Complete noob, can anyone point me in the right direction? - Galaxy Note 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Alright so I had been using a Note1 for a little over three years, I'm in Canada and just upgraded to a Note 4. SM-N910W8 v4.4.4 currently. I haven't done much with it since I got it a week or so ago. I'm really unimpressed with some of the stock stuff that I can't get rid of and so I'm wanting to root it. One of the things I want to get rid of is the Facebook app because I don't like how many permissions it requires. I can't actually remove it from the phone, only disable it etc...
Anyways I'm wondering what else I can get from the Note4, I'm really unfamiliar with Roms but I think I get the basic concept. Anyone willing to explain it to me with the notion that I'm pretty much a complete noob?

Hysterics said:
Alright so I had been using a Note1 for a little over three years, I'm in Canada and just upgraded to a Note 4. SM-N910W8 v4.4.4 currently. I haven't done much with it since I got it a week or so ago. I'm really unimpressed with some of the stock stuff that I can't get rid of and so I'm wanting to root it. One of the things I want to get rid of is the Facebook app because I don't like how many permissions it requires. I can't actually remove it from the phone, only disable it etc...
Anyways I'm wondering what else I can get from the Note4, I'm really unfamiliar with Roms but I think I get the basic concept. Anyone willing to explain it to me with the notion that I'm pretty much a complete noob?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If like You're saying, You are a noob, better stick with the stock rom. Besides, read the forum and You'll see what You can get
To get rid of stock apps You need root (CF-Auto root to find in this forum) and (my preferred way) Titanim Backup, from where You can uninstall whatever You wish.

Well I'm a noob to this stuff, but I feel like I'm fairly good with technology in general.
If I was looking for a light weight and easier to get into rom, do you have any suggestions?

Related

Android noob needs help and sure others do too!

Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Hello,
First off welcome to Android, second, get the fire suit on for the "wrong forum" flames.
What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
Not a *ton* but there is Tether and other goodies that you can start using.​
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
Yes to 1st, and there will be lost data when you unlock the bootloader.. if you unocked the bootloader, and then used the phone for a week or so, THEN flashed this addon pack, then no data loss.​- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
Android Debug Bridge... its used for debugging. lol....​- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
No, the Nandroid backup will be an option AFTER you unlock the BL and install Amon_RA's Recovery image..​
Good luck man!!
thanks for the reply.
I'm trying to gather as much as i can before i get the phone in my hands. Maybe because i want to start right away when i get hold of the phone lol You have enlightened me on many points.
I was just wondering also,
I've read about apps such as Nexus Torch and SetCPU which require rooting. Are these apps aquired simply after I unlock + root from the market place? because i read about reinstall su and similar.
Sorry for the noobiness, as i've mentioned im a android beginner and not too familiar with the terms used.
I just want to install some cool apps and convert those iphone users......(my gf )
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
SystmDcln said:
No they're not required. Rooting is really only for the hardcore phone nerd (which is probably why you're on this site!) I personally am holding off on rooting my N1 until it's fully understood on if it can be re-locked etc. If this is your first Android phone I would recommend doing some reading around on the G1 forum and understand the full capabilities of rooting your device and some neat apps.
**edit
mis-read what you said. Those apps can be obtained from the "Makin Bacon" add on somewhere on this forum. Cyanogen posted it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm doing the same thing as this guy. I'm super hardcore about customization so I have no doubt that I'll root my phone eventually but not quite yet. Things are still a bit too new and right now there really aren't that many reasons to root (outside of tethering support IMO). If you can live without tethering for a month, then you should wait to root.
welcome
addon packs do a few things to your phone. the biggest things, i think, are the busybox and the dropbear installations, and the tethering apps. some modders also like to "optimize" android too. whether or not it actually works, i can't personally tell, but i take their word for it.
busybox will allow you to run some common linux commands on your android (with a terminal app i guess...) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BusyBox
dropbear is an ssh server so that you can access the command line (and push files to your android) from your computer
tethering means share your cell connection with a computer to give your computer internet. i've used it in many airports, and it's sweet.
like the other dude said, the initial root will require a data wipe, but not the addons. i'm not sure if it's true for EVERY rom (i think it is) but when you first install a whole rom a wipe is required, but when upgrading to a newer version of the same rom no wipe is required. if you like to keep your sms and mms's then it's good to have some of these linux tools so you can move and replace the sms and mms databases manually.
adb is android debugging bridge. it's a part of the android sdk (software development kit) that google gives out for free and is meant to develop apps. with it you can plug your phone into your comp via USB and run all sorts of commands on it from your computer. droidexplorer is basically a GUI for the adb commands, so with ADB you can do all that droidexplorer can do. http://de.codeplex.com/
nandroid is kind of like "system restore" for android. you need to root the phone, then flash Amon_RA's recovery thingy (in one of the threads). once you're in recovery, you can create a nandroid backup (kind of like an image of your current android phone) that you can restore later. then restoring it is as simple as going back into recovery and clicking "restore".
m00moo said:
Hi guys,
Im new to the Android scene, and thats because of the N1 got my nexus on order and should arrive shorty in the following week. Been reading the threads here over the last week or so, but alot of things aren't quite clear to me. Especially because im a Android noobie (previous WinMo )
Anyways reading about the Unlocking bootloader and Rooting the device seems pretty straight forward. I understand the consequences of each part and thus appears to be pretty easily done.
The things that i am unclear about are the addon packs and the things it comes bundled with?
- What are the current benefits from flashing these "addon" packs?
- They aren't ROM's just kind of expansion packs right? so no lost data after?
- Wtf is adb? lol i keep seeing it but no idea what it is, thus confusing for noobies like me.
- In cyanogens thread here it says backup using Nandroid, and when i find Nandroid in google i get this. But it says for G1? will it still work fine?
Thankyou for any answers as I believe you will help me to NOT mess up my new phone. I'm sure alot of other people would be thankful for your answers.
Thankyou again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
If I buy an app (I'm thinking of the Exchange Calendar sync app) and then end up rooting and installing another ROM (say the EU ROM if it has multitouch) will I be able to get my purchased apps working again - or do you have to rebuy them?
If you buy an app it'll always show as purchased on the marketplace so you can redownload it - all the ones I bought on my G1 were still available when I setup the N1 for example.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait to root. Right now it's still too unknown on the "ins and outs" of this phone. When I first started rooting on my G1 and MyTouch I wiped a lot while learning things about it. Research while you wait. An OTA is supposed to come out to fix some bugs, and nobody has released any ROMs anyways. And on paid apps, Google Checkout keeps a record of what you purchase, no matter how many times you wipe Market will always have them listed in the "Downloads" Tab as "Purchased" to re-download at no charge.
m00moo said:
wow thanks vmuch for the kind replies!
i feel like i understand the previous things i've read around in the forum alot more now!
So the question to root or not root, rooting the device would prob be the option for me as:
1) dont really want to do a wipe after a week or two
2) want cool apps such as SetCUP/Nexus Torch
One thing im wondering is whats this about paid apps and rooted devices in the market? After rooting some people cannot see paid apps or something?
Once again thankyou for the kind kind replies and i hope some other noobies like me are learning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that happened to me. i think it has to do with the fact that i rooted and turned on my phone before i even put my simcard in. i opened the market and couldn't see "top paid apps" (though i could still search for apps and paid ones would show up). after i turned it off, then put my sim card in and turned it back on, no dice, still no top paid apps.
i reflashed nexusone-superboot-1.1.img with my sim card in this time (can't remember if i wiped. i think it required a wipe) and i turned it on with my sim and voila. paid apps. so it's definitely fixable if you run into that problem.
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Orangeandblue302 said:
I would also agree with waiting to root. I dont see the benefits of SetCPU for the N1, cuz its already at 1ghz, if it was underclocked i would understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use SetCPU to underclock the device in sleep mode.
I also underclock when I am not going to be using it for long periods.
Saves battery life.
true true, didnt think of it like that. most people want to overclock, i shouldnt assume. you know what happens when you assume lol.
It is a bit of a travesty to do it to this device. Its like putting a Beetle engine in a Porsche.
I can't always be near a charger, and until I can get a bigger battery that will give me more than seven hours, this is the solution.
this being my first android device i have spent hours on end on theses boards and on wiki's learning as much as i can about the phone and the platform... many of these basic questions that he asked i also had not 24 hours ago haha...
that being said, i think a lot of people are moving over to android so what if a thread got started that would answer basic questions that typically ever new user is going to have? ive yet to find a straight forward answer for half of the crap i have tried to find out and having it all in 1 place would be quite beneficial for people switching over... this could be moderated highly to keep it clean and in order?
a nice, straightforward, helpful community would be a nice touch to overtake some iphone shares
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
yamanote said:
I see that you're from Hong Kong also- has your device shipped yet? I ordered mine on the 8th as well and it still shows not yet shipped. Was just wondering whether that's normal as most people state that the device shipped a day after ordering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I am not really from Hong Kong lol I'm in fact from UK and Chinese. My Phone will be arriving early next week so whilst waiting, I am trying to learn as much as possible in case i damage my phone being a noob. lol
I agree with JHaste, i think due to the N1 and the upcoming HTC andoird devices. Alot of people will be moving over to Android in the coming 2-3 months. The questions i asked will be asked over and over and some kind of wiki,faq or android bible will be great. If anybody had the time and knowledge of basic rooting, unlocking and flashing could do such a thing it will be greatly appreciated
m00moo said:
thanks again for the replies
Im pretty up for rooting upon recieving my handset which should be by wednesday the latest (no engraving), as i ordered on friday 8th. But being the first time im quite scared to do so lol especially on a brand new phone.
But as SystmDcIn said theres too much we don't know as of yet and slowly things are becoming more and more developed as we speak.
The main issue for me is using the phone 2 weeks in and then wiping it clean hopefully somebody will make some cool ROMS soon which include the "addons and goodies" so the process is made way more simple.
Thanks again guys! Well appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think cyanogen's mod includes a backup app (titanium backup or somethin)...you'd be able to save all your data before you wiped it clean (but then you'd need the same backup app to restore it)

