I am totally new to both GTablet and also when it comes to ROM stuff!!
As I read through the thread more than 90% of users have a custom rom, vegan... etc.. No one seems to be using the default.
So my questions are
Should I root to get a different ROM?
If yes, Which should I get?
How? Post a link or sth
What are the advantages? Disadvantages?
Thanks in advance
Djapatos,
From the tone of your questions, it seems to me you are new enough at this that you
need to move slowly.
First, you need to go to Settings/About on your tablet and see what Stock Version you
are at. If you are less than Version 3588 -- then that should be your goal now.
But you may have to wait a short while because the VS update server is being
reported down and under repairs.
Meanwhile, I suggest you do a lot of reading on this site. You there are lots of STICKY
threads at the start of the various Forums which give you most of the info you need.
You also can see what people are saying about the various ROMs.
For someone as new as you, I suggest staying stock until you get confident and know
what you are doing. (And that doesn't mean minutes or hours as some folks think!)
The TNT Lite ROMS -- are a lot like stock, but add in updates, Market and other
niceties.
The VEGAn ROM -- has a very nice, mature look and offers a lot of the same updates,
etc.
I would stay away from the Experimental ROMS. They might take you too far too fast. And they are experimental......
Summary -- take your time and work your way up to what you want as you learn
how to do it.
Good Luck,
Rev
Related
OK so my G Tablet is on the way and I've been reading and came across a comment on another forum that the ROM's that exist are built on the original stock software and that the most recent update may be causing problems with CWM? I will be getting my G Tablet on Wednesday, should I not do the update if I am going to be flashing a custom ROM? Thanks in advance!
drum747,
I believe everyone should make their own decisions. But if you ask me -- I'd tell you to simply stick with a stock G-Tablet right now.
When you get yours and go to Settings/About you can see the version -- something
like 1.1.xxxx -- probably 3588. If not, just about as soon as you get wifi connected
it will offer you an OTA (on the air) update to 3588. That's the current working version, and compared to the crud we had back last November it really isn't bad software.
It will lack the Market and some other things...you may have to be patient there.
But you can still side-load apps and download apps directly from a number of places.
But we are waiting. Our devs have found that there is software for a possible
Update 3991. The hope is that OTA 3991 will come down in the next few weeks.
If so, at 3588 stock you will be in perfect shape for that update. And then once you
have worked with it a while, you will be able to decide whether to stick with it -- or look at other options.
It seems like everyone who come in here looks at the ROMs available like a "all-you-can-eat" buffet. The immediately start flashing ROMs and moving around software
until something goes wrong and they are stuck. Indigestion!
With a good 3588 tablet, you can read and interact here and find out the biggest and
the best, and you can learn what you need to that when you are ready you can
move up to whatever you want without problems.
Do what you want. Enjoy the G-Tablet. I think it pretty darn good!
Rev
I agree.........
Stick with the most current stock version 3588. The next update officially available from viewsonic should be very soon, but I don't think it will be 3991 as advertised
3558 was different than what it started as, or it would seem based on what I have gathered from reading old threads.
ale
You know, I have a Droid X and have really enjoyed rooting it and trying different ROM's and was really looking forward to the same type of experience on this tablet. What is the advantage of waiting until the next update? Can't I update, do a full backup and go back to that if I want? Once I install a different ROM, I am then stuck at whatever update and no further updates? Is that why you are saying to wait? Are you saying there will be even better ROM's down the road based on the new update that is coming? Or just that the new update coming might have all the things we would like?
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. Just don't forget to make nvflash to factory stock your best friend ;-)
A little of both I guess. Part of the reason I chose this tablet over others is because of the support and customization (and price!) I will try to wait for the next update before I tweak it (if I can!) Heh!! Thanks for the responses guys!! I appreciate the input!
K J Rad said:
The next update might have some cool stuff... might even be as good or better than the custom stuff here... maybe...
Question is... did you buy the tablet to use it for media consumption or tinkering?
Answer that and you'll know what to do. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is without the best quote I could image. Tinkering without first using the tab and getting to realize it's not a giant phone is the first step I think everyone should understand.
