[Q] State of Fascinate and Android - Fascinate General

Hey guys,
Sorry for this "noob"ish post. I am new to the Fascinate after being with T-Mo for 2 years, which included a G1 (running CyanMod) and a Nexus One (which also ran CyanMod). I am just hoping one of you would mind giving me a quick 2 minute catch up on where things are now with the Fascinate, as there is way too much on these forums to realistically sift through. I have some basic questions...
1)I have noticed root is good and all that. I would assume rooting is all you need to get free wireless tethering? What program do you use to wireless tether once you are rooted?
2)I keep seeing something about "lagfix". What is that? My phone doesn't seem laggy, except for all the bloatware Verizon has put on it. So any info is appreciated.
3)I'm not crazy about the stock 2.1 ROM. Are there any good custom 2.2 ROMs yet? What is generally the best ROM for the Fascinate? On the Nexus, argue as much as you want, CyanMod was far and away the best ROM. But it seems like there is no CyanMod for Fascinates. So what are my best choices?
4)Is there anything else I should know moving to this phone?
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these, as I know these types of threads are not the most popular thing on here. I want to get "in the know" with my new phone, but there is already so much on these forums, it's hard to tell what is still new and relevant and what is not. Thanks guys!

RayKinStL said:
Hey guys,
Sorry for this "noob"ish post. I am new to the Fascinate after being with T-Mo for 2 years, which included a G1 (running CyanMod) and a Nexus One (which also ran CyanMod). I am just hoping one of you would mind giving me a quick 2 minute catch up on where things are now with the Fascinate, as there is way too much on these forums to realistically sift through. I have some basic questions...
1)I have noticed root is good and all that. I would assume rooting is all you need to get free wireless tethering? What program do you use to wireless tether once you are rooted?
2)I keep seeing something about "lagfix". What is that? My phone doesn't seem laggy, except for all the bloatware Verizon has put on it. So any info is appreciated.
3)I'm not crazy about the stock 2.1 ROM. Are there any good custom 2.2 ROMs yet? What is generally the best ROM for the Fascinate? On the Nexus, argue as much as you want, CyanMod was far and away the best ROM. But it seems like there is no CyanMod for Fascinates. So what are my best choices?
4)Is there anything else I should know moving to this phone?
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to answer these, as I know these types of threads are not the most popular thing on here. I want to get "in the know" with my new phone, but there is already so much on these forums, it's hard to tell what is still new and relevant and what is not. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also a G1 and N1 owner. Be happy to help.
1) Wireless tethering is accomplished by myself without issue via Wireless tether app on the market. It's under the radar so to speak, but required an ad hoc connection
2) The correct lagfix is the voodoo lag fix, with the informative posts being found on the first page of this forum. Basically, Samsung used an older file system in their build, and voodoo updates it to ext4, which is alot snappier on the r/w side of things. Without it, you will encounter a slowing of your processes after a period of uptime, and usually a small freeze while the phone does things like install applications. The flip is that voodoo instructions should be read very closely, and adhered to. Failure to do so will result in phone borkage, and while always fixable, takes some time and patience to do so.
If you are unfamiliar with Odin, as I was at first, make damn sure you always use the PDA option. Failure to do so can result in terminal frustration, and possibly a close to true brick of the device.
3) There are no 2.2 ROMs yet. The Froyo OTA should hit between now and Christmas hopefully. I would like to think we will see some custom 2.2 ROMs, and maybe a CM port by the 1st. In the meanwhile there are several ROMs on this board which seem to work for the people who use them. I'm a proponent of stripping and customizing stock to suit your needs, making your ROM your own. I haven't seen enough included hacks in the available ROMs to warrant a need for them personally. We have some excellent kernels available, and some pretty slick themes and mods, which works well for me.
4) The phone has the best processor/gpu out currently. The display is fantastic, and I don't see a better device on the market currently. It does have downsides, most notably the GPS, which isn't a huge issue for me, but which also has a fix on the way, presumably to be included in the 2.2 update. I also have experienced a shortage in the Wifi reception comparative to my N1, having approx. half the range I previously enjoyed. This seems to me to be software related, so I assume it will be addressable.
If you plan to root and mod, especially if you plan to use voodoo, which I highly recommend, be careful in your reading of instructions and applications of procedures outlined in them. As great as this phone is, mistakes are costly in terms of confusion and time to correct.

Thanks for the reply. Im always impatient, and as such, have already rooted before even waiting for a first response I used the one click method though and it worked great, exactly as advertised. Root Explorer works, so I definitely am good there, and I snagged the latest build of wireless tether from the developer's page.
Now I need to get started with actually switching out the ROM. I really want all the VZ bloatware gone and Bing needs to go as well. So now I guess I have some reading to do on installing ROMs for this phone. Process seems a little more complex for this phone that it was for my N1, but that may be just because it was so long ago and I don't remember. Thanks for the response though!

