Work in progress - need feedback

[gadget945]

PREFACE: I am an overworked, sleep deprived mother and wife. I own my own small business, and business is really slow right now, so I have some spare time on my hands. Have been on the forum since September of 08, and have gone through two models and 12 handsets in that amount of time. I didnt brick them, they failed because Im rough on them. I am opinionated and think that the moderators on the forum are overworked and underappreciated. Since I have spare time on my hands, I decided to work on this kind of primer for PPCs and modding them, to try to help people get on the right track and help the mods take things a bit easier, so that they can make more awesome stuff. I am not an expert. I have gone through a lot of trial and error, done a lot of reading, and have a major control issue, so this helps me to vent a bit; keeps me off my husbands case for a while.
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 “bloat” 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.


There are many guides on this forum, for themes, roms, registry edits, hacks, games, you name it, it's here. All the information is here, it is up to you to SEARCH, READ AND FIND IT.

--------- New Post Merged on 26/6/2009 at 06:16:04 --------

Okay, been killing time. It's way too hot here. I posted this in off topic because I wanted to get some feedback before putting this out there for general consumption. I know there are a lot of noob guides on how to do stuff, but there isn't one that really explains what you need to do first. I was thinking that it might be helpful and might stop some of the incessant whining and complaining.
I wanted some feedback on it. I'm not done with it by any means, but I also need to figure out the whole formatting thing too, so people can read it easier.

Thanks y'all!

[elboriyorker]

hahahaha wow. i had to put my reading glasses on.But everything you mentioned here makes sense.And i believe we all have sense around here.And i agree to everything you posted.But you also have to realize that 60% of the people that come here, they only hit and run.and the other 20% has no idea what they doing at all,going in blind.And the last 20% are the contributors as yourself and the rest they know who they are.

I'm all for helping everyone and this should be one of those that is a must read for the newcomers.And i will support you on this.

thanks :highfive:

[VenumX]

Originally Posted by elboriyorker

hahahaha wow. i had to put my reading glasses on.But everything you mentioned here makes sense.And i believe we all have sense around here.And i agree to everything you posted.But you also have to realize that 60% of the people that come here, they only hit and run.and the other 20% has no idea what they doing at all,going in blind.And the last 20% are the contributors as yourself and the rest they know who they are.

I'm all for helping everyone and this should be one of those that is a must read for the newcomers.And i will support you on this.

thanks :highfive:

I completely agree with everything elboriyorker said about your piece :) I think it will definitely be helpful, the only thing it is quite a bit to read, I think human nature is to like lists. People love lists whether it be the top ten phone apps, grocery list or even a list of recent updates from your friends. Its a natural attraction that people have. What you have provided us is a list in paragraph form, I will be more apt to read an entire post if it is spread out into keypoints rather than all in one big paragraph. Love the whole post just think it needs to be formatted like a list and some things summarized or squashed down a little bit in size :)

[tlpalmer01]

it sounds very good..very basic for people who know nothing.....

[gadget945]

Per PB's suggestion - am moving to testing section to edit some more. Is there anything that anyone thinks should be added to this?

[elboriyorker]

Originally Posted by VenumX

I completely agree with everything elboriyorker said about your piece :) I think it will definitely be helpful, the only thing it is quite a bit to read, I think human nature is to like lists. People love lists whether it be the top ten phone apps, grocery list or even a list of recent updates from your friends. Its a natural attraction that people have. What you have provided us is a list in paragraph form, I will be more apt to read an entire post if it is spread out into keypoints rather than all in one big paragraph. Love the whole post just think it needs to be formatted like a list and some things summarized or squashed down a little bit in size :)

yep that too.I have a question how many of you guys still have the Manuel to your mobile devices still wrapped on plastic? I know i do hhahahahah

[BiG JeW]

i have opened them all PB and i am still going throught the 344 pages of the adobe manual for the PRE... gadget nice post

[elboriyorker]

Originally Posted by 13iG Je\/\/

i have opened them all PB and i am still going throught the 344 pages of the adobe manual for the PRE... gadget nice post

hahahah to me just playing with the phone is alot faster then reading a story about a phone operation...just my 2 cents on this...lol

[DenverDev]

The only thiink that I see that you might want to consider adding is reminding them to check their device/OS/whatever to be sure that it is compatible for whatever they are doing........kinda goes along with teh paperweight llines

btw-I LOVE your style!

Great work!

[gadget945]

Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate all of the feedback. I have posted this in the test section too, so I can do some formatting. Should I delete one?

[GokuSS3]

Originally Posted by elboriyorker

hahahah to me just playing with the phone is alot faster then reading a story about a phone operation...just my 2 cents on this...lol

HAHA aint that so true everything for my Pro still in the plastic other than the things i use, that is funny that you said that lol

[D/\SH]

Originally Posted by elboriyorker

yep that too.I have a question how many of you guys still have the Manuel to your mobile devices still wrapped on plastic? I know i do hhahahahah

hahahaha all my stuff is in plastic still and sealed with the nice void tape not reading void hahahaha

Originally Posted by gadget945

Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate all of the feedback. I have posted this in the test section too, so I can do some formatting. Should I delete one?

if you would like i could move this to the test area or the recycle area.... your call...... dont want others to get confused thinking it is a final draft... tell me where you would like it and ill get it taken care of girl.... btw very nice work and the list thing might make people a lil more prone to read since it wont look as overwhelming.... great job on this and it is very informative :) digging your style of making it sound nice and sweet as well as informational at the same time.

[ronaldsdv]

Originally Posted by elboriyorker

yep that too.I have a question how many of you guys still have the Manuel to your mobile devices still wrapped on plastic? I know i do hhahahahah

Who's Manuel? hahaha just messing with you PB and Gadget very nice post ....

[gadget945]

[quote\]if you would like i could move this to the test area or the recycle area.... your call...... dont want others to get confused thinking it is a final draft... tell me where you would like it and ill get it taken care of girl.... btw very nice work and the list thing might make people a lil more prone to read since it wont look as overwhelming.... great job on this and it is very informative :) digging your style of making it sound nice and sweet as well as informational at the same time.[/quote]

awww, y'all are all too sweet, just trying to give back a little is all. update to follow...