been reading around this forum lately gathering info for my new N85 I'm hoping to get today. I see people mentioning product codes from HK to Euro ones. Is there a difference between them or is one better than the other or something? I'm in Canada and I'll be getting mine unlocked through an importer so I don't think I have much choice in the one I get since it'll most likely be from the same warehouse but just curious. Thanks

[Moz]

The product code is what the operators use to keep the phones firmware locked to them.
By changing this you can installed the latest versions of firmware that your operator doesn't allow.

This often gives changes, sortes problems out and de-restricts the phone.

For instance some people buy a phone from HK, it's been de restricted to remove wifi, gps etc by changing it's code to a Euro code it unlocks all these features.

Also language packs are installed to certain product codes. So people wanting a certain language would change their PC and update the firmware to enable the use of a language pack.

Changing the PC will void the warranty with the operator and with Nokia.

[Gaz]

The product code tells us at Nokia which "variant" of the product eg RM333(N85) that we have in front of us .....
eg - country of origin ,sim lock , operator , ppm package (language).
The RM number (product name) dictates the hardware not the product code so all RM333 will have the same hardware features built in but software features will vary

[TheVictor]

Okay so whatever one I get shouldn't make a difference if it's already unlocked. I should have access to all the features then. Thanks guys.

[Gaz]

unless those features are locked by the network operator you should be fine .
For eg - some UK networks lock out the Voip function

[gordonshowers]

Originally Posted by TheVictor

Okay so whatever one I get shouldn't make a difference if it's already unlocked. I should have access to all the features then. Thanks guys.

Some people report that certain Hong Kong product codes disable the use of the FM transmitter.

[DreamCatcher]

Originally Posted by Gaz

unless those features are locked by the network operator you should be fine .
For eg - some UK networks lock out the Voip function

Are the service providers able/allowed to lock the features of an unlocked phone, that is purchased elsewhere?

[Moz]

No. A service providor can only lock a phone features if they supply it from new to you.

[TheVictor]

yea I seem to have all the features so far, havent touched the FM transmitter yet but the lady said its unlocked with all the features.

[DreamCatcher]

Originally Posted by IJM

No. A service providor can only lock a phone features if they supply it from new to you.

Good to know. I read somewhere on the internet about a guy who purchased an unlocked Blackberry device from a reseller, and when he inserted the ATT SIM in it, it locked its VoIP capabilities. Even removing the card didn't help, and AT&T was in no mood to fix it.

It was a bit unnerving because I also have AT&T.... but the above scenario seems unlikely.