I am in a similar boat I use the Droid 1 and my fascinate is at the post office waiting for me per usps tracking
I think for now I will root remove bloatware and Bing and role with that till 2.2 maybe touchwiz aswell as I hear u can save ram that way and I paid for launcher pro so might aswell use it.

Yea, from what I've read, it sounds like putting a new ROM on is kind of pointless, since it won't be 2.2 anyway. So I think I just need some good instructions for this voodoo/lagfix stuff and some good instructions for removing all the vzn bloatware that comes installed. Once I do those two things, I think I'll be good. I am already running ADW, which I love, so I don't need any customization there, and wireless tether seems great. So I guess I just need to continue searching. There are lots of topics on the voodoo/lagfix thing on here, but I just want to make sure I find the most complete comprehensive set so I dont screw anything up

I'm somewhat of a new member, but have silently read through these forums for months... I used Dirks d02 sv1200kernal and the voodoo lag fix, I have been very happy with my phone since. I have been reading about the roms right now and don't see a point just yet. Freeze the bloatware from verizon and you will love your phone. Also have switched to LPPlus and think my phone operates so smooth!

I just received my fascinate friday, best buy sucked me in, lol, and I have no regrets. This phone is amazing, better than my d1 and d2. I too had a lot of the same questions about the lagfix and what not and would just like to say thanks, this thread def helped me understand. Can't wait until 2.2 roms
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

RayKinStL said:
Yea, from what I've read, it sounds like putting a new ROM on is kind of pointless, since it won't be 2.2 anyway. So I think I just need some good instructions for this voodoo/lagfix stuff and some good instructions for removing all the vzn bloatware that comes installed. Once I do those two things, I think I'll be good. I am already running ADW, which I love, so I don't need any customization there, and wireless tether seems great. So I guess I just need to continue searching. There are lots of topics on the voodoo/lagfix thing on here, but I just want to make sure I find the most complete comprehensive set so I dont screw anything up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted on replacing the stock launcher with ADW or LP, as well as a couple lists of what is safe to remove. It's easy enough. I'm mobile our I would link the threads, but the replacement of bing its also covered in a post that includes some zips that will help.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

mrcroshaw said:
I'm somewhat of a new member, but have silently read through these forums for months... I used Dirks d02 sv1200kernal and the voodoo lag fix, I have been very happy with my phone since. I have been reading about the roms right now and don't see a point just yet. Freeze the bloatware from verizon and you will love your phone. Also have switched to LPPlus and think my phone operates so smooth!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is LPPlus? Is it worthwhile/simple to do?
To everyone else, I am glad I was not the only other one on the fence. XDA can be a bit scary sometimes, because you don't wanna ask something dumb/"noob"ish, but at the same time, if you haven't been there since the beginning, playing catch up can be hard. I will say everyone in the Fascinate threads has been nice and really helpful so far. I am slowly working through getting my phone the way I want it. Its just a shame that Verizon has to mess up the phone with all this garbage. I dont care much for the iPhone (design or software), but the one thing they do right, which comes at the cost of being "closed", is that they can dictate the user experience right out of the box. Unfortunately a lot of people are just too timid or incapable of doing the things we do to our phones to get them "right". Its a shame too, because people base their opinions on what Android the phone company gives you rather than what it can truly be. Regardless, I appreciate everyone's help and look forward to being a part of this community. I work IT at a school, so I know my way around a PC, but I wish I just knew more about Android coding and how phones work to be a true contributor to ROMs, etc. At least I know I helped a few people by speaking up and creating this thread. Thanks again everyone!!!
Edit: Im putting this in as an edit, but I just realized that LPPlus is probably Launcher Pro Plus. Have you used ADW? Is there a difference? What do you see as its advantages over ADW?

I personally (and i think most of us here would agree) don't have a problem with anyone asking "dumb" questions, if they haven't already been answered. the main issue is that most of the new posts are either "I didn't read the instructions and F*ed up my phone", "hey i heard this crazy rumor it must be true", "Can someone explain the same thing there are already 6 other topics about" and "how can we take X from this other phone and use it on mine". your questions are understandable and asking questions before you jump in saves a lot of headaches from having to fix something you tried without understanding it. and honestly, no need to be afraid to ask anything, worst case scenario someone like me *****es at you over the internet. who cares. =)

Related

CDMA Sprint Hero: Rooted, ROM'd... now what?

Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKiller
Twidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
I just rooted my phone a while ago
So far I've loaded fresh ROM 1.1
found some sweet themes to change stuff
I recommend you go to this website: www[.]geekfor.me (no .com) and check out the pre-kitchen v 0.2. it allows you to easily run command line stuff from a really really easy to use GUI
he's also got a few themes and stuff to download
the customization is about the most useful thing I've found from root. apparently there are some good tethering apps and stuff, but I've never really gotten them to work
Thanks I appreciate that. I'm gonna check some of that stuff out. Can anyone guide me in the direction of a good beginner's guide to ap2sd and do I need to install a radio update or something after I've installed the ROM? Or is that just for GSM? I'm having trouble finding a good collection of beginners guides on google for this stuff so I apologize if all my questions can be answered by other threads in this forum.
smackinisaiah said:
Hey all,
I posted this same thread on another forum but it's not as active as this one so I'm posting here for better results. Anyways, I did a hell of a lot of googling on all sorts of random things, and after hours and hours of trial and error just to get my damn Windows 7 to recognize the Hero, I was well on my way to rooting. After I had rooted my phone, I, by default, ended up going with the MoDaCo 2.0 ROM core update. I just recently downloaded the extension update, and basically I'm just kinda sitting here, thinking to myself, "Now what?" I guess my real question is, what exactly have I done? I understand that rooting the phone basically puts in a free-to-use-however-you-want sort of sense, and the custom ROM gives you better performance and more to offer than the factory Hero ROM, but seeing so many posts of all sorts of people doing this and that and the other thing on their phones, I feel like I'm missing out on the what-to-do-next memo. If anyone has any good advice for a new Android user to look forward and almost like a guide on Things You Should Do After You've Rooted and Installed MoDaCo 2.0, I'd appreciate it.
As for apps. I currently have, use, and enjoy these (any other recommendations?):
Ak Notepad
Astro File Manager
Spare Parts
TasKillerTwidroid
Also looking for the consolidated power settings widget I see randomly everywhere. It's so bad ass looking and convenient but I can't seem to find it anywhere. I know Beautiful Widgets had it but HTC sent them a C&D so it got taken down.
Another thing. This stuff I read about being able to get apps that aren't normally in Market after you root, what's up with that? And which ones of these are must-haves?
Haha I apologize beforehand for this thread having so many questions but to consolidate it all to one question, what exactly should I do now that my phone is rooted and loaded with custom rom 2.0, and what are some must-haves and must-knows for a noob looking to eventually become a pro at this stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://geekfor.me/faq/you-shouldnt-be-using-a-task-killer-with-android/
First I would say read everyhting you can in this forum. I have learned a lot about my phone just by reading the treads.
second and I cant belive no one said this yet. DO NOT I repeat DO NOT do anything with the radio. as far as I know flashing the radio is the only way found so far to totally brick this phone.
apps2sd is automatic with modaco's rom as long as your sd card is partitioned for it.
must have apps are really something that is subjective. I just googled best android apps and got a ton of info to go through and found a few apps that I really wanted or thaat I just thought where cool.
good luck and happy moding

[Q] I've searched, no one asked: Should I root my Vibrant?

