Root Comparisons of Custom Roms?

[DroidGnome]

Ok after I patched my Evo with the OTA update, I am wishing I had rooted first.

In an attempt to figure out what I want to do at this point, I'm leaning toward rooting and flashing a custom rom.

The questions in my mind are:

1) What are the benefits/disadvantages of the different ROMs out there today? Has anyone made any sort of review site for roms, or a comparison chart?

2) Is there one source that would have all major ROMs in one place? (I'm thinking xda forums, but haven't had time to try to pour through that yet).

3) If all one is looking for is to be able to run root-required apps (Backups, Tether, screen shots, etc..) Is a root + stock ROM the best way to go?

4) Should I Plan on losing ALL my data/settings on the first root? (I know google and other cloud stuff remains intact, as well as the SD card items).


Coming from a Palm OS (sadly not WebOS), I find Android great in some respects, but the lockdown of a true backup still boggles my mind.

I'm sure these have been asked elsewhere, and if you know where feel free to boot me in that direction, sadly after sifting through a few hours worth of root forums I still can't find the basic info above when it comes to the Evo 4G (I found answers for a few other models... )

 

[uminchu]

If I understand you correctly, you already have the latest Sprint OTA update on your phone. If that is the case, then you most likely can no longer root your phone (yet) via any method. No root = no custom ROMs.

That said, here are a few answers that at present, may not do you any good:

1) Sorry, other than forums like this one, I don't know of a site that directly compares one ROM against another.

2) Current XDA wiki of Evo ROMs, radios, and tools: XDADeveloperWiki - HTC Evo ROMs

3) You don't have to run a custom ROM, but IMO, or at least for my own purposes, custom ROMs are preferable in that the better ones disable further OTAs that can plug the root. Full root also unlocks Nandroid functions, so you can back up your phone to a state where everything was running properly. If you run into problems, you can restore back to the previous state, or back to another ROM that you might have liked better (assuming you backed it up).

*Edit* Sorry, I originally stated that IMO a stock ROM is preferable, but that was a typo. I actually meant the exact opposite, that I prefer a custom ROM. Rooted stock ROMs are fine, but I like the way devs like Flipz, Damageless, etc optimize their ROMs and add useful tools. Flipz goes a step further by trimming out the bloatware. #3 originally stated a preference for stock ROMs, now edited to correctly reflect my own personal preference for custom ROMs. Apologies for any confusion.

4) I used Toast's method and lost all my user apps and data. I can't speak with authority about other methods.

 

[Daxp]

I don't know if this still works, probably depends on what OTA updates you have (if any), but I first rooted with the unrevoked method. That's just an .apk install, so you can do that and then install TitaniumBackup to back up all of your apps and user settings, and THEN do a root that wipes your data. The cloud and SD card stuff is fine, and TitaniumBackup can restore your apps. =D

 

[DroidGnome]

I don't know if this still works, probably depends on what OTA updates you have (if any), but I first rooted with the unrevoked method. That's just an .apk install, so you can do that and then install TitaniumBackup to back up all of your apps and user settings, and THEN do a root that wipes your data. The cloud and SD card stuff is fine, and TitaniumBackup can restore your apps. =D

Actually I was planning on doing that.. I actually used the original Unrevoked 1-click app root, even bought Titanium and backed everything up..

Then I stupidly went and upgraded via the OTA.. so Yes It sounds like I'm somewhat stuck at the moment. Even worse is my backup probably won't restore my home screens/widgets since they've changed since the OTA update

2) Current XDA wiki of Evo ROMs, radios, and tools: XDADeveloperWiki - HTC Evo ROMs

That Wiki page is nice at least it shows me all the different roms available, even if there is no review, I can use that as a base to start googling from.

3) You don't have to run a stock ROM, but IMO, or at least for my own purposes, it's preferable in that the better ones disable further OTAs that can plug the root. Full root also unlocks Nandroid functions, so you can back up your phone to a state where everything was running properly. If you run into problems, you can restore back to the previous state, or back to another ROM that you might have liked better (assuming you backed it up).

You sort of lost me here.. are you saying that once I put a Stock ROM back on the device after rooting etc.. that I can still do OTA updates? I was under the impression that ANY ROM (Stock or Custom) once put on after root, removes the ability to safely use any OTA updates.

 

[uminchu]

You sort of lost me here.. are you saying that once I put a Stock ROM back on the device after rooting etc.. that I can still do OTA updates? I was under the impression that ANY ROM (Stock or Custom) once put on after root, removes the ability to safely use any OTA updates.

So sorry, my post contained a major typo/brainfart. Please reread my post, now edited for correction and clarification. I prefer custom ROMs. I know that Flipz' rooted stock ROM has OTA disabled, but I don't know about the rest out there.

 

[Bat~man]

It seems like the guys at XDA are having a difficult time getting root access with this new build...hopefully they can crack it~!