And if you do tinker then you should expect it to have opportunities (problems ).
drum747,
Not addressing your abilities or anything about you.
But read all the crash and burn threads on this forum.
IMHO, to many people are trying to do to much too fast and are
messing up their tabs and have to be bailed out.
I'm just saying be cautious, move slowly and carefully and
don't get into trouble.
However, my advice still stands. If you move on to other
ROMS, etc. now, you will cut off access to offline updates.
Then you will have to go back to stock, etc. And
sometimes going back is as much as problem as going up!
It still would be easier to stay stock now and if an update
doesn't come down soon -- you will have read and learned
and be ready to make choices.
IMHO.
Rev
IMHO... if it ain't powering your pacemaker then learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Be part of the revolution or watch it happen... ;-)
Thanks guys! I get what you're saying!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
K J Rad said:
... learn how to nvflash and have fun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
QFT.
nvflash is not hard to get working. With a properly set up nvflash procedure and all the info on these forums, the gTab is an unbrickable as it gets.
updates
I upgraded to the vegan 7, gingerbread, how do I go back to the original stock to get the latest updates from viewsonic when update arrives?
Second that
I absolutely agree to stick with the stock ROM and play for a while. The 3588 update is very stable and usable when you change to Classic Home. I have been using it till now, side loading apps and enjoying a lot without having to worry about custom ROMS and such.
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Roxxas049 said:
The people who are saying stay stock for the updates are glossing over the fact that the Vs updates will just make the stock UI suck a little less.
Before I bought my G tab I had never had any experience with tablets or smart phones or even android for that matter. I have flashed 4 or 5 roms onto my tablet without incident, no boot loops, no dead tab, no anything that anyone would consider a bad experience. I'm using Vegan 5.1.1 for the record, for the third time.
Read a few of the reflash to stock with nvflash threads to prepare yourself in case something does go wrong, but there is no reason to stay stock on this tablet theres to much dev goodness and too much customizationability ( is that even a word?) not to try different things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think it all boils down to what the individual wants and is willing to risk..this forum makes it easy and there are plenty of options to try just always prepare for the unexpected and dealing with the experimentals expect anything to happen!!
Who am I kidding?! There is no way I will be able to wait for the next update. I already have a ton of files set up to load on my G tablet. I will be Modding within hours of my full charge! Guess its just my nature! Thanks guys!
Butch, thanks I will be reading everything to make sure I do it right Thanks for the advice everyone!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Closing Word...
Everyone that has contributed to this thread--
I have tried to voice the side of conservatism and restraint and
good judgement in this thread. My intention was not to hurt any
feeliings or pick on anyone or rain on anyone's parade.
But if you read what's going on in these forums, there are a lot
of folks having problems. A lot of them are in over their heads and
some have been careless and others made honest mistakes.
I know for my part, I have been working hard to try to help folks
find the tools and make the decisions to get back on track. I'm sure
I have made mistakes and my opinions are mine!
But I speak for myself in saying that even though I am semi-retired
and have more time than most -- I can't keep up this pace. And I've
heard others of the helpers say the same thing.
I also call your attention to the "TwoTapsX" thread and the fact that
the moderators are aware of the problems people are having. Roebeet
has put together a splendid ROM that many think will be the next
generation of G-Tablet software. But because of the complexity of the
mods folks already have had in the tablets, and because of the human
factors listed above -- a lot of folks have messed up their tablets.
In My Humble Opinion: Somebody has got to say that in spite of all the
"opportunities" for mods in these forums -- folks have got to start
exercising more restraint, more good judgement, more common sense in
what they do.
The devs and the folks who are helpers here can't be expected to carry the
load of keeping everyone up and running with the current problem rates. I
sometimes don't agree with the moderators, but this time I see their point.
We users have a good thing here, but if it keeps being abused......
********
Having said that, I am done here. I wish you well.
