iPhones in Japan.

[phlizmo]

So my iphone 4s is on its last legs.. After having dropped it several times the cracked screen is an ever changing liquid light show depending on the day.
Good for accompanying some Dead or Jefferson Airplane, but not so good if I actually need to read anything on it.
I need a new one but I was wondering: Should I purchase one in the US and have a new sim card put in in Japan or should I wait and buy one in Japan?

WWSJD?

Sorry for all the noob questions.. My company has sheltered me considerably on all my previous stays.. This one is for the long haul..

[wagyl]

Good information here http://www.japanmobiletech.com/2010/07/ ... phone.html

You are coming for three years, right? The way people churn through hardware I would think that buying a phone here to use here would be the simplest and least risky option, but I do urge you to read up on the situation on that specialist site.

[matsuki]

Maybe an Android phone without a glass screen is in order as well? Either way, save yourself the headache and buy here. Most of the smart phones have "saifu keitai" IC card functionality as well. (saves you buying a ticket or carrying around a separate pass when entering/exiting the stations.