FWIW - I'm going to root. I want my root-only apps working already. Cachemate, Root Explorer, ROM Manager (though it really can't do jack yet), TiBu, and a few others....

Messenger13 posted that with root you can remove the native Swype app and then install the latest beta refresh for a smoother experience....

 

I really want to root mine when I get it so I can restore data on some apps. What are the chances of something like this bricking the phone?

Also, on average, how long does it take for a working SBF to show up?

 

In my defense, I simply asked how long they take to "show up" But, I learned something new because before that I had no idea where an SBF came from, I just coincidently worded it right haha.

But in a more serious note, how about the first half of my post? Do I pose a substantial risk to my phone by rooting + using TIBU to restore some app data?

 

Awesome, thanks But just to clarify, I notice you said system apps. I was referring to non system apps though such as gosms. I have alot of settings that I have just the way I like and I've been spoiled with TIBU and all the roms I've flashed that I never want to have to "set apps up" again if I don't need to

So is it just system apps that are risky, or is restoring any app + data a dangerous idea at this point in time?

 

Ok sorry, what does "re." mean lol. I feel stupid for not knowing, but I've never seen it before

 

Basically, the gist of the message is this:

rooting in and of itself is mostly not harmful. However, you're always told to have a backup. Well, when you're rooting for the first time, there really is no way to backup your phone.

Thus, to the rescue come the .SBF files. The are, for lack of a better way, 'complete installers of the phone OS' - much in the same way that a Windows disc will put a brand new OS on your computer that you can then configure.

Without having these, even with the relatively safe process of rooting, that 1% chance that something could happen is there, and if it does happen, you have no surefire way of recovering anything and have the very real possibility of having to take it in to a store to get it replaced - and in the process, possibly exposing to the store personnel / Motorola mobility (when it gets sent back there) that you were trying to root your phone, which may (I said may) come back to bite you in the arse in a very real monetary way.

The .SBF is not only a way to revert in case something breaks - its also a way to revert before taking it to the store for a replacement, so that no warranty voiding procedures are exposed.

And that, in so much as any other reason, is why users are being cautioned on rooting their phones this early in the game.

 

I rooted, and I promise to be careful.

 

If you actually have to ask that question, you probably shouldn't be rooting your phone.