The recently released Apple iPhone is described as having a fully capable browser, iPod features, display turning capability and fancy touch navigation making thousands of techies drool - one step closer to an end all device. If only it had GPS…

The challenge for us is that it’s only available with AT&T service within the United States. We use the other GSM provider and have been happy with the service. Plus we want a phone we can use when we travel internationally.

Enter the recent iPhone unlock options. A college bound teenage boy, George Hotz, discovered a two-hour hardware unlock method. Also, several individuals going by the name of iPhoneSIMfree.com team claim they have found a software unlock. The information appears at PQ blog and indicates except for visual voicemail all the iPhone features work following the unlock conversion.

If these work out, it would make it possible to purchase the iPhone for use with GSM service in the United States and abroad. It could be a practical tool for those of us who work remotely.

Click on the image to read about Paris

As access to high speed connectivity improves working remotely from Paris, France becomes easier and less expensive. Earlier this year we spent 19 days in a Paris rental apartment working remotely. With the good quality high speed access in the apartment we were able to remain connected 24/7.

We rented an apartment because it offered much more space than the typical hotel room, allowed us to prepare meals and experience Paris more like a local than a tourist. What the apartment lacked in facilities and services it made up for amply in location, comfort and convenience as well as connectivity and privacy.

This arrangement allowed us to enjoy the pleasures of Paris during our time off while working remotely. Email and Internet access in general were excellent. We made phone calls using our cell phone and U.S. VoIP service. An added bonus was that our service included free phone calls to certain countries in Europe, including France.

With the high speed connection and our Vonage VoIP account we were able to make extended phone calls to the U.S., including conference calls, and reach 800 numbers easily. Although at times the Internet connection was so poor we had to hang up, on many occasions we were able to check messages, have hour long conversations and work a full day with minimum inconveniences.