Root New user Root experience

[ExtraCrispy]

I want to say thanks to everyone here and quickly describe my experience, who knows it may even help someone else.

I've had my Evo for a long time and it had become a bit sluggish and boring. What finally pushed me over the edge was seeing a video of MIUI and then reading about it. Rooting is a daunting task for new people and I read a lot all over the web but the guide here is one of the best. This is what I did -

- The pre-root step in the guide to reset and format sd card is pretty dangerous as it does not mention any backups

- Ensured all contacts and apps were in google. Backed up call logs and SMS using MyBackup trial, and took a nandroid backup in hboot. Copied all backups to my pc and all pics and music from sd card.

- Rooted using Unrevoked. The I flashed amon_ra 2.3 recovery image, which I realized later can be done using custom option unrevoked as well.

- Flashed MEUI after Calkulin format_all

- Once it booted, did factory reset and formatted sd card. Installed MyBackup root

- Added google account to get back contacts and installed apps from market.android.com (could've used MyBackup as well), configured everything and took a final nandroid backup.

At this point everything was great, and the phone is fast and smooth. I have an issue with screen tearing sometimes, and for that I'll try a different kernel now that I'm comfortable in the recovery environment.

I recommend MIUI to anyone looking for a completely new experience. It has a ton of apps builtin that have replaced apps I needed - like Battery meters, notifiers, Handcent, control widgets etc. It is beautiful and functional. The replacement contacts, dialer and messaging apps are all superb IMO.

This is what my phone looks like now (taken using the builtin screengrab, and copied using ftp service in MIUI) -

I will see how battery life is over the next few days.

 

[ocnbrze]

yeah, i've been looking at miui for awhile because it is something different. but, i love my 4g here in LA. if they get 4g going i will definitely take the aosp plunge for sure.

 

[ExtraCrispy]

There's 4g coverage in the bay area in some places, but honestly I don't need the speed that much since I'm either home or at work, and it kills the battery. It'll be in aosp soon I hope. So yes, the $10 4g fee is being wasted.

 

[JB in AZ]

I want to say thanks to everyone here and quickly describe my experience, who knows it may even help someone else....

....

Nice write up, thanks!

How did you make a nandroid backup before rooting? That is the million dollar question. If you have a way to do this, you will be highy regarded!