Hi Everyone,
I know there are threads that talk about how to root gtab and what to put on it etc. But I would like to give you a bit of background and ask a few questions before I do something that I will regret.
I just bought a GTab (based on all the great reviews everywhere - only after changing (rooting) everything on it). I am not technical so I need step by step guide for it. I am okay with most of it except that I do not have access to the actual Android Market (it comes with some ridiculous market app). I want to be able to download stuff from the real market = Google maps, navigation, Doc to go etc.
Now after reading a ton of posts there are two top options:
- Install TNT lite (some version) with options
- Install Cyanogen (some version)
Are those two options good? What does it mean to install those two things - are they enhancements to the Android OS? Please don't be condescending in your replies - I am just trying to learn and understand.
Most of the step by step guides assume "some ADB thing" is already taken care of or is done.
Could anyone please help me - I would really really appreciate it. Also, how would I back out it something goes wrong (brick it)?
Thank you in advance
P.S. I know I am not the first person to ask this, but I wanted to clarify and be specific.
hunt1976,
You've done the right thing by going slow, looking for info and asking for help.
Read the stickies -- and I have done several posts about memory, storage, recovery and the like in Q&A and General. Most of these things will help you understand
your tablet better.
While you are doing that, get your tablet Updated to Version 3588. You may get
update notices when you hook up to wireless -- I don't know what version you are.
(You can check by going to Settings and About.....)
Also go to the G-Tablet Website:
http://www.viewsonic.com/gtablet
and look at the Support and Favorites tabs. Good info. You may want to D/L
some apps and install them and learn about that.
Main thing is to keep improving and learning about your G while having some fun.
Good Luck!
Rev
P. S. -- I could have told your about nvflashing and roms and all that -- but you may
not be there yet. Good to have your feet on the ground first.
Thanks Butchconner,
I went through all the resources that you recommended and have a better understanding of the tablet.
Now, that I understand it and like what I have I would like to change the following things:
- I would like to install the real Andorid Market instead of the Gmarket that's on there
- Replace the current Tap-n-Tap with something more capable
- Should I go with TNT Lite, Cyanogen or something else?
- Can someone give me step by step directions on how to accomplish the above tasks?
Again, thank you in advance for anyone and everyone who will be willing to help.
hunt1976,
Of the things you mention, you need to look for a ROM first. Here are my notions:
TnT Lite -- most like stock of the ROMs and has a lot of standard Android in it. Plus
most of the standard fixes and applications available.
VEGAn Tab -- very much like the Advent Vega and has a nice, polished interface but
some differences in operation from stock.
Cyanogen -- no comment. Never installed it.
Experimental ROMS -- I don't recommend these unless you are a really experienced
modder. Too many people get in too deep too fast here.
So that's the choices I would put forth.
To choose, go to the Developer Forum and find the threads on TnT Lite 4.x.x and Vegan 5.1.x and read them. Those threads are what you will have to install by so
look at them to see what fits you.
Hope this helps,
Rev
When you're ready to make the leap, check out this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
It's a good generic how to guide for switching to a new ROM.
Hey, I'm exactly like you a few days ago. Just bought the g-tab as my first android device and totally worried / confused about getting a new rom on there. I liked playing with the Xoom and iPads in the store, but wanted the same experience for cheap and knew that I would have to root this g-tab thing to unleash that awesome hardware value. I read most of the stickies and followed instructions carefully. So far I've easily put TNT Lite 4.2 and it really is much faster and more usable then the Tap N Crap that viewsonic shipped. You won't miss that old interface - just follow directions carefully and ask these guys if you get stuck along the way. Good luck.
Hey Phrancis5,
What directions did you follow? Also, did you get the real android market installed on it after putting TNT Lite?
Hi EVERYONE on this post,
I DID IT, I DID IT. I got TNT Lite 4.4 on the Gtab and WOW, as advertised. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU EVERYONE
Related
Ok,
So this is my first post here, so be nice
I work for Tmo, I have jailbroken iPhone before and I would consider myself pretty tech savy.
