Unactivated Iphone 3GS 32 gig

[libindaniel2000]

Hi,
I recently purchased a used Iphone 3GS 32 gig and the owner reset it such that it needs to be activated. I am on T-Moible and do not have an AT&T Sim card. It needs to be jailbroken and unlocked as well. I don't know the firmware or baseband on it. I have a few questions:
1. What is the cheapest way to activate it if I don't have a SIM Card?
2. I have tried the *3001..... trick but it does not show me anything. How can I find the firmware and baseband?
3. Once activated what is the best way to unlock and jailbreak the Iphone without loosing the GPS functionality?

I have access to both OSX and Windows XP.

Thanks for your patience.

[Cowboy]

Do you now what fw it was on when you purchased it?

[libindaniel2000]

I asked the guy and he said that he recently updated it. However, he does not remember it. Did I bought myself an iBrick?

[Cowboy]

No it just may not be unlockable

with out installing the ipad bb

[libindaniel2000]

True..but how do I get to that stage?

[Cowboy]

use redsn0w and make a custom ipsw to hactivate it

[libindaniel2000]

By making a custom IPSW, do you mean downloading it? I don't know how to make one. However, I have a custom IPSW for 3GS which is 4.2.1. Can I use that or would you suggest going down to 3.XX.XX?

[Cowboy]

You can try the 4.2.1 one

[libindaniel2000]

Using the Ipad baseband 6.15.00 would kill my Wi-Fi? I had that problem with a 3G.
Can I use a 3.X.XX IPSW with redsn0w to activate and jailbreak my phone?

[Cowboy]

Nope not on a 3gs

[libindaniel2000]

How can I use redsn0w method if the IPhone can't be restored with the custom IPSW via Itunes since it is not activated.

[Cowboy]

Let me know if that doesn't work first

[libindaniel2000]

So, use the iClarified article here:
iClarified - iPhone - How to Jailbreak Your iPhone 3GS Using RedSn0w (Mac) [4.3.1]

and then use the steps for redsn0w with Install Cydia and Instal Ipad baseband checked, right?
Sorry, I am just making sure that we are on the same page.

[Cowboy]

Yes

[libindaniel2000]

My Iphone has never been unlocked before and it is from week 38 according to the serial number that puts it in the 'desirable Boot' category, right? Would that change anything?

[Cowboy]

Umm idk think so

[libindaniel2000]

I used redsn0w 4.2.1 and selected Install Cydia and Install Ipad baseband. The IPhone is stuck at the apple logo screen.

[Cowboy]

Any error code?

[libindaniel2000]

On the OSX or the IPhone?
I don't see any error code. redsn0w came to the "finish" screen. Iphone did a whole bunch of 'terminal' style coding and then it is stuck at apple logo. The iPhone is still connected to the laptop using USB. Should I pull that USB off?
The screen flickered once. How long does it take for the IPhone to reboot? More than 7 minutes?

[Cowboy]

It might leave for another few then let me know what happens