^You can't download from there to PC, at least I've never been able to.

I did manage to find two versions of Market app last month elsewhere and downloaded to my PC then my Galaxy S but neither worked. I'm still looking for a solution too.

One tip I can give OP is that he can download the Amazon marketplace app. They don't have every app but it's better than nothing, and they also give away one free each day.

I've continued to try to get my phone unlocked and/or rooted, or at least get Android Market to work, but no luck. If OP or anyone managed to succeed, please do tell.

In the meantime, in addition to Amazon Appstore, you can also download and install the Getjar market app which will work on my phone.

Other app sources I've tried, such as appbrain, will install but not work on my Galaxy S.

you buy this
http://image.baidu.com/i?ct=503316480&z=0&tn=baiduimagedetail&word=%C8%F...

Actually you can use a program called "market enabler" to spoof a different region and get the English language version but like you say it's shite.

I had all the same problems as you btw and overcame them with custom firmware and rooting.

Check XDA-developers and good luck.

I know, but I need to get it rooted before I can install a different firmware, right? I'm not sure I completely grasp the nuances between root/unlock/jailbreak.

It's like a microcosm of the Chinese economy in general, then?

I've been all over the XDA forum and the few mentions of the China Mobile version of my phone all result in no joy. I think I'm SOL. By the way, Skype--the real one, not the shitty Tom version--works fine on my phone for some reason, it's one of the few things I've had any luck with. Even Google maps doesn't work, just some shitty Chinese rip-off of it that I can't delete.

Another fine forum member is taking a crack at a solution for me, but if he hits a brick wall I'll send you the details. Thanks for the offer to at least take a look.

Yes you need it rooted first.

Rooting = getting admin access to your phone.

Unlocking = freeing your phone from being restricted to one carrier.

Jail-breaking = Ungaying an iPhone (if that's possible) but I don't own one so not so sure about that.

I've tried rooting my Galaxy S and using Market Enabler, but still nothing. I bought mine in the US unlocked, so it's not a China-phone thing. I think the GFW just blocks all connections to the android market, perhaps as part of their "die google, die" campaign.

The best solution I've found is either to do all your app-downloading when you're out of the country... or to get a VPN that supports Android phones. It's not super convenient, but when I want a new app I just load the VPN on my android and usually have no problems.

Ok, well it's definitely possible.
I'm seeing reports in Chinese of guys who have done it but they don't go into great detail and I couldn't be arsed dealing with them.

It looks like the I9018 is a China Unicom (I think?) build of a i9000, so there is a good chance that the kernel and firmware that is compatible with that phone may work on yours also.

So far you're in luck, sometimes the Chinese version of a phone cannot be safely flashed.

Have a look at this guy's rooting tool:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1436426

Claims it supports your model, obviously read up on safety and backup procedures before you do anything.

Check the kernel version currently in use on your phone (settings - about phone - Kernel Version) and try to download that exact version from somewhere as a backup.

I rooted my GT-i9100 as soon as I got it so I don't really remember the exact procedure but I recall needing to get that first.

I'm sure you've already figured out that you need Odin and stuff like that, the actual root procedure is very fast and easy once you have the right files, flashing a new firmware is a bit more hair-raising..... so once you have root be sure to install Titanium Backup.

No you dont have to root it.
Download stock/custom firmware
Download odin
Put phone in download mode
on PC open odin
select files as specified
connect phone
Flash firmware
Phone reboots which new firmware, complete with android market and minus shitty chinese adware.

I've tried that, it seems it's not that straightforward with my model.

It's very possible I did it wrong, but I tried three times with no joy and a fourth failure would have resulted in the phone being thrown across the room, so I cut my losses.

No worries, BB. That's why I gave you the winkie face in the other thread--I certainly wasn't flirting, you ugly fk.

I want to give Aier's possible solution a try, but if that doesn't work I'll send you the details, thanks for the offer.

You can also put in a sim card from a non-Chinese cell service. Then use wi-fi to connect to the web and browse to Google's marketplace. It will just check that you have a sim card and you will then be free to buy apps &/or download what you will. When done, go back to your Chinese Sim card.

Sure. But I don't think that app is compatible with ICS at least, and I'm sure the phone needs to be rooted to make it work.