G1 Needs Root and Froyo in Vegas. Any takers?

Hey guys.. Basically I'm still sort of new to Rooting, and flashing, and doing all these other things. I have the Nexus One and I was told it's much easier to root and unlock it than something like the G1. then doing the Danger SPL also has me worried.
Basically my mother has the G1, and she used to love it, but between using my N1, and it just getting older she's really starting to complain she wants a new phone.. The 1.6 Email client sucks compared to 2.2 & I'd really like to throw Cyan 5.08 or CM 6 on her G1.
Basically is there anyone in Vegas that would do this procedure for me for a small fee? I cant risk messing it up as she needs it for work n such. PM me if you're in vegas! Thanks!
Froyo isnt avalable for the G1 yet, there are a couple of smashed together builds, but nowt with everything working.
xguntherc said:
Hey guys.. Basically I'm still sort of new to Rooting, and flashing, and doing all these other things. I have the Nexus One and I was told it's much easier to root and unlock it than something like the G1. then doing the Danger SPL also has me worried.
Basically my mother has the G1, and she used to love it, but between using my N1, and it just getting older she's really starting to complain she wants a new phone.. The 1.6 Email client sucks compared to 2.2 & I'd really like to throw Cyan 5.08 or CM 6 on her G1.
Basically is there anyone in Vegas that would do this procedure for me for a small fee? I cant risk messing it up as she needs it for work n such. PM me if you're in vegas! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your better off doing it yourself its not hard. (That's what she said)
And after your done rooting I suggest flashing a 2.2 (Eclair) ROM.
because their the most stable and fastest.
Well, basically I've rooted and flashed many rom's and updates on my Nexus One. But I had someone helping me from Androidcommunity.com and made it easy because we had a few snags and I'm new to fastboot and never done much in command prompt either.
I was told it's much harder, and easier to screw up when rooting a G1. and doing the Danger thing so i can use something like CM5 is even riskier.. Thats why i'd like to just get someone to do it.
as long as I follow instructions it's not to bad is it
If you look around in the development section...you'll see fireats got versdions of cm5 that don't require the dangerspl.
Also, if your mother is needing this phone for business....don't go messing around with it.
Oh and if by email you mean exchange, check out Touchdown in the Market.
This is the site i used when I rooted for the first time. it was easy.
http://theunlockr.com/2010/04/26/how-to-root-the-htc-g1dream/
Rooting the G1 is actually easier than a lot of other phones. The aforementioned 1-click method is probably the easiest way to go. Even though I no longer use my G1 as my daily driver, I still flash it pretty regularly. All my friends with G1's usually have me root their phones. So far I haven't bricked one yet so u should be all good. I'm in Vegas too so if u have any questions, lemme know. Having said that, you should be all good.
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
I used this video to root my G1. YOUTUBE for the rescue!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8F7FVISb7w - part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H00kN2K2Q_8&feature=related - part 2
and remeber... the most hepful guide of all http://lmgtfy.com/?q=How+To+Root+G1+in+One+Click.
i clicked your lmgtfy link just because i was curious if there was a 1 click procedure and was too lazy to type the search...+1 for you, next time hide the lmgtfy, it makes it that much better when they don't suspect it.
I personally used the guide on CyanogenMod's Wiki (im new on the forums so i cant link its addy but just google "Full Update Guide - G1/Dream Firmware to CyanogenMod" if youre interested) when i was first learning. It's been updated so everything is current. Its well written and pretty easy to follow, IMO.
Also, there is a shoutbox on CM's forums you could use to ask for help in realtime should you get in a jam. Just do your homework, be confident, and read the instructions!

