So, I am a BIG tech geek and decided I would give a semi-brief overview of what I see as the 5 major ROMs we see in the forum. Nothing fancy, so if you want full app lists and extreme detail see ROM thread. Also, feel free to add to this post. My TP2 got a heck of a workout and I made sure to perform a Clear Storage between each new ROM to remove any clutter. So without further delay, and please let me know if I'm off base in any way.
I will add more to these reviews as I test other ROMs and each ROM more thoroughly.
So, the 5 I have tested are as follows;
EliteTeam_RhodiumW_Verizon_RC1_WM65_21869_20091024 - Known in this post as
EliteROM
EnergyROM_23081_RHOD500_25.Oct.2009_Standard - Known in this post as
EnergyROM
RUU_Rhodium_W_Juicy_R1 - Known in this post as
JuicyROM
CFay_1.0_RTM_Rhod400_500 - Known in this post as
CFayROM
MightyROM_RhodiumW_103009 - Known in this post as
MightyROM
I am basing this SOLELY on how these ROMs run on my TP2 and ranking them from 1 to 10 in 3 categories (Features, Aesthetics and Operation) I realize, as should you who are reading this, that some software will react differently to each carrier's hardware.
EliteROM
The first ROM I tested and let me tell you, it's loaded! It has just about anything a geek can handle and then a few more ingredients on top of that. Unfortunately, a little too much for the available memory on the TP2.
It is well put together though with loads of
flair, but I think a few less running processes would suffice since I ended up utilizing about 85-95% memory. I honestly don't know what Manila or WM version it runs as I promptly removed it, but they cover their ROM quite well in the thread. Also, as noted in ROM thread, the splash screens are a little over the top and you must flash stock ROM to remove them.
Features - 9
Aesthetics - 7
Operation - 3.5
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EnergyROM
The second tested, and one of my favorites. It has just the right mixture of both eye candy and applications to make me happy. Running WM6.5.1 and Manila 2.1, with some tweaks I am guessing? Ran at about 55-70% memory utilization.
It locks up frequently but was fairly stable if you were careful and maintained your open applications. Of course the HTC messaging can be disabled, but that was still a nuisance. Nice selection of background options and since it utilizes the more stable Manila 2.1, it flowed nicely.
Features - 7
Aesthetics - 8
Operation - 7
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JuicyROM
The third tested, and yet another favorite! Runs GREAT and smooth and uses the Sense UI. Now I don't know the difference between Manila 2.x and how Sense gets in the mix other than the Droid copy, but I see this one has Manila 2.5 at the core but it works so..... Utilizing about 40-60% of the memory.
Not too much to mention about the feature set except the new addition of
Footprints. Had the usual such as Facebook and all the norms. One nice feature, though taxing on the phone, was the 2 choices for today home screen options. There is
Weather or
Animated. The weather option is definitely a looker but once those clouds start moving, forget it. As for the animated option, it's not bad and not as taxing. But there are only 3 or 4 backgrounds to choose from.
Features - 6
Aesthetics - 7
Operation - 8
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CFayROM
Fourth tested, and it runs like a champ! Absolutely NO bloat to this one and runs about 60% memory utilization. Not much else to say, want a ROM that just runs with the normal feature set and utilizes WM 6.5 and Manila 2.1. Boasts different drivers to make for faster performance....I can see that being the case. Runs fast, but I don't feel there was much in it to clog it up. Not much else to say.
Features - 5
Aesthetics - 6
Operation - 8
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MightROM
Only ROM requiring a password to unpack.....ugh! Makes for a close tie with EliteROM for the most thought out ROM. Minimal flash time, and no bloat. It's simple, efficient and runs about 45-55% memory utilization.
Really not much to say about this ROM other than it works, works well actually. Manila 2.1 and WM 6.5 at the core. MightyMike also seems to supply the best list of tweaks and fixes in his thread. All in all, I think I'm running with this one for a while.
Features - 7
Aesthetics - 7
Operation - 9
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*********This is for information purposes ONLY and in no way is meant to demean, disseminate, or otherwise ridicule any ROM or ROM cooking person(s). I know full well that though I put some time into this post, it is nowhere near the amount of time they put into designing the ROM. Please refer to ROM thread and chef for further information.*********