Ok...
No one has debated or have asked this question:
Should I root my Vibrant?
I'd like to actually see a debate whether or not rooting is better or stock is better. I know you have to root in order to do custom ROM, but what I'm trying to achieve on this thread is, the benefits of rooting (since I know there are plenty). I just want to give noobs and new users of Vibrant the flexibility of deciding whether they need to root, or not. I myself, have a rooted vibrant, and LOVE IT.
So, is rooting for me? Should I root the Vibrant? Or stick with the stock?
P.S.
I used "me" as an example. It isn't necessary that I want to ask the question, i just thought it's better if i put "me" on the question...
Rooting is ALWAYS better.
Certainly the VAST majority of people do not need to root their phones for any reason. I have several friends with Vibrants that are quite happy with their phones as-is.
You gain absolutely nothing by rooting your phone, there is absolutely no difference in any way shape or form except you can now do modifications that non-rooted phones can not. The question isn't whether to root or not, the question is whether or not you want to do something with/to your phone that requires root access.
For me, I would have had to stick with my Blackberry simply to have tethering ability, it is a feature I have had to use many, many times. Since I never got Kies working right, I had no choice but to root in order to install MobileAP which has been a real life saver for me when I absolutely had to have internet access on my laptop and their was no alternative. This is the same reason I had to root my wife's 3G Slide. She absolutely has to have internet access and it is her only means to get it in some places.
That will probably be the only reason for her. Me, being a techie, I have flash Franken-Twiz, Bionix 1.8, 1.9, and am now running Fusion and absolutely love my phone now.
djquick said:
Rooting is ALWAYS better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come it is ALWAYS better? What makes rooting better for you?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
@ Kerry
Well put. Hopefully this would bring light to new users.
Personally, rooting is a must for me, because of the fact I'm always on the road, having a tethered phone has an advantage.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I rooted because I could...
I like the ability to do different things with my phone - I'm not one to leave it stock if I don't have too.
but it's weird, I haven't jailbroke my ipod yet - never really felt the need to nor the desire.
with my phone (and this is my first android) it just seemed like the right thing to do, then after bricking during the OTA I dived right into flashing ROMs and overclocking...yeah, rooting like a gateway drug...and I'm so happy...
but I was the noob on rooting/flashing/ etc up until the other week...and now I have a flashing problem...hahahaha
I rooted my phone just to delete the bloatware.
There is a whole section of "things to do with root" in the general sticky....
I mean, that IS the reason to root... to open up options.
Want to control which apps can open at startup? Want to tether? Want to flash a custom rom? Want to overclock the processor? Want to get rid of bloatware? Want to create backups of your phone for an "oh $hit" moment?
I really do not see any reason not to. Especially since it is so easy to get back to stock/non-root.
I owned a G1 previously and never thought rooting was for me. Less than 2 weeks after getting my Vibrant I decided to give rooting a go and instantly loved it. I was actually mad at myself afterwards for not even considering rooting my G1 and running stock for almost 2 years. I don't even use custom ROMs but I love being able to take screen caps, Mobile AP, and being able to block ads.
djquick said:
Rooting is ALWAYS better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on who is using the phone. I mean for someone that doesn't care for rom or doing anything other than making phone call, text, and browse the web, he or she will not really need to root. They will not find root better. Like my GF thinks root is too much work and hassle. For me, I think root is better since i actually like to try new roms and get updates before the OTA. Root will give you the ability to tether and use custom recovery to backup/restore.
Now to the OP, it just depends on what you are looking to do with your phone. If you are just using it to make calls and browse the web, you can just keep it unrooted. If you plan to use tethering or make any system changes, you will need to root. Also, if you root, it doesn't mean you have to do anything else to your phone. You can still keep it in its stock form and have the option to do whatever you want later. It's up to you.
Shakespeare Said it is better to root
Shakespeare says it is better to root Ahhhh .... Yes to Quote:
"to Root or not to root"... that is the question
"Is it better to suffer the slings and bloatware from the carrier" or to
Just Root the phone and make it more versatile, delete the bloat and do what and when you want to the phone YOU own
I personally never like outside controls on objects that I buy.... neither would Shakespeare
Rooting is always better unless you are only interested in the retail version only type device.
Listen to Kerry G he has it right
Tether
Just a note! I can tether with PDAnet using bluetooth and I'm not rooted.
Rooting isn't a requirment to tether, However there may be other options that do require root access.
Great feedback.
s15274n said:
There is a whole section of "things to do with root" in the general sticky....
I mean, that IS the reason to root... to open up options.
Want to control which apps can open at startup? Want to tether? Want to flash a custom rom? Want to overclock the processor? Want to get rid of bloatware? Want to create backups of your phone for an "oh $hit" moment?
I really do not see any reason not to. Especially since it is so easy to get back to stock/non-root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, somehow i knew s15274n would reply. Not many people know that rooting is a good thing or a bad thing. They don't know that they got options. I've been reading and been surfing on XDA for a long time, I had an old handle here, when WinMo was popular. But then when i got promoted, I started to be on the road, i've lost touch (and my account i closed).
Many people I encounter across the country don't know why they should root, or skeptical to root. Since I got the Vibrant, i rooted it right away, and plenty of my clientèle are amazed of what that Android phone can do. Most have Crackberry, and I've led them to this site and found it very usefull.
They don't see the stickies, or such, so i made a thread that i could access on my phone to show them. They ask the same thing all the time, "Should I root/Why do you root/I'm afraid to root/I don't know Andriod" Most of them don't have the time to read stickies. SO, i tell them. But I tell them of what MY opinion is (and why I wanted to root), and so i decided to thread and ask other people's opinion on why they would root.
Great feedback guys
oka1 said:
Shakespeare says it is better to root Ahhhh .... Yes to Quote:
"to Root or not to root"... that is the question
"Is it better to suffer the slings and bloatware from the carrier" or to
Just Root the phone and make it more versatile, delete the bloat and do what and when you want to the phone YOU own
I personally never like outside controls on objects that I buy.... neither would Shakespeare
Rooting is always better unless you are only interested in the retail version only type device.
Listen to Kerry G he has it right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good one!

