galaxy s3 mini gt-i8190t

[jesterjames]

When I was in Thailand I bought an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S3 mini. Not aware of the different versions I wound up with the gt-i8190t. I found that some apps could not be installed on this version. Now I am back in the USA and my carrier, Verizon, says that the phone can not be used on their network. I've seen that there are 3 other firmware versions, gt-i8190, gt-i8190n, and gt-i8190l.
My first question is what are the differences amongst the 4 firmware versions? Are there any differences in the hardware among versions bought in different countries? Will changing firmware versions allow me to use the Verizon network in the USA?
BTW this is my first smartphone. But I do have some technical background.

 

[WesleyBishop]

Verizon uses cdma and I am % 100 the phone you bought over seas is GSM because Verizon is like one of the only cell phone carriers in the world that uses that out of date technology. The two docent technology's are not compatible at all. There is nothing you can do to make it work with Verizon. But you can use it with t mobile, att, simple mobile etc.