New TB - Apps?!

WorldBuilder said:

Hi all,

I just got me a Thunderbolt. Definitely fast as hell, and I like it so far. But My God... There are TONS of useless apps on this things, and perusing the app list seems to show me that virtually NONE of them can be uninstalled. "Uninstall" is grayed out for most.

I've read the "rooting" the phone will allow uninstallation. That true? And if so, is it really the best way?

Finally, if I do root the phone, my main concern is that I had hundreds of text message ported over from my previous Droid and all these messages are critical. I cannot lose them. Will rooting the phone delete them (or mess with them in any way)? And if so, is there a way to backup my TMs, then restore them after I've rooted it?

Thanks!

Chris

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WorldBuilder said:

Hi again,

OK, I've backed up all my SMS messages to GMail. Will they restore? No idea... But in theory, they should! LOL!

Read my post above this

So on to "rooting". How safe is it to do? And once done, what can I expect going forward? My understanding is that I can then uninstall anything I don't want. Correct? Is it as simple as going to the apps list and clicking uninstall? Also, DJ mentioned:

It's pretty safe, however there is always a slight chance you could do something unreversable (unlikely, though) It's not that simple, but it is simple. You will probably want to purchase an app called Root Explorer. With it you can delete/rename apps, move things within different folders, change the screens density, etc. It's one of the most valuable apps in the market.

Under what circumstances would I install a new ROM? And what of VZW updates to the phone? If I root it, will the phone still update?

Custom ROMs are one of the main reason people root. They are highly optimized and customized. You will not be able to receive an update from VZW if you're running a ROM or rooted. That being said, the development community usually receives the updates week, if not months before VZW would send it to your device. IE: The new radio which has been out for a few days, I'm curious how long it takes VZW to push it out to the masses. Most developers will include the update in their ROM so it's not an issue at all. IMO, if you're rooted, you want to be running a custom ROM, end of story.

I'm not worried about apps and contacts because apps can always be reinstalled and contacts are synced with GMail, so that's no sweat...

Basically, when kind of headaches (if any) will this cause me going forward?

The only headache it will cause is the amount of time you'll be tweaking and modding your phone! Or a headache from your wife/girlfriend/partner nagging you to "put that phone down and stop messing with it"

Thanks!

Chris

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WorldBuilder said:

Had I known that, I'd have waited for the Bionic.

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WorldBuilder said:

That's the one I used... SMS Backup+

Knowing I can "factory restore" the phone also make me feel much better. So knowing I've never even HEARD of rooting a phone until last week, where do I start? Custom ROMs? Where do I get 'em? Root Explorer? That's an official "app?"

I am a Technology Manager and by no means fearful of hacking gadgetry. But this is all new to me!

Chris

PS. WormDoes, you're a fellow Masshole??!!

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