[Q] Be gentle... decided to root, need CURRENT advice

It seems like most of the threads about rooting are from back in July. I want to root my phone. I'm pretty sure I should use the Cyanogen ROM. Should I use stable? Experimental? Nightly? I want 2.2 for sure, beyond that I don't really know what the differences are I should be looking for.
So, using Windows 7 what should I do starting from square one, and in which order should I do it?
I would like the ability to un-root and return to stock, if possible.
Thanks for any helpful replies.
911jason said:
It seems like most of the threads about rooting are from back in July. I want to root my phone. I'm pretty sure I should use the Cyanogen ROM. Should I use stable? Experimental? Nightly? I want 2.2 for sure, beyond that I don't really know what the differences are I should be looking for.
So, using Windows 7 what should I do starting from square one, and in which order should I do it?
I would like the ability to un-root and return to stock, if possible.
Thanks for any helpful replies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you posting this in the appropriate sub-forum. Here is a link in the Development sub-forum that explains all of the steps you need to root your Aria and prepare for loading custom ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788737
As for a Froyo 2.2 ROM, you have CM 6.0/6.1 or Liberated FRxx Series. The Liberated FR series has the familiar HTC Sense interface that came on your Aria, but it is built on Froyo 2.2 instead 2.1.
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
911jason said:
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you know what I did when i rooted my phone? I watched a youtube video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjgg__m-KHc
911jason said:
Thanks for the reply Tom, although I'm still hesitant. It seems like every thread I've seen with instructions has quite a few posts afterwards from people having issues. The instructions are also usually about as clear as mud. It seems like the people writing the instructions are writing them for people who have rooted in the past, because they use terminology that a new user like me doesn't understand. I have lots of computer experience (used to design websites in the 90's with Notepad - ha!) but I have zero Linux or smartphone experience, so maybe I should just forget the root thing. It's just that I love Photoshop and would really like to be able to use those skills to customize the look of my phone much more than I currently can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well 922jason, I think we are both going through exactly the same thing. I bought my Aria already rooted by the seller, and so I missed out on the learning curve of rooting and the terminologies involved. Think I'm more of a learn it on the job kinda fella and now I have to read all these texts.
Anyway, I just did the most daring thing today. I was running Liberated Aria R12 few hours ago and decided to get hands on. Downloaded FroYo Cyanogen, made nandroid backup (yes it's such a noob thing) & flashed (sounds fancy) Cyanogen. Anyways, I found out that it didn't suit me at all because:
1. I can't find my ALL my installed and backup-ed Apps anywhere
2. The familiar Market isn't anywhere in the phone
3. ALL my contact list are gone
4. I couldn't find any application that lets me access my SD card
5. There were wayyyyy too many options to customize in Cyanogen that gave me a headache instead
Now I realize that the pros would bombard me with comments and advice to sort out those problems, and they certainly would know better what to do than me. But as a new user to Android in the smartphone era, I'm just plain confused.
So I restored the nandroid backup and I'm back to the state before I installed Cyanogen
BUT, I'm not done yet. I'm now downloading Liberated Aria Froyo FR007 and want to try it out. Just don't chicken out at getting hands on with this cos I wanna get the most out of my Aria. So good luck!
The people at XDA are really helpful and you shouldn't worry about getting lost. Thanks guys!
Thanks for the link Zervic, I'll check that out.
I also appreciate the info Emigre, glad to know I'm not the only noob on XDA! =)
Root yet or still having problems?
Noz85 said:
Root yet or still having problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waffling big-time!
I just read through the huge CM6 thread and seeing all those different problems posted gives me the willies. Going to read through the Sense/Froyo thread next and see if it looks any safer.
Dont worry so much with any of the roms here theres a very small chance to brick your phone. If you like how your phone looks now then Liberated is for you. If you want to customize everything them go with CM6.
Your choice but dont over think it lol.
if you need help just ask.
Hey man, I really appreciate that... I like the idea of all the customization possible with CM6, but all of the bug reports in that thread scare the crap out of me.
Thats mostly for the nightly roms. CM6 and CM6.1 RC1 are very stable, I didn't have any major problems with them. Just make sure to fallow all the instructions when installing to avoid any problems with any roms you chose.
Noz85 said:
Thats mostly for the nightly roms. CM6 and CM6.1 RC1 are very stable, I didn't have any major problems with them. Just make sure to fallow all the instructions when installing to avoid any problems with any roms you chose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree. Both CM 6.0.2.1 and CM 6.1 RC1 have been very reliable for me. As has been mentioned in other posts, most of the 'bugs' are about the nightly CM builds which are truly 'experimental'.