Currently Im rockin a Nexus one on 2.2 (love it) A Samsung Vibrant (Eh), and my HD2 is collecting dust waiting for Android.
-----------------------------------
However I was just curious if there is just a quick summary of how to install android on the HD2.
BTW I did not post this question in the Big Linux and Android on the HD2 thread for a fear of being banned!! Geez.
And yes, I used search, and I've skimmed the whole thread, and I've read the 1st 4 posts - and frankly its all a bit over my head & no one really simply answers this question.
I understand Linux needs to be running first, then Humbnti or whatever, then you can run android. But all of that is Greek to me. Like where do I find each one? Where does it go? So and and so on.
If someone could just break it down like this, im sure all somewhat tech savy people could do it easily. How about like this...
1st. You need to get Linix on your phone. Go here for instructions...
2nd. Then you need Humbuntu. Here are instructions...
3rd. You then install android, here....
Something in that format would be great.
And yes I know its not an everyday/ stable build. I have patience, but I would just like some direction.
Thanks for all your help!
Even simpler than that. Its one file. You DL it to your SD card and run it. To get out, soft reset.
Look up "Android HD2" on Youtube. Theres tons of videos on it now. Its here in the HD2 Android forum too... Everywhere.
Sorry buddy,
I think you have been mistaken, if your referring to this video...
youtube.com/watch?v=BujRY_q53JI
Its well known all over YouTube that the guy is a fake. That program will install viruses to your computer & his only intention here is to have people click on his ads.
If you have a video in particular your referring to, please post it here.
Anyone out explain the issue with the bluetooth pairing on this thing. I've tried to pair a couple different phones but no cigar. I looked all over this forum to see if there was a fix but haven't seen a solution only other complaints. When I flash to a new ROM will that fix the poblem? If not how? What did you guys do?
Are you trying to use stock rom? Most people here have no idea how stock rom performs with most functions.
You might want to visit my page gtab for dummies.
Awesome website!
I checked out your web site earlier today from the reply you gave me last night on some other stuff. I can't tell you enough how appreciated this site is. I read every last word of each section and have a much better understanding. I would like to have a better understanding of each ROM. Like what would make me choose one over another? They have to be reasons to pick one over another. What does one do that the others don't? On your web site a brief description of each one could help us dummies know which one would serve our needs better. It's just an idea that could cut down on future questions. I love the site and will be visiting often. Thanks for all of that effort GoodIntentions!
Good idea.
Pros and cons
I thought about this a bit more. Maybe a list of the pros and cons for each ROM could help. If I knew the down side for each ROM it would definitely push me in one direction or another.
I agree with the Pros and Cons idea, I'm in the process of trying to work one up, but alas its seems my knowledge has become slightly outdated don't you hate that? Running CM7, I've got lots of cons but compared to what I had before I stuck with it. Switching to VeganTab I'll let you know how that goes but I'm thinking it may be a permanent switch.
I've never had any trouble pairing with my phone with the roms I tried. Make sure your gtab is visible.
I would appreciate some guidance with my question. I have a G-TAB that is running the Android 2.2 OS. I am aware that there are better OS systems available for the G-TAB with more capabilities, but I have heard that some of them disable FLASH and the CAMERA capabilities? I was wondering if there was a better OS upgrade out there in the development world that would not disable some of the origianl G-TAB features? Also, since I am a novice in this area, is there a service available that will perform this OS upgrade for me for a price? Please advise as I would like to move forward with the suggested upgrade. Many thanks!
There are some good froyo roms such as brilliant corners, mountain laurel, And a couple more that don't lose any functionality. There are plenty of guides to follow to change roms. Just read them carefully and follow the instructions. Don't pay someone to do it.
I'm more than happy to do it but I'm expensive. Considering that it costs 200+ more to buy a unit with Linux on it, I would charge the same for any possible version of Android. The majority of the price is the liability and time. I can fix anything, that's not the problem. The real problem lies in how we're forced to upgrade devices. It's a pretty straight forward process but if anything goes wrong it could take hours of research to figure it out.
