dazne

Correction: I meant, what's the point in keeping them locked?

Looking for relevant apps in the Apple App Store is a growing problem. This should be a feature built within the App Store. Why can't Apple do the same? Why do they need another application/service to do the "app discovery" for them?

If all you're doing is working all of the time, then you're not as effective as you could be. By choosing to work within certain time constraints, you could be more productive, while having the time for guilt-free play, which is essential. Look up "Stuart Brown and Play". You'll know what I mean. The important thing is to set boundaries between work and play. Look up Cal Newport fixed-schedule productivity.

I think these phones should be unlocked the day you sign up for a contract. What's the point in keeping them unlocked? You can't violate your contract. I can think of one downside for them carriers: they won't be able to charge you extra when you travel abroad, but then you have to ask if that's really in the best interest of the customers? Perhaps not.

This works as a good "rule of thumb".

Yes, I think this is more important than your "earning potential". Even someone who starts out in the job market early in the 20s with a low salary has the potential to make it big, because you've got time on your side.

Yes. Couldn't agree more. There're other bloggers in the tech/culture space like Jason Kottke of kottke.org, and Jim Dalrymple of The Loop, who make far less from advertising/sponsorships than Daring Fireball.