Have:
3gs, 3.0, 04.26.08
Serial #: 88927…
JB (RedSn0w) and unlock (UltraSn0w)
SHSH’s on file: 3.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3
Windows Vista
iTunes 8.2.1.6

Want to:
At least go to 3.1.2 (or to 3.1.3 if there’s no harm in that) to use apps that require it.
Keep option to unlock (haven’t used it yet; may never).

Happy to wait a while for 4.0. Would rather not have to find a friend with a Mac to create a custom FW (if there will be a Windows option soon). Also would rather not risk downloading one. Will do either one if that’s what it takes, but again, I’m in no particular rush for 4.x.

Would like to start from scratch when I upgrade BUT keep text history, paid JB apps, etc.

Primarily, I don’t want to do anything that will limit my future JB and unlock options—be it by acting too hastily or waiting too long.

So:
Should I upgrade (to 3.1.2?) now and wait for all the 4.x kinks to be worked out? Is there something I’m not considering that I should think about?

Thanks for any insight.

First, let me apologize for my repeat postings. My posts weren’t showing up earlier. Angie (mod) told me that something in my post might be violating some rules, so I tried rephrasing and reposting a few times. So, in the past 4 hours I’ve asked the same thing 3 different ways. I hope this will be last time my post shows up.

Next, thank you Frank55, speedy_AZ, and now kittu4u for offering me guidance!

Now, one last thing:

I’ll probably use Pwnage in the future and will look more thoroughly into being able to backup and retain all my info then. I’m still not clear on what all is restored through iTunes (i.e., are notes, pictures, email settings, etc. backed up if I don’t have them set to sync?).

Anyway, for now, I’m eager to JB on 3.0 with redsn0w and future-proof my phone without losing my info/settings. So, after I run redsn0w, will my phone look any different other than having Cydia on my springboard?

I have 3Gs, 3.0, 04.26.08, AT&T, Vista (and a friend with a Mac), iTunes 8.2, no JB experience, and concern about missing the update train.

1. Can I JB and remain unlockable while keeping 3.0 at this point?
1a. if so, can I simply use redsn0w?
1b. if not, is some PwnageTool still an option for 3.0?
2. If yes, can I simply load my 3.1 (right?) ECID/SHSH info through Cydia while staying on 3.0, or do I need to update to 3.1.x via Pwnage to get my info on file?
3. Lastly, whichever path I need to take, what should I do to minimize lost info (settings, installed apps, contacts, sms log, etc.)?

Thanks for your help, and sorry for undoubtedly asking questions you’ve heard before. I appreciate any advice, be it how to proceed with what I have in mind, or other avenues I should consider. And, much love to the Dev Team.

Thanks! I don't know what word(s) might be questionable, but I'll try and rephrase.

Sorry for the OT post, but every time I try to post something it never shows up. If this one works, can someone let me know if there are any posting problems/tricks I should know about? I do have some on-topic questions to follow.

I have: 3Gs, 3.0, 04.26.08, AT&T, Vista (and a friend with a Mac), iTunes 8.2, no JB experience, and concern about missing the update train.

1- Can I JB and remain unlockable while keeping 3.0 at this point?
1a- …if so, can I simply use redsn0w?
1b- …if not, is some PwnageTool still an option for 3.0?

2- If yes, can I simply upload my 3.1 (right?) ECID/SHSH through Cydia while staying on 3.0, or do I need to update to 3.1.x via Pwnage to get my info on file?

I appreciate any advice, be it how to proceed with what I have in mind, or other avenues I should consider.

I have
3Gs 32GB, 3.0 (7A341), 04.26.08, AT&T
Vista 32 SP1 (and a friend with a Mac)
iTunes 8.2.1.6
No JB experience

I am finally ready to jailbreak. I also want to unlock (no need for it now, but would like to be able).

I want to stay on 3.0 for tethering and keeping the carrier logo. (However, neither is a deal-breaker. I don’t need tethering; I just like having the option. Nor is the carrier logo vital.)

My main concern is not missing the update train.

1- Can I JB and remain unlockable while keeping 3.0 at this point?
1a- …if so, can I simply use redsn0w?
1b- …if not, is some PwnageTool still an option for 3.0?

I realize I’m no longer able to upload any 3.0 ECID/SHSH info to Saurik's server through Cydia.

2- If the answer to question 1 is yes, can I simply upload my 3.1 (right?) ECID/SHSH through Cydia while staying on 3.0, or do I need to update to 3.1.x via Pwnage to get my info on file?

3- Lastly, whichever path I need to take, what should I do to minimize lost info (settings, installed apps, contacts, sms log, etc.)?

Thanks for our help, and sorry for undoubtedly asking questions you’ve heard before. I appreciate any advice, be it how to proceed with what I have in mind, or other avenues I should consider.

And, much love to the Dev Team.