If you're willing to pay $200 and ship it to me with a return label, I'm more than happy to help you out. Honestly you could do the same things I'm going to do if you put a little time into the research here on XDA and the other forums out there. If you're too busy or not technically inclined I can understand that. Daddy needs a new pair of shoes as they say...
PM me if you still need someone to help.
I'm not aware of any real service for flashing tablets. But we aware that if you pay someone to flash a new ROM you'll have no knowledge of how to fix it when things go wrong. And things will eventually go wrong. If you want to run anything other than stock, it's absolutely necessary to understand at least the basics of modding android devices. Check out http://viewsonic-gtablet-for-dummies.webs.com/ to get started. Good luck.
seiously, these topics are getting OLD quickly...
READ
READ
READ
READ
READ
READ
READ
Patience yoda we have a young padawan among us
kieso said:
Patience yoda we have a young padawan among us
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously not an illiterate one, though.
Does anyone ever read first, then ask questions anymore?
I know that it can get confusing, but really. Before I got my Gtablet back in April, I read just abotu every thread on here, and watched just abotu every youtube video available.
Was I fearful when I flashed my first rom? Absolutely. Did it work flawlessly? Absolutely. Did I read, re-read, watch videos, re-read, read step by step as I was doing it, then read again when I was done to make sure I didn't skip a step...YOU BET YOUR BIPPY I DID.
The reason that I get blunt when I see these questions is because this tablet has been available for almost a year. There is more information available for this device on several forums that there should be no reason to ask questions that have been answered at least 50 times.
If you seriously need a "service" to flash a rom for you, then you REALLY should have bought an iPad, and have been stuck with whatever Apple provides.
FORUM RULES:
1. Search before posting.
Use one of our search functions before posting, whether you have a question or something new to share, it's very likely someone already asked that question or shared that news.
Hey guys, as you can see I am new to the whole wide world of android. I have had an iPhone since 2007 and recently dropped my iPhone 4 on the pavement which completely wrecked the screen. I seized the opportunity to buy an android. I got this s2 for 350 on eBay.
Anyway... I have absolutely no idea what I am getting into here. I have watched a ton of videos and still am really lost. (Sadly)
I have this s2 at 4.0.3 and am completely lost when it comes to how to flash a rom. I get we have to use ODIN, Kies and your rom. Am I missing anything else?
I want to use this. galaxys2root. com/att-galaxy-s2/aokp-ics-rom-for-att-galaxy-s2-sgh-i777-best-ics-rom/ << I cannot post links so its just a space in between the .com
I have seen videos where I have to root the thing first- or will this do it for me? I have also seen "roms" that are 400 MB in size but this one I like its 134... Am i missing any files or something? I have done searching but I end up more confused than I started. If someone could give me a push in the right direction that would be a great help!
This is the first phone I am actually confused with... I am sure it is easy, just not for a guy who has had an iPhone and developed for them since then... (I am co founder of whited00r )
Start with the links in the sticky. Be sure to read them all.
You said your phone is already on 4.0.3, which is Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS). That means it's not stock (aka factory settings, out of the box, etc). I'd personally suggest after reading all the links, returning to stock and starting over from scratch as it's the best way to ensure you don't have any problems, especially since you don't really know what the previous owner did to your phone. The links for returning to stock and for flashing custom ROMs are also in the sticky. Please don't read just these links, read at least all of the other links posted there. That's just the starting point mind you, you should probably do more reading after that on stuff in the posts that you don't understand. I know this will take a lot of time, but it's for everyone's benefit that you fully understand everything you do to your phone before you do it.
I'll even help you out with a couple other links I think may be useful which aren't in the sticky.
ROM vs. Kernel
Odex vs. Deodex
Please hit my thanks button if I helped you. Good luck and welcome to the forums!
pcamlin said:
Hey guys, as you can see I am new to the whole wide world of android. I have had an iPhone since 2007 and recently dropped my iPhone 4 on the pavement which completely wrecked the screen. I seized the opportunity to buy an android. I got this s2 for 350 on eBay.
