Sprint Evo 4g

Smoothshifter,
You talk about rooting it. I just picked up an HTC EVO 4G, and I'm on Sprint with the unlimited data plan. I am interested on rooting. How is this done? I have a laptop that I take with me.

 

http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-all-things-root/

Personally...I think rooting is way overrated.

 

I just moved and I haven't set up my PC yet, and I have all the bookmarks on it.

Rooting the phone basically strips off the stock operating system and replaces it with the ROM of your choice, giving you more freedom. It also makes the phone able to wirelessly tether to a laptop without having to pay the $30 a month fee for a wi-fi hotspot. It was the main reason I did it.

It also gives you the ability to overclock the processor, or under-clock it to conserve battery life. Plus, the phone is stripped of all the bloatware that comes with a stock HTC phone.

Rooting will void your warranty. If you have a new phone with a new warranty, then you have to know how to reinstall the stock ROM onto the phone before taking it into sprint for any work.

I didn't worry about it as I picked up a nicely treated Evo4G for $132.50 and my plan is up in 5 months anyway, so I can upgrade if I want. I'll probably stick with this phone anyway, I'm really pleased with how it came out.

Rooting may be overrated, but I don't regret doing it.

 

My HTC is not new, I picked it up for $50, and then I picked up a new Otterbox "Defender" for $35. It looks new though. I've been out from under Sprint's 2yr contract for at least that long, and I didn't want to get back under it by purchasing a new one from them. So I may give it try when I get some time.

For now, I can access about everything from my phone using it as is.

 

For the average user rooting is unnecessary, I still haven't done it with my Evo 3D. I do miss some of the features I had when I had my HTC Hero rooted, but at the same time it isn't worth the PITA if you brick it. Maybe when it is out of warranty I'll bother, but not now.

 

I've decided not to Root mine. For no more than I'm away, it would not be worth risking trashing the OS. I'm not OTR, and I'm only away 1 week max at a time. So far the only "internet" stuff I've used it for, is to search using google maps, or for jumping on this forum.

 

The only reason I did so is because a buddy is going to give me a laptop to use while I'm on the road - since I hate typing on phones. Writing is one of my side hobbies/ventures and I like having a real keyboard in front of me.

I'll have my other PC live and online in a few days. Down the road, should you decide to do it, just reply here and I'll put up detailed instructions.

You won't trash the OS if you are good at following directions, step by step and doing it carefully. I had the same fear, and it's not as hard as it sounds.

 

Smooth Shifter...

Have you tried Swype on a phone...took me about 30 minutes to get the hang of it...but now I can type (Swype) dang near 100 words per minute on my phone...which is faster than I can type on a computer keyboard.

It may or may not be compatible with your phone...but if it is...give it a try.

http://www.swype.com/