[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] State of Fascinate and Android

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!
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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
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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!
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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. =)

Don't need to root?

I want to know am I the only one that does not feel the need to root this phone. I mean I come from a g1 day one buyer mytouch 3g the g2 a nexus one, and I lived for installing roms just like everybody else I was flashing everyday lol. But on this I just don't want to I mean it's sorta perfect. I mean the no notification thing I hate. The samsung on back I hate. And a camara in the front that I can only use to look at my self what the hell is the point. how many pictures of my self can I really take? But the phone, the hardware gingerbread it perfect. What do u guys think?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I certainly don't feel compelled to flash any custom roms or kernels on mine; it's damn close to perfect. There's a few CM or DocRambone extras I sort of miss, but it's nice to be off the ROM-A-Day or ROM-A-Week treadmill I'd gotten on with my Nexus One and Galaxy S phones.
Root, though, that's a much different story. There are still things you need Root for that I don't want to give up:
Screen captures.
Titanium Backup.
adb wireless widget
Not to mention just the feeling that it's my phone, and I should have full access to the file system if I want it.
You shouldn't feel pressured to root, though. If the phone does all you want and you're not missing any of the features root gives you, don't bother. No one will look down on you for it...
I can't live without Titanium Backup and other various root-required apps, so I definitely have to root. Plus, it's not like it's a complicated process.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk
I don't feel like rooting mine either, at least for the moment. I feel mine is pretty perfect too. Considering I came from a G1 with Froyo and constantly lagging and taking 30 seconds to load the home screen, I am completely happy with my NS.
Rooting is mainly for tweakers who like to customize beyond the norm. I can't think of anything substantial it would provide me personally to do so. A little bit faster? Meh. Better battery life? Meh. HD video? Meh.
Yes its a great phone, but to purchase this phone and not tweak on it, that I will never understand...
Couldn't imagine running a non-rooted stock N1.... oh how far we've come!
jacksonj51 said:
Yes its a great phone, but to purchase this phone and not tweak on it, that I will never understand...
Couldn't imagine running a non-rooted stock N1.... oh how far we've come!
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I'm sure most will end up rooting it, but as it is right now some people don't feel the need since it's still quite early in life.
Honestly the only reason I rooted was to get rid of ads. Some of the other root only apps like Titanium (get rid of google earth, email (I only use gmail), etc) was nice but not needed.
I haven't decided yet if I am going to do ROMs although I probably will eventually do CM.
I totally felt the same way, until I found out my received MMS pics were compressed and thumbnail quality/resolution. I had to root and replace the Mms.apk, now it works fine.
vroomr4 said:
I totally felt the same way, until I found out my received MMS pics were compressed and thumbnail quality/resolution. I had to root and replace the Mms.apk, now it works fine.
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Ahh, that's interesting. I don't use MMS, but I've read numerous threads where people complain of the compression. I suggested they try Handcent or other 3rd party app to see if problem addressed, but most seemed to think it was a T-Mobile server setting.
What apk did you use to replace it with?
vroomr4 said:
I totally felt the same way, until I found out my received MMS pics were compressed and thumbnail quality/resolution. I had to root and replace the Mms.apk, now it works fine.
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Click to collapse
Could you point me to where I can get that Mms.apk? I'm having the same problem. Thanks
I hadn't planned on rooting as quickly as I ended up doing....but waking up one morning to see that my stock device was bootlooping for fun caused me to rethink that one.
I still don't plan on flashing another rom, at least not yet. This is the first device that I've been happy with from the get go, and I'd like to keep that feeling for as long as I possibly can.
As fun and beneficial as rooting is, it'd be nice to get a "Google phone" with clean Android iterations already packed with all the features that rooting brings.
If developers can create better custom ROMs, why can't Google make these implementations themselves? It's a little baffling to me.
I think everything is ok on this device but I will still root because I love the freedom!
I also haven't thought about rooting, I used to flash new roms like 5 times a day on my faithful g1.
The only thing that bothers me is the compressed photos I get in the messaging app. Hopefully they will fix that soon.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

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