To root or not root; a conversation. - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note I717

Hey all,
This just a conversation to get me to finally bite the bullet and finally root and install a ROM.
With all the delays or possible cancelations of JB on my i717, I have just about convinced myself to root and installation a rom. Avatar is looking good.
I have been using the go launcher and all its sub systems: phone, IM, twitter all the stuff so I need to figure out to remove all the go replace sub components. Is there a panel on one of the releases that makes this easy?
So do yous guys still think the i717 will still get an official 717 update?
Also, if looks like jb will remove the ability to move apps to the sd. At lease it did on my note 10.1. Think they will do the same if they release jb on the 717?
I read through all the fans and understand backup the IMs, data, contacts. What about apps (I have a ton and chagrin having reinstall
So first root, use titanium backup and then install a ROM? Also what is a modem? Usually I am familiar with the term as in phone interface. What is modem rom for?
Thoughts and answers welcome!
Thanks for everyone time.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

Honeybadger said:
Hey all,
This just a conversation to get me to finally bite the bullet and finally root and install a ROM.
With all the delays or possible cancelations of JB on my i717, I have just about convinced myself to root and installation a rom. Avatar is looking good.
I have been using the go launcher and all its sub systems: phone, IM, twitter all the stuff so I need to figure out to remove all the go replace sub components. Is there a panel on one of the releases that makes this easy?
So do yous guys still think the i717 will still get an official 717 update?
Also, if looks like jb will remove the ability to move apps to the sd. At lease it did on my note 10.1. Think they will do the same if they release jb on the 717?
I read through all the fans and understand backup the IMs, data, contacts. What about apps (I have a ton and chagrin having reinstall
So first root, use titanium backup and then install a ROM? Also what is a modem? Usually I am familiar with the term as in phone interface. What is modem rom for?
Thoughts and answers welcome!
Thanks for everyone time.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 vote for root!
I bet the original note gets a JB update. But I also bet the Note 3 will be out by then and Note 2 people will be begging for their key lime pie!!!
It doesn't matter what phone your on, your always going to be waiting for an update of some sort. So why wait... root it! It unlocks SO much potential in these phones. I've been flashing roms for years and love it! I've never had any problems because I've always done a lil research on software out there and followed the directions to a TEE! Since you're new at this I will direct you to this thread. Read the first 3 posts. They will answer 90% of your questions, especially post 3. Once your schooled and brain has cooled a lil, this is basically what you gotta do to get started.
So happy reading and rooting!

---

440bro said:
+1 vote for root!
I bet the original note gets a JB update. But I also bet the Note 3 will be out by then and Note 2 people will be begging for their key lime pie!!!
It doesn't matter what phone your on, your always going to be waiting for an update of some sort. So why wait... root it! It unlocks SO much potential in these phones. I've been flashing roms for years and love it! I've never had any problems because I've always done a lil research on software out there and followed the directions to a TEE! Since you're new at this I will direct you to this thread. Read the first 3 posts. They will answer 90% of your questions, especially post 3. Once your schooled and brain has cooled a lil, this is basically what you gotta do to get started.
So happy reading and rooting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for the opinion, advice and experience!
Reading now.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

For the remaining 10% off your questions not found in those threads or searching, feel free to ask!

---

You don't need root permission to flash a recovery, a custom rom, or a different modem.
But with regards to rooting, its not like you're climbing Mt. Everest naked without oxygen. Its a two minute project.
And you only need to root if there is some app or some system action you need to do that having a stock system won't allow.
If you're undecided, then you don't need to do it. Those that need to just do it.

---

440bro said:
It doesn't matter what phone your on, your always going to be waiting for an update of some sort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true except for one product line.
NEXUS DEVICES
Even the nexus s, that was released with the debut of GINGERBREAD is officially supported by Google with a 4.2.2 firmware of its own.

---

rangercaptain said:
You don't need root permission to flash a recovery, a custom rom, or a different modem.
But with regards to rooting, its not like you're climbing Mt. Everest naked without oxygen. Its a two minute project.
And you only need to root if there is some app or some system action you need to do that having a stock system won't allow.
If you're undecided, then you don't need to do it. Those that need to just do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about being to move apps to sd?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

Once rooted you will have the ability to move apps to sd card using a separate app.

