Another Way to Access Market

Hey guys,

Not sure if its been mentioned yet but I've been looking for various ways to access the market and get apps. So far, I've downloaded slideme and andapp but I find those waaaaay too slow! Jeez, as in terribly slow with frequent crashes!!! And some apps are still lacking from even all those alternative markets put together.

There's also the sneaky way of downloading the apk but that's really wrong so I wouldn't do it if I were you. Plus, you run the risk of getting a buggy old version of the app you want. Or worse, a virus and brick whatever you used to download.

So far, android market is still the best and quickest. However, the only other option would be to root the phone and install an app that lets me trick the phone into thinking I have a market non-restricted sim. And I really don't want to do that.

However, there is a way, but it needs some added steps: namely the procurement of a US/Sing/HK sim or any other sim from non-restricted countries. Luckily, I had some sims lying around from my travels years before (doesn't have to be current or even activated as long as its from a non-restricted region). I have a star hub sim from singapore and a t-mobile sim. I tried out the t-mobile one and it works! I have access and was able to download paid apps. The top paid category is missing but you can search the app you want or check out the "just in" category and find paid apps there.

So far, this is the least intrusive way I've found to access paid apps. Now, if you're from a restricted country, I'm sure it wouldn't be so hard to get your hands on a non-restricted sim. Like I said, even old ones work (my tmobile is from 4 years ago). Try ebay or amazon or even just try asking a foreign friend if he has a sim lying around from back home. Just borrow it, download your apps and give it back.

You will need to setup a google account with your credit card, tho. But once done, buying is very very easy and instantaneous.

That said, I've got nothing to be envious about anymore. Those google dudes can take their sweet time. haha

regards,

lorsban

By the way, I only have star hub and tmobile to test, in case anyone else has tested other sims, kindly post your experiences.

I seem to be having trouble getting connected, which means no apps foe me. Is it possible to just load the apps (apk) directly on my sd card and use them from there?

I have tried everything you can think off.
Thru  my laptop, my gsm lines . I dont know what to do. HEEEEEEEEELP.

There is an app called market access or market enabler that tricks your market into thinking it's from USA and allows you to access all paid apps.

Can you sign in on Gmail or GTalk first?

have tried to log in with gmail, - same message. It seems i made a mistake buying this phone, maybe my country is not supported.

It seems you can load .apk files (apps) on our sdcard and then install them, they work , but if One cant get to the market why the _ _ _ _ did i spend this much money on the phone? I wish someone had told me all this before, but if I am really honest I should have known beta. It will be resolved but it will take some time.