[Mojary]

get your phone activated first. and yes...your phone is a CDMA phone. once you're up and running with your cell service, that's when i would read into flashing and learning up on it. it's major information overload if it's the first time you're going to try flashing. but just read...read...and read some more just to make sure you are understanding the process correctly. yes...you do need to HardSPL unlock your phone if you want to use a custom/cooked ROM. BUT MAKE SURE YOU USE A ROM THAT IS MEANT FOR YOU PHONE!...which is a CDMA rom. that's why it's important for you to do a lot of reading and re-reading.

like the above post said...you don't really have to install a cooked rom for tweaking your device. cabs are posted all over the forum for a particular tweak. but most of the tweaks are already cooked into a custom rom. that's why most members flash to a cooked rom. and of course....the eye candy that comes with a custom rom is also a big factor.

but in the end....it'll be how you prefer your device to look. and once you start flashing...don't be surprised if you flash at least twice a week...LOL.