[gadget945]

So lets see youre here because of something along the lines of “Ive got this kewl new handset, and I wanna be like ….(Dash, BigJew, Superman, pick one and insert here) I saw this wicked video on youtube and I want to have one like that!” Maybe you were searching the web for something to speed up your phone, and came up with the Wckediden website.
Whoa, slow down a second. The peeps whose handsets are in those videos are either wickedly talented, awesomely patient, or got bucks enough to have it done for them. Do you fall into any of those categories? Even if you dont, there is help for you. Youve got to do the legwork on your own though.
Regarding Wckedidens the folks on this forum are exceedingly helpful. They do, however, have lives and jobs and families. That means that if you post a question and do not get an immediate response, do NOT get snippy about it, reposting with “what, no one cares” Give it a few hours. Remember the saying “a lack of planning on your part, does NOT constitute an emergency on my part”
Lets start with a short list of MUST HAVES.
Youve got to have a smartphone or PPC.
Got a PC or laptop with internet access, now think; “DUH, I got here didnt I?”
Data cable to connect your handset to your PC.
Storage card that works in your PPC
Another option to back up your information, preferably web-based.
Working knowledge of your computer and your handset. Know for sure how to connect the two.
Patience and more patience.
Comfortable with the possibility that in your haste, you will acquire a very expensive paperweight. Especially if you decide that you know what youre doing because you work with computers all day, and this cant be that difficult.

Then we can go with a breakdown of the original list.
Youve got a smartphone or PPC.
You know your provider.
You know the model of PPC you have, the name and the model number.
You know CDMA or GSM.
Got a PC or laptop with internet access, now think; “DUH, I got here didnt I?”
Okay, this is where it gets hinky. Youve got a PC or a Mac? You know which OS you are running? Youve learned how to connect your PPC to your computer? For ease, references to PC will mean whatever box you have. Program is called ActiveSync on XP and SyncCenter on Vista. Dunno about Mac, sure you can find it. Depending on the model of PPC you have, hookup may be different. Typically is plug and play, you may have to download the program from the manufacturer; figure this out first. If you cant connect the two together, youre going to have issues.
Data cable to connect your handset to your PC.
Umm, that is part of the above.
Storage card that works in your PPC
Usually, they send one with it. You paid big bucks, its the least they can do, right? Typically it needs to be formatted, make sure you can do this. If youve been using the handset, you may have pics or something saved on it. Make sure that you have backed up this information.
Another option to back up your information, preferably web-based.
The best option I have found (read PERSONAL OPINION) is called Dashwire. Its a web based application that updates your contacts, pictures, text messages, etc. online, and so far its free. You will have to establish an account online, and then send an app to your phone and install it. Follow the instructions! This is a very data intensive program, and you really should have an unlimited data plan to use it. There are other options out there, I am sure, google is your best friend!
Working knowledge of your computer and your handset. Know for sure how to connect the two.
I know, redundant, but its needed. I would suggest at this point that you create a directory or at least a folder that you can find easily, and direct all downloads for your modding to it. It is extremely helpful to know where that really cool app you just downloaded went. Keeps everything together, so you know what youve got, and dont download the same thing multiple times to various locations. Dont know your situation, but I can fill 200GB quick! Be mindful also, that some of the apps that you download may or may not set off your virus scanner. Most apps are designed to modify your PPC setup in various ways, so yes, they will look like Trojans sometimes. Please read the thread that the app is in and see if anyone has encountered the same issue. In regards to your handset, you should install all apps to the device and keep movies and pictures and such on your storage card.
Patience and more patience.
Yeah, its mandatory.
Comfortable with the possibility that in your haste, you will acquire a very expensive paperweight. Especially if you decide that you know what youre doing because you work with computers all day, and this cant be that difficult.
Im serious.

Okay, now we have a serious sort of selection to make. What do you want to do with your handset? Just want it faster? Want it to look cool? Want more games? Watch youtube videos without that awful lag time?
Everything about modifying your handset is about personal preference.
Youve got to know what you want to do. Well, actually you dont have to know what you want, you can start wherever you want, and just go from there.
There are some things that you will need to figure out before you get too far into it. This is something that I would have loved to know before I started on this journey myself. The language is a bit intimidating if you dont know it, if youre not comfortable with it, just take a break and google it.
First and foremost I, or anyone else for that matter, who tries to help you do what you want, is in no way responsible if you BRICK your phone. BRICK = PAPERWEIGHT, a really, really, really expensive one at that. If you are not comfortable, decide to rush things, were born on a Tuesday, it doesnt matter; if you mess up your handset based on any of this information, to find the one responsible = LOOK IN A MIRROR. I, nor anyone else who tries to help you, provide you with information, gives you a hint, etc.; is not responsible for the condition of your handset.
Second depending on your situation, modifying your handset in any way may or may not VOID YOUR WARRANTY. That is up to you to decipher and accept.
Third do you want to unlock your phone? Not really the same thing as jailbreaking, but close from what I know about it. Do you want it to look like someone elses that you saw on the video? Revisit the video, with a piece of paper and a pen. Write down the names of the apps you see and then go and look for them.
Fourth do you want to change the ROM? Kinda scary at first. You can do a lot to your handset without flashing to a new rom. However, most manufacturers and carriers tend to have a lot of “bloatâà ¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚ in the handset that you wont ever use, is outdated, or just plain worthless. There are roms available that are minimal, there are some that are pretty wicked.




How do I unlock my PPC?
Typically done with an unlocker, which is specific to model and carrier and type. Please read through the threads on the forum, there are sections dedicated for specific handsets and then there are sections for different kinds of modifications, roms, themes, apps, etc.
Again, google is your friend. Theres a little green search button towards the top of every page on Wckediden.
You should note that if necessary to return handset for repairs, you will need to relock your handset. Its a good idea, regardless of what you are going to do, to find both the unlocker and relocker for your particular situation. Keep them in a file that is clearly marked, so that you wont have to hunt it down later. Once your handset is unlocked, you generally have no reason to relock it if youre just wanting to change things on it.