Anyway... I have absolutely no idea what I am getting into here. I have watched a ton of videos and still am really lost. (Sadly)
I have this s2 at 4.0.3 and am completely lost when it comes to how to flash a rom. I get we have to use ODIN, Kies and your rom. Am I missing anything else?
I want to use this. galaxys2root. com/att-galaxy-s2/aokp-ics-rom-for-att-galaxy-s2-sgh-i777-best-ics-rom/ << I cannot post links so its just a space in between the .com
I have seen videos where I have to root the thing first- or will this do it for me? I have also seen "roms" that are 400 MB in size but this one I like its 134... Am i missing any files or something? I have done searching but I end up more confused than I started. If someone could give me a push in the right direction that would be a great help!
This is the first phone I am actually confused with... I am sure it is easy, just not for a guy who has had an iPhone and developed for them since then... (I am co founder of whited00r )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From now on, don't watch any videos. They tend to be incomplete and usually outdated. Also, don't use any files or methods you find anywhere else besides XDA.
Like karate104 said, read the stickies at the top of the forums; they will tell you everything you need to know in detail. Read this one in particular. It has links to a lot of useful guides.
you also need to be wary of what you read and watch on gs2root. com
when i first started i used the rooting technique with the kernel from there and ended up with no wifi and ended up having to flash entropy's daily driver to recover
as the guys above said, read the stickies here and go over it a million times until it makes sense
flashing can open up loads of features, but you can very easily make your phone unusable (easily fixable once not hard bricked) but better avoid the trouble than finding a fix
Another victim on galaxys2root!
Sigh!
Hello everyone,
At first, as a new member, let me congratulate you for this amazing forum and the community that is built around it. A lot of useful and interesting stuff can be found here, and I know that it takes a lot of hard work to boost and maintain a forum to this high-quality level, create a community and share knowledge, so thank you for that and keep up the good work.
To get to the point, I recently became the owner of a Google Nexus 5 and 3 days ago I upgraded the preinstalled Android 4.4 to Android 5.0. Before that, I used a Nokia N900 phone with Maemo 5 and ArchLinux (desktop Linux Distribution), and this Nexus became my introduction to the Android operating system for the first time.
So as a newbie to Android, I want to ask toy a few questions on how to make some things done.
While I had my Android rooted before, after the upgrade it probably needs rooting again, so I'd be grateful if someone points out a link to a tutorial that describes this process. I also need to install an anti-theft application, and from what I've seen, Cerberus just does what I want, but I need to install it in a way that even if someone restored the phone to its default settings or even format it, the application woud stay in place. From what I've read, it is possible, right? I don't know how, maybe it has something to do with the ROM, which brings me to my next question. Custom ROMs, what are they? How do they get installed and which one do you suggest for Nexus 5?
As for now, those are my questions. I know that I could use Google to find out more about those stuff, but I really want to learn how they work, not just how to accomplish them, and all my searches in Google result in different ways to achieve the same thing, a fact that confuses me instead of teaching me stuff. That's why I ask here.
So, if anyone could point out some links or explain to me how to do the things I want, I'd be very grateful.
Also, besides all those things, any suggestions you might have of any nature, I'd be glad to hear them and they'll be much appreciated!
Than you very much in advance. I appologize to the forum and its moderators if I posted this in a wrong category or broke any rule. I assure you that if I did, it was not intetional.
Best regards,
Elias
Should I post this over to the Google Nexus 5 forums?
[SOLVED]
Ok, after a lot of reading, I finally understood the whole concept of ROMs and Recovery.
For anyone having trouble with his first steps on those issues as well, the following links would be very useful:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/google-nexus-5/help/faq-to-android-read-post-root-t2508292
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...ide-nexus-5-how-to-unlock-bootloader-t2507905
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...olkit-wugs-nexus-root-toolkit-v1-8-3-t2517778
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...nux-universal-nexus-linux-toolkit-v2-t2528616
Good luck!