Hello cantthinkofone,

If you use T-Mobile as a network provider there is no need to change your software, as the one you have is latest(just has a few T-Mobile backgrounds )

Rooted phones with custom ROM is more for experienced users(I don't have one) so if you call yourself an "idiot" - don't bother...

Yes, Android 1.5 is the latest available for HTC Hero

Regards

 

http://androidforums.com/htc-hero/19660-guide-installing-modaco-custom-rom.html this might help

HTC Hero will skip 1.6 Android and will have 2.0
HTC is already working on it but no any particular date for release...

 

To be honest - have no idea)))

 

Afaik neither T-mobile or Orange cripple/gimp the software compared to the generic HTC releases. All you'll gain will be removal of the carrier splash during boot and replacement of any specific bookmarks with the equally useless stock ones.

 

Honestly, if you are worried about bricking your phone i would advise don't install a custom rom. Like Slug said the carrier roms don't really add any crap to the phone.

 

There is a point, but if you don't understand it and satisfied with your current ROM - don't do it.

As I said before - it's for more experienced users... And if you want to become one of them - google for it, there are a lot of info on that.

 

It's totally up to you which directions to follow, depends which is more understandable to you.

I cannot help you at this point, as my Hero is not rooted.

 

My own reasons:
(a) to get into the file system and better understand how Android is put together
(b) to tinker with the interface
(c) to help the dev by testing

Because they can.