Flash a ROM or not?

[firingphantom]

Im kinda a newb when it comes to modifying my cell phone but since im running a sense 2.1 TP2 with USCC i've been considering flashing to 2.5....is it recommended or not and if you do recommend doing so please point me towards a good ROM...all responses appreciated and thx in advance

[Kliptik]

Personally, I'd def recommend flashing! The newer WM builds are finger/user friendly, but can be buggy at times. But if you're new (first post so welcome!!!) then I would suggest you read, read, read, and then read some more. Most of the info you need can be found on the first page of each ROM thread. You'll also want to read up on unlocking. I can't remember if USC is GSM or CDMA, but you're gonna want to make sure you flash the correct ROM.

Welcome and happy flashing!!!

[burtonsnow8]

USC is CDMA, so this is the right spot to be at. IT all boils down to personal preference.

Most of the WM 6.5 2.5 ROMs are very flashy and useful. The home screen quick links are great, the new weather animations are cool, but they also start eating up a lot of RAM. After about 2 days of use I'm around 65% and can lock up my phone if I start accessing multiple programs at once (opera, messaging, music, etc). If I keep it to 1-2 programs there seems to be no issues.

At the end of the day it will boil down to how you want your phone to function. The WM 6.1 2.1 roms are extremely stable and do not eat huge chunks of RAM, whereas the 6.5 2.5 ROMs are more flash and function at the loss of some speed/responsiveness.

[firingphantom]

i've been a silent user and i've done a bit of research but everyone seems to have "the best Rom" so i'm looking for guidance from an experienced user

[burtonsnow8]

Originally Posted by firingphantom

i've been a silent user and i've done a bit of research but everyone seems to have "the best Rom" so i'm looking for guidance from an experienced user

Like i've said...it will all be personal preference. Some people LOOVVEEEE CHT and sense 2.5, so they will take the hit in the performance department to get the eye candy and links they want. Some people love how it runs smooth on 6.1 2.1, so they forgo the eyecandy for some responsiveness.

I will ask this...what do you WANT and NEED out of your phone?

[Kliptik]

I'll second burtonsnow8 in that it all boils down to personal preference. Personally, I've only ever flashed MightyROMs and I've never had any problems (that weren't of my own making). His ROMs are VERY stable (even the WM6.5.x) builds, and there's not a lot of fat included. MightyROM is CDMA and there's several options as far as WM/Sense builds.

[firingphantom]

i basically want to get the most out of my phone the standard 6.1 2.1 doesnt seem to be anything special i would like to see shortcuts on my home screen and finger friendly ease of use but what sort of performance loss can i expect and if im not satisfied will a hard reset put me back?

[Kliptik]

For home screen shortcuts and usability, Cookie Home Tab is the way to (IMHO). As far as performance loss, it's somewhat noticeable, but youre not gonna be waiting 2 minutes for apps to open, etc. In Mightys ROMs available memory can sometimes seem high 60-70% (rare 80%), but it doesn't slow down the phone until you hit high 80s. Also, apps open faster after youve opened them the first time, as it stores the app in memory.

[firingphantom]

im curious enough that i think im going to do it...anything other facts i need to know before hand and about how long will it take and will i lose all my files?

[Kliptik]

Originally Posted by firingphantom

im curious enough that i think im going to do it...anything other facts i need to know before hand and about how long will it take and will i lose all my files?

Every time you flash a new ROM it will hard reset your device. Again, reading is your most powerful tool.