so they are available and you have to pay still? i'm confused about the unlocking on the windows phones.
Unlocking in this sense means the same as 'jailbreaking' an iPhone, or 'rooting' an Android device...this allows you to sideload apps that aren't in the Marketplace for whatever reason (adult content, infringing on someone's copyright, etc.)
It does not SIM-unlock the device so you can use it on a different network. It will still be SIM locked to the Death Star.
The $9 buys you a token. The token is just a code that you copy and paste into their unlocking tool. Buy it, download the tool, plug in your phone, follow the directions onscreen--pretty basic and simple.
And that is what we are paying for--the simplicity of it all.
Those of us that unlocked our first generation devices can probably appreciate how much work has gone into developing one program to unlock any WP7 device.
Once unlocked, you can search the different forums and find "Homebrew" apps to customize your device however you like. You will need to get some other tools loaded onto your computer to assist with that process. Not difficult, but also not for the timid or feint of heart...help is out there if you get stuck.
I have performed my fair share of nerd-surgery, but am no expert, so someone correct me if anything I have said is incorrect...