There are a few caveats with CM 6.x that you won't run into with the Liberated ROMs. Number 1 is read the wiki instructions completely. Once you flash the CM 6 you then need to flash the Google Apps so that you can access the Android Market. Number 2 is that the CM 6.x cannot read any contacts you have stored on your SIM card, so you should export them from the SIM and sync them with your GMAIL account.
Regards,
Tom
Okay, anything I need to set aside for doing this? Will the stock 2gb SD card work fine? How long does the process take, from start to finish?
i too am on the learning curve of all this rooting and whatnot. before i got the aria just this last wednesday i had the hero cdma with Alltel. which apparently was a B* to root and whatnot, cuz alltel isnt popular for devs ive noticed. when i first got the hero it was really new for alltel, and there were people working on the root process. I too get pretty nervous when i read stuff that i could do to my phone but could brick it.. but then i found out about the recovery mode and nandroid backups.. and OMFG they help a lot when you change a setting to be incompatible and get a boot loop. that was VERY often with that hero.
When i found out that i was getting the Aria cuz of the Alltel to AT&T transition, i kept an eye on the aria threads. day one of getting the aria, i plugged it right in running unrevoked and it went real quick, however thats just the root process of course. you havent installed any roms at this point, just got the privileges.
thats when you boot the recovery mode, do that nandroid backup and copy that backup somewhere safe on a computer or something.. then of course after that then you follow the steps for whichever rom you choose that you want.
IMO- i prefer the Liberated series, i had my chance with CM6.1 on the hero and enjoyed it a bit, but got tired of it and went to the Fresh Hero ROM. so since i knew i liked fresh hero, i knew i wanted liberated series, and most especially because its 2.2 FroYo with the HTC Sense UI (the "stock look" that was mentioned earlier)
and to answer your questions:
1. make sure you have the right usb drivers, youll know if you read the tutorials. the nandroid backup would be somewhere between 200-350MB so make sure you have enough free on the sd.
2.the stock 2gb will work just fine. in the future look into upgrading with a class 4 or class 6 speed MicroSD for even better performance.
3.once you get the drivers and software downloaded, the unrevoked root process takes probably around 5 minutes, if that.. it seemed really fast to me. the nandroid backup process will be fast if you dont have many apps installed now. should only take a few minutes as well. im guessing it takes me like 10-15 minutes sometimes cuz of apps and such, (sometimes i lose track of time). then after nandroid, the wipes are like instant, then flashing the rom, (like i said im bad with time sometimes) and i believe that takes about 5-10 minutes.
So it seems like after I root my phone, I should boot back into the stock ROM and download Titanium to back-up my apps and app data. Is this correct? I don't want to lose access to the apps I have purchased. Is that the best way?
the purchased apps you can obviously re-download, but yes. titanium backup is really useful for saving app/app-data. however, if needed, you can always nandroid the custom rom, restore your stock backup and pull info from that, then restore back to the custom.
joachim123 said:
the purchased apps you can obviously re-download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found quite a few threads around the internet about people losing their paid apps after rooting and flashing a custom ROM. Wasn't sure if there was some step I needed to take to ensure that I can retrieve my paid apps. There aren't many, I've only had my phone for a few weeks, but still... I'm cheap!
1. You can use titanium to back up your apps, though that isn't 100% necessary because, as previously mentioned, you can re-download your purchased apps.
2. Once you get the ROM installed (if it happens to be cyanogenmod) you need to also install gapps, which includes the market app. If you don't flash the gapps package, obviously, there will be no market.
3. Keep in mind that if you install CM, there will be no more HTC Sync.
4. If you follow the directions in 1, the video i posted for you or 2, any of the threads that explain this process the possibility for you to brick your phone is slim to none. -- as attn1 said "If you manage to brick your phone with this ROM from there, you are a dumb ass of unimaginable proportions, and I absolve myself of any responsibility whatsoever. "
There were a few other things I wanted to mention but I gotta run...
oh haha, well as far as im concerned, the purchases should be saved in the google database as long as you use the same gmail account to log in to the phone. ive been fine every time. even from goin thru the transition of different cell providers and phones. there is an app that im not sure if its allowed to be posted but ill message a link to you. its helped a lot lately even tho i just found it out like two days ago.
zervic said:
There were a few other things I wanted to mention but I gotta run...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that's just great... reminds me of the teases for "News at 11 - The critical info you need that could save your life"... meanwhile, it's 4pm, what do I do until 11 to stay alive?!?!

