Sorry... I'm new a this...

[Xavior_spirit]

I have been trying to do my research on jailbreaking my Ipad (one) 16gb. I recently have updated it to 4.3.1 and I am looking to do and untethered jailbreak. I guess I am here to ask what my options are from here. Also, I do use my ipad as my scheduling device, so I am worried what my chances are of losing all of my data or if there are any ways to back up my data incase i need to restore my ipad. Thanks in advance!

[SkyMuffin]

Right now, you only have redsnow or pwnagetool as your options. http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=89909 There should be others in the future, however.

You should be able to save all of your data on your device with iTunes' backup feature (happens automatically by default, but you can check it on in the device settings in iTunes). If you're especially worried, you can even copy the backup folder and paste it somewhere else for later use. I usually do this in case I accidentally sync after jailbreaking or changing settings. If you want to be extra, extra safe, you can backup twice-- sometimes the backups can get corrupted and not work.

C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

is where it is for most windows users. If anything goes wrong, just restore from the backup.

[Xavior_spirit]

Thanks! This is all just a bit overwhelming. I'm currently trying to weigh the pros and cons in choosing to jailbreak or not. I just have a few more questions.

I have read conflicting articles that about whether or not I will tarnish my warranty in choosing jail break. Also, what would I do if apple updates the Ipad OS? Wait for the new jail break? would this happen as an auto update or do I have to then restore my ipad to factory settings and then redownload the new jailbreak OS??

[Xavior_spirit]

....

[SkyMuffin]

Technically the text says it may void your warranty...but really it doesn't. All you do is delete any JB files and then restore with a fresh device. The worst they can do is refuse to work on your device if something breaks. In 99% of cases, if your device locks up or gets "bricked", all you do is force it into DFU mode. Also, it's almost impossible to brick a device because DFU is built into the hardware, not the software of the device.

I'm not exactly sure about what to do if apple releases a new iOS. I do know that if you upgrade to the new version, your device will act as if it had never been jailbroken, but those files will still be there. I'm assuming that all you have to do is wait for the new JB and then re-jailbreak....let someone else answer for sure.

As for if a new version of your JB software comes out...usually all you do is just "rejailbreak" the device and it automatically updates.

[Xavior_spirit]

I don't want to be putting any words in your mouth, but it seems that you are defending the side that there are only upsides and practically no downsides to jailbreaking?

[SkyMuffin]

Well, there are almost no downsides-- jailbreaking (usually) only adds features to your device. And, since it's almost impossible to brick your device, you should be okay as long as you backup your files beforehand. The worst that can happen is that your device locks up and you have to restore...which may be tedious and take an hour or two, but it shouldn't damage your device in any way or make it inoperable.

It's happened to me twice before, and it's annoying, but my device still works perfectly. :P

As a side note, if you do jailbreak, you should install Sbsettings right away and then turn off the Apple Killswitch.

[Xavior_spirit]

Not sure what those last two mean, but I'm sure I'll take your advice if and when I do jail break. You have been a great help!

[SkyMuffin]

Oh, the Apple killswitch is just something that Apple has installed to remove/disable apps that go crazy or have viruses. It's up to you if you disable it or not, really. But it might be safer, just in case they crack down on jailbroken apps.

Sbsettings is a really useful add-on that lets you "toggle" things on your device, such as turning on wifi, disabling autocorrect, hiding apps like "Stocks", etc.

[K?!]

The apple killswitch can actually kill your entire device, from what I've heard. But they've never used it.