Export vs Local set
The very question many people would ask when they want to buy a blackberry would be what is an export set and what is an local set? Is there any difference at all??
On the contrary, there is NO difference. In terms of hardware and etc, no there is not.
Export set are essentially devices purchased overseas, especially in the USA. It usually comes at a cheaper price and models such as the tour 9630 which was not launched here, in Singapore, are available there. So, it is brought here for sale as “export set”. All devices are able to be used globally, as long as the service provider that your telephone line is connected to, supports it. However, some devices are locked to the certain carrier (you can check by going options -> sim card, and type “M E P D”. The words wont appear but if typed correctly, a list of restrictions will be shown on the screen and whether it is enabled or not)
Local sets, on the other hand, are devices which a sold through our 3 respective telcos. It usually comes at a higher price and models are limited to only the few which are launched here. As a rule of thumb, local sets purchased here, in Singapore, are fully unlocked – you can use any telco’s SIM card with it.
So what is the actual difference?
Export set
- Warranty has to be claimed in the respective countries Telco or RIM. (Means you have to either fly there or send it to them – you bear the shipping charges)
- Some sets on the device have the Telco’s logo. Eg. AT&T, Verizon and etc
- Boot up screen is the respective telco’s
- Maybe locked to certain telco’s network. (you can check by going options -> sim card, and type “M E P D”. The words wont appear but if typed correctly, a list of restrictions will be shown on the screen and whether it is enabled or not)
However, this restriction can easily be fixed. There are some online websites that, for a fee, help you generate and unlocking code.
Local Sets
- Warranty can be claimed from your respective telco’s. Usually it is on the spot 1-1 exchange (which also usually is a refurbished set)
- The sets come with a “clean” look – no logos or anything. With exception of M1 – “vodafone”
- Boot up screens are usually the telco (i will explain below)
- Are fully unlocked.
For local sets, there is also another 2 category for it: Agent set and Sign-in sets.
For both, it is similar, except that the boot up screen differs. First off, warranty claims for sign-in sets are done with the respective telcos. Agent set, warranty to be done with a shop that sold it to you. Next up, besides the exception of M1, both Agent and sign-in sets have the “clean look”. Now, the difference is the boot up screen. Agent set do not display the telco logos. It has a generic logo. And not forgetting, both are fully unlocked. 🙂