Rev
/EOT
Just an update. Within an hour of booting up I had installed CWM and Vegan. It was an easy process and now I love my g tablet!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Welcome! Enjoy the koolaid... ;-)
Nice responce
I have been checking out these forums now for at least the last month trying to garner all the information that I can from those of you who seem to know a whole lot about this tablet. I am a tinkerer and I love to take things apart to see how they work and put them back together so that they work better than they did before. In this case I won’t be physically taking the tablet apart but metaphorically I am by messing with the software. I have been playing with computer and consoles for years so I’m not easily intimidated by the android software. I am a fast learner and therefore once I see something done once I can usually learn the process quickly. But before I dive into this thing I have some questions. I would like to note that I did search the forums but was unable to find a thread that directly covered my questions so please be patient with me if it has already been answered.
My first question:
I haven’t seen a step by step piece of instruction that covers the reflashing process from start to finish. I’ve found it in bits and pieces but in no particular order. So what’s the order and why?
Second Question:
I’ve seen several posts asking which ROM is the best ROM and for the most part the answers are all the same. “Your choice of ROM is relative to what you want to use it for”. One isn’t better than the other overall, but it may excel better than others for certain uses. So my question is, what are the uses for each ROM? What does each ROM do that makes it preferable over another?
Fourth Question:
How does the Kernel work? Does the kernel get changed with the flash of the new ROM or do you have to do it independently? How do you choose the kernel? Is there a kernel/ROM combination that’s optimal? If I choose a certain ROM, is there a particular kernel that I should get to go with it?
Third Question:
Can someone explain partitioning? Is it necessary? What are the benefits? When should I do it if I need to? I’ve read that this tablet doesn’t like the partitioning that comes with the stock ROM. Can someone shed some light on this for me?
Last question:
Will flashing a new ROM fix the Bluetooth pairing issue? Or any of the other issues that exist on the stock ROM.
I apologize if these questions are redundant any advice is appreciated.
My ultimate goal is to be able to use the tablet with my cell phone and be a completely mobile multimedia device. (Xvid, Mp3, Avi, Netflix, Android Market, Etc.)
My appologies, maybe "reflashing" wasn't the proper terminology to use. What I meant was a step by step block of instruction to flash the tablet with a modified ROM. I would also like to know why you do each step and why they must be done in that order. This helps me learn the process rather than memorizing it. Kinda like when I was in school. I could cram for an exam by memorizing the information but learned nothing from it because I didn't retain the information. But if I studied and learned the who, when, why, and how, I retained the information and understood the subject as a whole. I know my request seems a bit anal and definitly redundant in these forums, but no one has actually put together a complete walkthrough on how to do this and why. If it was approached like teaching a class, I'm sure it would cut down on all these redundant questions and stickied for future use. I would like to note that there is a tone of great information in these forums and some hard work put into the stickied FAQ's. It's just an idea. Let me know what you guys think when you respond to my questions. -Thanks, DarkHorse281.
If netflix is a deal breaker then your limited to CM7. Although I believe a couple of Roebeet's 1.2 mods have semi functional netflix hacks.
I'm understanding "reflashing" to be getting back to stock. For that you want nvflash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=861950
Different roms have their strengths. I believe a video review of all roms is stickied. I like mods based on tnt, which are Froyo, and incorporate some tablet oriented UI elements.
Kernels are often included with mods, but you can change the kernel on it's own as well.
You do want to partition, it's critical.
You probably have read this, but if not it's a good overview
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
I apologize if this subject has been covered before but my searches did not turn up anything. I am an Android newbie with a new Tab 10.1. It seems to work quite well but since the OS allows for easy customization and many people do it, I feel like I am probably missing something. What is there to be gained by moving away from stock? With so many options out there, how does one choose between them?
If there is an article or forum thread that covers this subject in language that newbies will understand, I would really appreciate being pointed in that direction. If such a document does not exist, hopefully someone can answer the questions here.
Visual mods to performance enhancemants are why people tinker with Android ad their devices.
Read as much as you can before you do anything or make any changes.
As far as which is best. That's up to you. Try them all until you find what you like.
Beezer80 said:
Visual mods to performance enhancemants are why people tinker with Android ad their devices.
Read as much as you can before you do anything or make any changes.