Just got this phone...

Ok so I just got this phone (coming from a DInc), just wondering what ROM is the best one out there. I am already rooted and have clockwork installed, now itching to put a ROM on and get rid of Bing lol.
Did you flash Clockwork in Odin? You can't do it from ROM Manager on this phone.
JT's super clean is a safe bet. Blackhole is another popular one.
Correct you need to flash it through odin ie clockwork. I have used alot of roms so far but I like the black hole build you're own. Many options and the recent v1.4.1 is really nice. Sonsofskywalker is a great dev and keeps up on his stuff.
Sent from your mothers closet.
Also check or geekniks stupid fast kernel 1.2.3 you can use many other phones boot animations.
Sent from your mothers closet.
Honestly Ive seen absolutely no improvement in using a custom rom vs launcherpro over stock. Your better off keeping it stock for now untill 2.2 comes out.
But if your even smarter you return the phone. Dont throw away the box, you like me might not be happy with it and get stuck with it. I dont think its actually the phone im unhappy with....but more android. Android has become a disapointment to me. An OS is only as good as the applications it has.
I was a 3 time Iphone user....then switch from att to verizon in Nov 2009 and have gone through a bunch of droid phones. On Verizon its the best choice. But when Windows phone 7 or Iphone hits next year many will be gone.
I know many of you guys will chew me up over this. But I gotta speak the truth,
martyotaku said:
Honestly Ive seen absolutely no improvement in using a custom rom vs launcherpro over stock. Your better off keeping it stock for now untill 2.2 comes out.
But if your even smarter you return the phone. Dont throw away the box, you like me might not be happy with it and get stuck with it. I dont think its actually the phone im unhappy with....but more android. Android has become a disapointment to me. An OS is only as good as the applications it has.
I was a 3 time Iphone user....then switch from att to verizon in Nov 2009 and have gone through a bunch of droid phones. On Verizon its the best choice. But when Windows phone 7 or Iphone hits next year many will be gone.
I know many of you guys will chew me up over this. But I gotta speak the truth,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an iPhone... IMO the iPhone is a toy. I plan on giving this a go for 30 days and see if I like it or not. If I dont I will return it and go back to my DInc.
Thanks for the advice on the ROMs guys I will download that one now
Also, is there anyway to get Bing completely off the phone? And what about when I hit the search button to be able to get directions like I could on my DInc.
Lynx83 said:
Also, is there anyway to get Bing completely off the phone? And what about when I hit the search button to be able to get directions like I could on my DInc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there is a way to get Bing completely off. I will tell you if you just read the stickies at the top, you probably didn't need to post this.
If you have root access, which is easily done, you can then use install CWM. Once you do that, you can install jt's super clean rom. That'll take care of your issues.
If you don't like the way the current launcher you are using, install ADW or LauncherPro. I personally recommend ADW as it is open source and well developed.
But again, you should have posted this in the General forum. And you should have read the stickies before posting.
Can you imagine what this forum would be like if everyone who purchased a Fascinate posted saying exactly what you are saying???
RacerXFD said:
Yes, there is a way to get Bing completely off. I will tell you if you just read the stickies at the top, you probably didn't need to post this.
If you have root access, which is easily done, you can then use install CWM. Once you do that, you can install jt's super clean rom. That'll take care of your issues.
If you don't like the way the current launcher you are using, install ADW or LauncherPro. I personally recommend ADW as it is open source and well developed.
But again, you should have posted this in the General forum. And you should have read the stickies before posting.
Can you imagine what this forum would be like if everyone who purchased a Fascinate posted saying exactly what you are saying???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you have reading comprehension issues also so I dont know why you are trying to be hard and call me out. I have rooted, I did flash clockwork, and I did flash a ROM, but its still not functioning the same as my DInc was.
Lynx83 said:
Apparently you have reading comprehension issues also so I dont know why you are trying to be hard and call me out. I have rooted, I did flash clockwork, and I did flash a ROM, but its still not functioning the same as my DInc was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad. I do have reading comprehension issues...
Anyways, depends on what you want, the good ones are already in ROM Manager to download when you feel like.
Sonofskywalker's ROM is neat in that it erases everything stock and leaves only what you want to leave in there.
JT's is simple and clean.
Deoxdexed is not bad, but it does come with a theme if you're into that.
I used "Super Dark" I really like the layout, but now all my haptic feeling in the phone is gone
Ok I got it working, I flashed the stock kernel to the phone... seems to be working properly right now
Froyo just dropped for the epic. Official froyo. While us fascinate users wait for our maintenance update. **** yeah. Way to go Sammy and Verizon. I hate to have to put this phone down with this brilliant hardware but ill be on my incredible until you **** or get off the pot. Jt, adrynalyne, love you..sorry I've been out of the loop at irc. Plannning this wedding is quite the time killer. Be back in irc tomorrow when I get home
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App

