Using unlocked phones

For those unaware, the U.S. Copyright Office recently made a ruling that GSM cell phone providers must unlock your cell phone so that you can use it on any GSM network. This is good news for consumers, since you are no longer tied into a manufacturer’s phone selection.

Consumerist just picked up on a recent ABC news article on this topic, in which ABC reviewed phones you can buy direct from the manufacturer, unlocked, and then use on whatever GSM network (Cingular, T-Mobile) you like.

Phones they like (but don’t look for them at your cell phone provider’s website):

Samsung X820
Nokia N80
Palm Treo 680
Sony Ericsson W810i
Nokia 7380