have (legally) found myself with one of these

no orange/Tmob signal where we live so someone has suggested I unlock it

1) Can I bugger it up beyond redemption by trying this ?
2) anyone know what it involves (and could a barely trained gibbon achieve it) ?
3) Can I use any payg sim card once unlocked ?

1) not easily
2) yes, got one and installed a custom rom within an hour of getting it, if it’s just unlocking there is an app available in the market that does it for free, it’s a bit more involved to reflash a custom rom. google Modaco for some great forums and advice.
3)yep

I got the unlock code here for mine, http://www.nextgenserver.com/calculator/

How To Install Android 2.2 Froyo On ZTE Blade / Orange San Francisco

Everything you need to know is here: http://sanfranciscoandroid.co.uk/

I am no expert in these things and followed the instructions above and ended up with an unlocked phone on Android 2.2.

I’ve since upgraded to 2.3 (Blue Ginger).

My opinion is that unlocking, debranding, rooting and going to a stable 2.2 (as in the link above) is a huge improvement to the phone. Taking it to 2.3 has improved it but it’s ‘bells&whistles’ – worth doing if you’ve got the time, inclination and confidence.

I had one for a while, great little phone. I used this site to unlock/flash it etc.

thanks folks – off to the www for me then !

splendid !

kacked myself once or twice in the process, mind (is there an app for that?)