Keep in mind that rooting only gives you access to the files on the phone, like admin access on a computer. One BIG benefit is the ability to make a complete backup of your phone...called a Nandroid backup. Rooting in of itself does not fix anything. After rooting you can delete the Sprint "Bloatware" which some find makes a big difference in the way the phone feels. After that, if you want, you can flash a custm rom.
Lots of help here when youneed it.
Yes, I knew rooting, in and of itself, would only allow me to do so much without installing a custom ROM. I am still undecided about it as of now.
I have actually been doing quite a bit of research and I have been meaning to ask about Nandroid backups. I wanted to try the easy UnrEVOked method of rooting, but does this give me the ability to do Nandroid backups automatically after I do that or do I have to still go through the process of flashing a recovery image first using the Android SDK and HTC Sync? I want to be able to backup my original stock Android 2.1 image before I do anything major to my Sprint HTC Hero. That way I can return to a safe image if I am unsatisfied with the results. Also, once I use UnrEVOked do I have to keep rooting it over and over or is it permanent? I read something about it not unlocking the bootloader but still allowing the handset to be rooted some how.
