Can I still sync a replaced iPhone?

[JackSpadesSI]

I've got a 4S on order to replace my 3GS. Once I've got the 4S up and running, can I still sync my 3GS with iTunes?

If yes, what will happen when the 3GS is synced?

Ideally, I want to use it like a glorified iPod Touch (as it won't be a useable phone anymore) with different music playlists and apps loaded to it than what is on the new 4S. However, I'm worried that iTunes will see it and recognize that it is a phone so it will try to sync the contents of the 4S to it (and back and forth as each device is connected to iTunes).

If no, well that's a bummer!

 

[Eug]

A. Sync your iPhone 3GS and backup everything.
B. Update iTunes to the latest version.
C. Sync your iPhone 3GS again.
D. Plug in your new iPhone 4S and restore from the previous sync.
E. Wipe your iPhone 3GS.

 

[kmmatney]

I'm converting my 3GS to a pay-as-you-go phone.

You should be able to synch your old phone no problem. It's just another device - I can synch my phone, an iPod touch and iPad without issues. I don't do full synchs - just transfer over music when needed.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

A. Sync your iPhone 3GS and backup everything.
B. Update iTunes to the latest version.
C. Sync your iPhone 3GS again.
D. Plug in your new iPhone 4S and restore from the previous sync.
E. Wipe your iPhone 3GS.

I understand A-E. What I'm wondering is can I use my 3GS as a second iOS device (with different content than is on the 4S) AFTER step E?

 

[Eug]

Yes.

I think you might have to activate it first though. Otherwise, just jailbreak it.

 

[Tyranicus]

iTunes keeps separate backups of individual phones. You won't have to worry about your 4S settings being put onto the 3GS.

 

[MotionMan]

I understand A-E. What I'm wondering is can I use my 3GS as a second iOS device (with different content than is on the 4S) AFTER step E?

I have had as many as 6 different iDevices synced to one computer/iTunes. iTunes knows the difference between difference devices.

I am not sure if there is a limit to the number of iDevices iTunes can handle.

MotionMan

 

[MotionMan]

Yes.

I think you might have to activate it first though. Otherwise, just jailbreak it.

Not true. My son's iDevice is an iPhone 3G being used as a touch ("iPhouch"). It is not "activated" in any way. Interestingly, though, since it is technically a mobile phone, one could make emergency calls from it.

MotionMAn

 

[MotionMan]

iTunes keeps separate backups of individual phones. You won't have to worry about your 4S settings being put onto the 3GS.

Correct. When I have all of our current iDevices plugged in, they each show up separately in the sidebar. You can set each one with unique content from apps, to songs to prefs, etc.

MotionMan

 

[Eug]

Not true. My son's iDevice is an iPhone 3G being used as a touch ("iPhouch"). It is not "activated" in any way. Interestingly, though, since it is technically a mobile phone, one could make emergency calls from it.

When I did this with my iPhone 3G, initially it kept on complaining I was missing a SIM card. It was an older iOS version though, and I can't remember what I did to fix it.

 

[MotionMan]

When I did this with my iPhone 3G, initially it kept on complaining I was missing a SIM card. It was an older iOS version though, and I can't remember what I did to fix it.

I have an unactivated/deactivated SIM card in ours.

MotionMan