---

440bro said:
Once rooted you will have the ability to move apps to sd card using a separate app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^that
and also you can remove applications placed by the phone company that sometimes only eat some of the battery, even if you never even open them!
You can remove ad banners off the browser as well! saving data if you are not on unlimited plan(like myself)
hmm.. personally i root because of that reason, the ad blocking on the browser(i don't mind them on the apps unless they're sketching apps)
2nd reason would be being able to use the app named "autostarts" which controls the autorun's of any app on your phone! Wisely used, you can stop user apps from restarting themselves and such, just never use on system apps and that means more ram and more battery

---

rangercaptain said:
You don't need root permission to flash a recovery, a custom rom, or a different modem.
But with regards to rooting, its not like you're climbing Mt. Everest naked without oxygen. Its a two minute project.
And you only need to root if there is some app or some system action you need to do that having a stock system won't allow.
If you're undecided, then you don't need to do it. Those that need to just do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it isn't climbing Everest, but I do rely on my phone and in turn I need it reliable. Lockups and waiting for reboots is a worry.
I need apps to work at least 95 percent of the time. I understand and occasionally sunspot caused glitch is acceptable but should be occasional. So yes, I do worry about my constant companion.
I am not just talking about rooting but finding the right ROM which will make my phone more usable and more reliable than the At&t stock rom, just trying to find the right one and install it right the first time.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

PrincessKiwi said:
^that
and also you can remove applications placed by the phone company that sometimes only eat some of the battery, even if you never even open them!
You can remove ad banners off the browser as well! saving data if you are not on unlimited plan(like myself)
hmm.. personally i root because of that reason, the ad blocking on the browser(i don't mind them on the apps unless they're sketching apps)
2nd reason would be being able to use the app named "autostarts" which controls the autorun's of any app on your phone! Wisely used, you can stop user apps from restarting themselves and such, just never use on system apps and that means more ram and more battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your advice, wisdom and time are heeded and appreciated!
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

Honeybadger said:
Your advice, wisdom and time are heeded and appreciated!
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the best part is it is very easy to do! even a silly girl like me could root and do all this "mt everest" stuff ehehe its very simple!
and really nothing bad will happen to your phone and i assume you take good care of it :highfive:
i dont evne mind those warrantys things, i take care of my androids as i would a pet or something
and make sure they come in good state and all when out of the box
when i had my first android some years ago i softbricked it and cried! on my first attempt.. because i skipped one step(NEVER SKIP A STEP) but then i saw there's solution to everything.. unless it exploded or something but that never happens yay :victory:
and now i feel these things are useless without root permissions.. it's the first thing i do the moment i get them and come back home! :fingers-crossed:

---

PrincessKiwi said:
the best part is it is very easy to do! even a silly girl like me could root and do all this "mt everest" stuff ehehe its very simple!
and really nothing bad will happen to your phone and i assume you take good care of it :highfive:
i dont evne mind those warrantys things, i take care of my androids as i would a pet or something
and make sure they come in good state and all when out of the box
when i had my first android some years ago i softbricked it and cried! on my first attempt.. because i skipped one step(NEVER SKIP A STEP) but then i saw there's solution to everything.. unless it exploded or something but that never happens yay :victory:
and now i feel these things are useless without root permissions.. it's the first thing i do the moment i get them and come back home! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience!

---

You don't need a rooted phone to install roms. Just a PC, cable, and Odin software.
What you could possibly need is to install a custom recovery like TWRP. That is WAY more important that worrying about rooting your phone. Why? Because you could install roms from your phone and skip the PC. All non-stock roms are already rooted.
You have 16gigs of internal memory for apps - thats like about 200 apps, so you don't need to move them to external sd card.
What you should do is make sure all those apps store their data on the external card. Then you have protected your data and kept your memory for apps.
What app/process you you need to do that requires root permission of your file system? Every concern you mentioned has nothing to do with root permisions of your file system.
Maybe your question should be "Why should I flash non-stock roms over the stock Gingerbread I have now? A Conversation"
---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------
And my answer is use the latest N7005 ICS ROM because it is rooted, has no carrier apps installed and is fast and smooth, and since it is stock, everything functions correctly.
If you want dependable, don't go past 4.04 ICS ROMs, because above that, the ROMs come from other phones and developers have to squeeze them into our phone. The result is random reboots, freezing, main features not working (TV out, s-pen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, to name a few main ones).
Everyone else is going to argue to defend their reason for what they did to their phone -- I answered based on your stated needs.
Good luck, I hope you get your phone to a place you're satisfied with.

---

rangercaptain said:
You have 16gigs of internal memory for apps - thats like about 200 apps, so you don't need to move them to external sd card.
What you should do is make sure all those apps store their data on the external card. Then you have protected your data and kept your memory for apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do make apps store data on the ext card while keeping those apps internal?

