Missing features in Xperia S (coming from SGS2)... suggested work-arounds? - Sony Xperia P, U, Sola, Go

Hey guys,
I recently had to switch from my SGS2 (much loved, but ultimately un-useable) to the Sony Xperia S.
This is my first Sony Android phone, and my third Android phone. I like to think that I am pretty well versed with the goings-on of the Android OS... but as can be expected - there is a little adjusting required when switching to a new device.
I am going to make a list of feature which I had grown pretty fond of during my time with the SGS2 - which I cannot seem to find in the Xperia S (I will also add general issues which hopefully you guys might have some solutions for). Hopefully you guys reading this will be able to advise and suggest solutions to these listed ailments, also feel free to add your own queries to this thread and I'll add them to the list.
1. No quick setting in notification bar pull-down (only link to system settings screen)
Solution 1 - Use 3rd party app - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hb.settings&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmhiLnNldHRpbmdzIl0.
2. No USB mass storage mode.
3. No task killer.
4. No outgoing call confirmation (option for pop-up dialoge box to confirm outgoing call)
5. Weather widget does not support current location (GPS).
I will update and edit this list as the post is replied to - and when we find more issues.
Please note: some of the missing features I'm listing might have been from 3rd party apps which I had installed on my SGS2 rather than feature of my SGS2... if this is the case - please let me know.
I look forward to everyones input and feedback.
Cheers.

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Switch too this rom, and you have all your missed things.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1604415

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Use custom ROM it will fix everything.

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Thanks for the replies guys.
I am a little hesitant to start bootloader unlocking/rooting/flashing and such.
There is so much info to take in regarding the process, I'm worried I might miss something or get the wrong information. There are plenty of tutorials - but its almost as if there are too many. One tutorial will be teaching something, and it will say "Before we begin... make sure you have read this [LINK]", and it all seems a bit much.
I guess you could say that I dont have the stomach for custom ROM flashing, I'm just overwhelmed with all the technical info.
Can you guys suggest a simpler tutorial or break-down the process to reduce the steepness of the learning curve?
Thanks for any help.

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first i think also... but it isnt so hard
just go on step by step, read just for next step and do the things in the step and then go to the next step... then it isnt so much information and you don't forget something
and after you unlock the bootloader and flash the first Rom/kernel with working root, you know what the process was good for

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1. For quick settings use app from market
2. There is no mass storage mode
3. Hold the home icon for task killer
4. No, but why do you need that?

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dejo6 said:
1. For quick settings use app from market
2. There is no mass storage mode
3. Hold the home icon for task killer
4. No, but why do you need that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app to mount in storage mode for rooted phones

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dejo6 said:
1. For quick settings use app from market
2. There is no mass storage mode
3. Hold the home icon for task killer
4. No, but why do you need that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the replies guys. I'll have a think about flashing a custom ROM, I'll let you know what I decide on.
1. What is the Quick Settings app?
2. OK
3. Holding home button brings up the recent app list - then you can remove apps from this list. Is this the same as the task killer? the SGS2 had both features.
4. I just thought it was a handy option.
Cheers.

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[email protected] said:
Thanks for the replies guys. I'll have a think about flashing a custom ROM, I'll let you know what I decide on.
1. What is the Quick Settings app?
2. OK
3. Holding home button brings up the recent app list - then you can remove apps from this list. Is this the same as the task killer? the SGS2 had both features.
4. I just thought it was a handy option.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Task killer isn't the best thing. You only need it when you're really out of memory. Just swiping away is enough.
Quick settings is or an app or a mod that does the same thing from power controls on GS2.
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

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Felimenta97 said:
Task killer isn't the best thing. You only need it when you're really out of memory. Just swiping away is enough.
Quick settings is or an app or a mod that does the same thing from power controls on GS2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate, I was just wondering the name of the app. It is OK now though, I have found this...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hb.settings&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmhiLnNldHRpbmdzIl0.
Thanks for your help.

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Why not port sgs2/3 rom to xperia s ?
No one ever thinks about that

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CoolCatGetHome said:
Why not port sgs2/3 rom to xperia s ?
No one ever thinks about that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because no one want TouchWiz
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2

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Felimenta97 said:
Because no one want TouchWiz
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welll..... Thats true
But what if some people used s2 or othe sammy phone for long time
?
Atleats me i love tw but dont like it
Still prefer xperia designs more
Touchwiz is childish and made by a group of kindergartens
Sent from my GT-S5830 using xda premium

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You can have toggles in notifications. You only need to unlock bootloader and use a custom kernel to flash SystemUI.apk from xperia GX through CWM.
To unlock your bootloader follow these instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1527159
then flash the advanced custom kernel, which is the simplest one, using these:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1729280
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=23181182#post23181182
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Never ever use task killers. Seriously, don't.

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K900 said:
Never ever use task killers. Seriously, don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always hear this warning - android manages its own RAM and such.
But without trying to sound like a smart arse... what should we do when the facebook app is buggin out and running at 50% CPU usage - causing the device to lag and overheat?

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[email protected] said:
I always hear this warning - android manages its own RAM and such.
But without trying to sound like a smart arse... what should we do when the facebook app is buggin out and running at 50% CPU usage - causing the device to lag and overheat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he meant to use like always, expecting better usage and battery and bla bla bla. I only force close apps when they misbehave
Sent from my LT26i with Tapatalk 2