As far as which is best. That's up to you. Try them all until you find what you like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree Beezer that reading is the key to android world. try as much as you like because it is very hard to brick android devices
Thanks guys, I am sure that you are right about reading as much as possible. The problem is that I am so green that I do not even know what I don't know. Any suggestions on where to start my research?
dsafety said:
Thanks guys, I am sure that you are right about reading as much as possible. The problem is that I am so green that I do not even know what I don't know. Any suggestions on where to start my research?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Galaxy Task ftw...
I have been running Task's roms since I got my tab. His current rom GalaxyTask v6.3 is as smooth it gets at least until an ICS variety is available.
Link is in my signature.
I think the thing to do is just use your Tab for a while before getting stuck into rooting it, give yourself chance to discover it's shortcomings (if any), if you feel it isn't quite up to par, look around for the most suitable fix.
I've had my Tab since August and I haven't yet felt the need to root it, I do keep looking at the threads in the dev section though, one day I'll get tempted but that's not today.
I'll try and hold out for official updates, unless I get really bored and decide to risk my warranty status.
turn to the darkside of rooting and adding a rom. at first i was nervous but after you get a feel of the roms like tasks roms.. omg there is no turning back. it is like night and day and you'll never want to go back to stock
Hey all,
I am switching frm BB to android and am quite excited for it. I ordered note for at&t frm amazon.com for 200$$...seems to be a good price.
Now being completely new to the android world and to the world of rooting, flashing, etc. I would appreciate some help or opinions.
After reading various forums and threads, the first things I will do after getting my device is to root it. I will use rootgalaxynote dot com for that.
Next comes upgrading to ICS. This is where I am confused. There are so many versions, how do you guyz figure out which one is the best or the latest. It was soo easy in blackberry, there was a linear numbering system where 7.1 is better than 7.0 and so on. But in adroid, there are sooo many different names like onlyone, noteworthy, cm9, saurom...how to choose one and which one is the latest ?
Next, I have to enable free tethering to my laptop. I had this app on my BB from tether.com, but I don't know which app to use on Note and how to make it work. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Lastly, it would be gr8 if you could let me know what more to do to make my note more useful and efficient with good signal strength and battery life. Also recommendations for the must-have apps would be great.
Thank you.
2bnoted said:
Hey all,
I am switching frm BB to android and am quite excited for it. I ordered note for at&t frm amazon.com for 200$$...seems to be a good price.
Now being completely new to the android world and to the world of rooting, flashing, etc. I would appreciate some help or opinions.
After reading various forums and threads, the first things I will do after getting my device is to root it. I will use rootgalaxynote dot com for that.
Next comes upgrading to ICS. This is where I am confused. There are so many versions, how do you guyz figure out which one is the best or the latest. It was soo easy in blackberry, there was a linear numbering system where 7.1 is better than 7.0 and so on. But in adroid, there are sooo many different names like onlyone, noteworthy, cm9, saurom...how to choose one and which one is the latest ?
Next, I have to enable free tethering to my laptop. I had this app on my BB from tether.com, but I don't know which app to use on Note and how to make it work. Any help will be highly appreciated.
Lastly, it would be gr8 if you could let me know what more to do to make my note more useful and efficient with good signal strength and battery life. Also recommendations for the must-have apps would be great.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off...Welcome.
All of the names you listed are ROMs. They all run on the latest ICS leak 4.0.4. But since you're new to android, Id recommend stock ICS.
The latest ICS leak is called UCLE2. If you want to try it out stock ICS first before flashing roms, you need to download the ICS UCLE2 leaked "tar" file. http://www.ponack.net/designgears/leaks/SGH-I717UCLE2_74A55FA71D15964F9EC9E9489B34DE4E.exe
Be sure to download this file from your computer, not your phone.
I ffound some instructions on how To do it. Make sure you READ it atleast 5 times before actually doing it. ALSO, Be sure to have all the files you need before attempting. If you get confused, search it up on XDA...as most people have already posted it. If not, don't hesitate to ask.
http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...-i-finally-did-sgh-i717ucle2-ics-4-0-4-a.html
-Once you go NOTE, you'd say 4 inches a Joke
-iOS = inspiring Outdated Software
i'll just copy/paste this from another thread as it applies here.
jpoirier587 said:
I would have to advise waiting a while.