---

rangercaptain said:
You don't need a rooted phone to install roms. Just a PC, cable, and Odin software.
What you could possibly need is to install a custom recovery like TWRP. That is WAY more important that worrying about rooting your phone. Why? Because you could install roms from your phone and skip the PC. All non-stock roms are already rooted.
You have 16gigs of internal memory for apps - thats like about 200 apps, so you don't need to move them to external sd card.
What you should do is make sure all those apps store their data on the external card. Then you have protected your data and kept your memory for apps.
What app/process you you need to do that requires root permission of your file system? Every concern you mentioned has nothing to do with root permisions of your file system.
Maybe your question should be "Why should I flash non-stock roms over the stock Gingerbread I have now? A Conversation"
---------- Post added at 07:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------
And my answer is use the latest N7005 ICS ROM because it is rooted, has no carrier apps installed and is fast and smooth, and since it is stock, everything functions correctly.
If you want dependable, don't go past 4.04 ICS ROMs, because above that, the ROMs come from other phones and developers have to squeeze them into our phone. The result is random reboots, freezing, main features not working (TV out, s-pen, Bluetooth connectivity issues, to name a few main ones).
Everyone else is going to argue to defend their reason for what they did to their phone -- I answered based on your stated needs.
Good luck, I hope you get your phone to a place you're satisfied with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, one of the reasons I am looking at upgrading is I also want google now which only cones with jb.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

That's a good reason. But our JB ROMs are the result of great effort and professionalism from our developers, but they are experimental and have issues. So to gain some features, you will definitely lose some.
I have been using 4.1.# then 4.2.2 and I think I'm going back to the N7005 ROM because I miss the features I bought the phone for. Anyway, as someone said, read and decide what the tradeoffs are, and you can always go backwards.

---

Ok, decided to go with Kangparanoid rom... Right now I have a stock unrooted ROM. What is the best way to create a perfect backup of what I have now to restore current state.
Also is there an easy way to restore all my apps (include what's been moved to my external sd card) post jb upgrade?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD

---

Honeybadger said:
Ok, decided to go with Kangparanoid rom... Right now I have a stock unrooted ROM. What is the best way to create a perfect backup of what I have now to restore current state.
Also is there an easy way to restore all my apps (include what's been moved to my external sd card) post jb upgrade?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice rom choice! I'm actually using it right now!!
I vote for titanium backup to backup all your stuff. I use the pro version so I can't remember if you can move apps to sd card in the free version or not. Once you open titanium you have it backup EVERYTHING! It will backup your apps, call logs, text messages, wifi passwords, bookmarks, alarms, etc..... Do this on your phone now. Then root your phone and make a nandroid backup in recovery. Install your rom and sign into your phone using the same gmail acct you had previously. You'll find that most of your apps will begin to reinstall themselves. Once you got titanium on your new rom installed open it but do not, I repeat do NOT restore everything! Titanium backs up system files that shouldn't be restored because they were from your previous rom. Just click individual apps that you want to restore. Titanium color codes everything nicely. System files are red and mean business! Apps installed already are white. Your call logs and messages will be yellow. Those you can restore. Backed up apps not installed will have a line thru them. I've been using titanium for years since android 1.5 came out. So it works on any rom!
Happy rooting and flashing!

---

440bro said:
Nice rom choice! I'm actually using it right now!!
I vote for titanium backup to backup all your stuff. I use the pro version so I can't remember if you can move apps to sd card in the free version or not. Once you open titanium you have it backup EVERYTHING! It will backup your apps, call logs, text messages, wifi passwords, bookmarks, alarms, etc..... Do this on your phone now. Then root your phone and make a nandroid backup in recovery. Install your rom and sign into your phone using the same gmail acct you had previously. You'll find that most of your apps will begin to reinstall themselves. Once you got titanium on your new rom installed open it but do not, I repeat do NOT restore everything! Titanium backs up system files that shouldn't be restored because they were from your previous rom. Just click individual apps that you want to restore. Titanium color codes everything nicely. System files are red and mean business! Apps installed already are white. Your call logs and messages will be yellow. Those you can restore. Backed up apps not installed will have a line thru them. I've been using titanium for years since android 1.5 came out. So it works on any rom!
Happy rooting and flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Thank you! I have had titanium backup for year but only on an old tablet that I can't do anything with anymore. It's rooted but no roms available for it.
Thought I would have to root the phone before I could back it up, but will follow you plan.
Thanks again!
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk HD