[Q] new to At&t, porting phone #, rooting help

Hi everyone,
Time to retire my EVO 4G and ditch Sprint. New S4 coming today. If it has MDL, I plan on rooting it. My question is this:
Since I'm porting my phone number from Sprint, can I leave the SIM card out and root it before it has been provisioned, or do I have to insert the SIM card and wait until I have At&t service before rooting?
Thanks. Looking forward to flashing a custom ROM...but I sure am gonna miss my OG EVO!
The phone does not have to be provisioned so leave the card out and turn off wifi. Then not only root, but also freeze/delete the three files used to update our put a custom recovery and rom on. The three files are something like at&t software update, FWupdate, and localFOTA. They're apk's
when the device arrives, before opening it, look on the packaging and locate the firmware version. it will be with the IMEI number, etc. if its MF3, i'd take it to at&t for an exchange (you have 14 days). then i probably would have the clerk search the inventory until they found one that had MDL on the S4 box. haha. the red S4's werent terribly popular so there might be a few MDL versions of them left.
when you get home, do as jd1639 said and freeze those apks if you're not going to flash a different ROM entirely. cheers
xBeerdroiDx said:
when the device arrives, before opening it, look on the packaging and locate the firmware version. it will be with the IMEI number, etc. if its MF3, i'd take it to at&t for an exchange (you have 14 days). then i probably would have the clerk search the inventory until they found one that had MDL on the S4 box. haha. the red S4's werent terribly popular so there might be a few MDL versions of them left.
when you get home, do as jd1639 said and freeze those apks if you're not going to flash a different ROM entirely. cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"If you want to avoid the update, you should root your phone and freeze the following three apps using titanium backup or some similar app.
1. AT&T Software update Vxx_x_xxxx_x_x
2. FWUpgrade x.x.x
3. LocalFOTA vx_xxxx_x_x"
Got my phone... I'm ready to root
Got home from work today to find my shiny new 16gb black s4 waiting for me. Ordered it from amazon.com for $149 with activation. I must say that I am impressed at the speed of delivery...ordered it Thursday night at 6PM and got it today (Saturday) at 11:30AM. It's MDL, so I am charging up the battery and downloading casual. Once I get root, I will kill the OTA and then provision the phone. After that, any suggestions on a stable ROM with everything working? Coming from Sprint and HTC, I have a lot of learning to do although I have experience with rooting and flashing on the Epic.
Thanks all!
pipefitter said:
Got home from work today to find my shiny new 16gb black s4 waiting for me. Ordered it from amazon.com for $149 with activation. I must say that I am impressed at the speed of delivery...ordered it Thursday night at 6PM and got it today (Saturday) at 11:30AM. It's MDL, so I am charging up the battery and downloading casual. Once I get root, I will kill the OTA and then provision the phone. After that, any suggestions on a stable ROM with everything working? Coming from Sprint and HTC, I have a lot of learning to do although I have experience with rooting and flashing on the Epic.
Thanks all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to do is go to the development and original development sections and read through the OP's of each ROM to see which has the features you want. They are all good so you will need to decide for yourself what is good for you. Good luck.
scott14719 said:
The best thing to do is go to the development and original development sections and read through the OP's of each ROM to see which has the features you want. They are all good so you will need to decide for yourself what is good for you. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
C'mon now. I've been on xda for 4 years and I have read that very same answer dozens of times. I'm coming from the HTC Evo 4G. I've flashed dozens of ROMs and I can tell you which ones I prefer. But I'm new to the S4 and I don't even know everything it can do. I guess I will settle on root & recovery for now, disable OTA, debloat what I find I can do without, and then get to know the device before I decide on a custom ROM.
I would, however, appreciate your (and anyone else's) honest opinion on specific ROMs based on speed, battery life, aesthetic appeal, etc.
Thanks again.
pipefitter said:
C'mon now. I've been on xda for 4 years and I have read that very same answer dozens of times. I'm coming from the HTC Evo 4G. I've flashed dozens of ROMs and I can tell you which ones I prefer. But I'm new to the S4 and I don't even know everything it can do. I guess I will settle on root & recovery for now, disable OTA, debloat what I find I can do without, and then get to know the device before I decide on a custom ROM.
I would, however, appreciate your (and anyone else's) honest opinion on specific ROMs based on speed, battery life, aesthetic appeal, etc.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's all fine, but you seem to be missing the fact that what I like, you may not. I can not tell you which ROMs you will like and what is fast and stable for me isn't for others. It's ALL opinion. You can tell me which of the other dozens of ROMs you have flashed you might like, but you can not tell me which ones I might like and I can not tell you which ones you will like.
Because you are new to this particular phone and forum, you will find that "best" or "favorite" threads are not allowed for the very reasons I listed above. You might not like the answer, but if you want to know what ROMs works best for you, you will have to try them (or at least read about them) for yourself.
scott14719 said:
That's all fine, but you seem to be missing the fact that what I like, you may not. I can not tell you which ROMs you will like and what is fast and stable for me isn't for others. It's ALL opinion. You can tell me which of the other dozens of ROMs you have flashed you might like, but you can not tell me which ones I might like and I can not tell you which ones you will like.
Because you are new to this particular phone and forum, you will find that "best" or "favorite" threads are not allowed for the very reasons I listed above. You might not like the answer, but if you want to know what ROMs works best for you, you will have to try them (or at least read about them) for yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that. However, I didn't ask for what you think I would like, but rather what YOU like based on your experience with the S4.
Belive me, I have read the entire development section and many pages deep into each individual ROM. Been reading them for weeks. Since I am unfamiliar with the device, I have nothing to compare to the custom ROMS. Everyone appreciates a little guidance when they are new to anything. It seems that it would be more of a waste of the forums time if I had flashed every ROM and then asked what everyone thought of each particular ROM, trying to justify my choice.
But as I stated previously, I will be happy for now to have r & r...which gives me complete control over my device.
Thanks again for your time!
pipefitter said:
I understand that. However, I didn't ask for what you think I would like, but rather what YOU like based on your experience with the S4.
Belive me, I have read the entire development section and many pages deep into each individual ROM. Been reading them for weeks. Since I am unfamiliar with the device, I have nothing to compare to the custom ROMS. Everyone appreciates a little guidance when they are new to anything. It seems that it would be more of a waste of the forums time if I had flashed every ROM and then asked what everyone thought of each particular ROM, trying to justify my choice.
But as I stated previously, I will be happy for now to have r & r...which gives me complete control over my device.
Thanks again for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't seen this post, it might help you a little in separating available ROMs into categories such as Stock or Source based...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2312444
Source based tend to not have extra features such as gestures or other Samsung sourced features. Good luck

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