1. Keep in mind what it means to root a phone. You are giving yourself the highest access and control priveleges on your devise and remaining at that privelage level from here on out. In the IT world this is actually a huge nono for security. Look at what you are downloading. What does the app want for permissions? Why does a live wallpaper need full network access ? Why does it need to be able to keep the phone from sleeping? Malware for android is on the rise but a rooted phone is by far the most vulnerable. With android, the security of our devises rests on us not being brain dead like iFail users. In return we get nearly unlimited potential on what can be ran on our phones.
2. People forget that this is xda DEVELOPERS. If you are expecting a 100% polished and refined product without hickups here and there then you are in the wrong place. Yes the roms are fantastic. We have some real talent working on the galaxy note but don't expect the moon.
3. Don't start trying to root and flash until you are comfortable with the terminology that gets tossed around. If you don't know what CWM stands for then you haven't studied enough. Guides to accomplish flashing and rooting exist but trying to follow along with no concept of what is going on can lead to a lot of frustration if not disaster. If you don't understand why you need to do something, don't do it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know you're eager but enjoy your stock rom for a while. also you may not appreciate the responses you will get asking these most basic of questions. all of them have answers easily available in these subforums either by browsing or the search function. those questions have been answered 1000+ times so dont be suprised when no one jumps to give you the answers. this is xda DEVELOPERS (i.e. advanced users) not Noobs 'r Us. have fun learning as we all did.
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to decide what ROM I should use to root my new S3 with. The phone came with 4.1.2 installed on it, but I'm fine with either a 4.1.x or a 4.2.x rooted ROM.
The main reason I'm rooting is to be able to use AdAway, so all that I really want from the new (rooted) ROM is to not be worse than the stock ROM, including overall stability and performance, battery life, connectivity etc etc. I figured that if I am to void my warranty, I might at least do it with a rooted ROM that has the minimal amount of known problems.
I read various forum threads in the hopes of finding some 'user reviews' for each of these ROMs, in order to see how happy people have been with each of them over a longer period of time - but it's very hard to compare and come to a conclusion. On the other hand, dedicated websites such as galaxys3root.com and androidrooting.com all recommend different ROMs.
The S3 rooting video on this website seems very well made, but it refers only to various US carriers' versions and to the International version, whereas I have the UK version of the phone.
I am therefore undecided between the many options out there that can be used to root the S3, such as Cyanogenmod, DroidS3, CarbonROM, Metropolis, etc.
I've gotten some good advice in the past from people on this forum, so would much appreciate some advice on this question as well Many thanks in advance!
1) We cannot recommend roms. All recommendation threads turn into "best rom" threads, which turn into arguments. This is why "best romn" threads are not allowed
2) You do not root with a ROM. I think you have a gap in your knowledge. Please read General > Sticky roll-up thread > Understandign teh basics before rooting. All your answers are there.
Thanks for your reply! I've now started reading the sticky thread.
My intention was not to get people to post their opinion on which is the best ROM (it makes sense that such a thread wouldn't go anywhere), but rather I was wondering whether there are polls/user ratings of such ROMs, such that each person can see how the figures of each ROM fares against the others and decide for themselves which one they will use.
Further into your rooting tutorial... I guess I was confusing the terms ROM and kernel.
I followed the steps in your tutorial, I now have a rooted S3 with no custom ROM. Thanks again for all your help on this website.
longtalker said:
Thanks for your reply! I've now started reading the sticky thread.
My intention was not to get people to post their opinion on which is the best ROM (it makes sense that such a thread wouldn't go anywhere), but rather I was wondering whether there are polls/user ratings of such ROMs, such that each person can see how the figures of each ROM fares against the others and decide for themselves which one they will use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be truthful the most popular rom would not be the best it is more likely to be the one that is updated daily and has multiple themes and add ons.
Their are no polls neither is their a single best rom what rom thread . Simple reasons is users will start another what rom best rom thread and ignore the one posted for all such questions ..
best method is to start with the rom that you understand how to flash .
jje
Thanks guys, all rooted and happy now, hope it stays that way. I really appreciate the help that this excellent community provides!