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OK, I've ordered my G Tab and expect it next week. I also ordered a docking station, a screen protector and leather case w/keyboard. All of these were recommended by XDA members on this site.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to technical knowledge. I have never owned an Android product, either. I've read and read and read the various posts in preparation for receiving my G Tab. I know I want to Root my Tab (probably with TnT Lite) and I know to install the ClockWorkMod V.08. Here are my questions:
1. When I get my G Tab, should I even turn it on or should I insert the MicroSD card with the CWM on it and then turn the G Tab on?
2. If I turn it on first, will it automatically connect to WiFi thru my router and start downloading the Viewsonic update?
3. Is it OK to install the Viewsonic update BEFORE I root it?
4. I have noticed that a lot of the users who use TnT Lite, are running the 2.1 or 3.1 versions. Why aren't they using the latest 4.1 version? Should I start with an earlier, more stable (proven) version?
5 When should I install the "Enhancement" pack? After the CWM or after I install TnT Lite?
These questions may be somewhere on this site, but I can't find them. Thank you in advance?
Dawg Fan said:
OK, I've ordered my G Tab and expect it next week. I also ordered a docking station, a screen protector and leather case w/keyboard. All of these were recommended by XDA members on this site.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to technical knowledge. I have never owned an Android product, either. I've read and read and read the various posts in preparation for receiving my G Tab. I know I want to Root my Tab (probably with TnT Lite) and I know to install the ClockWorkMod V.08. Here are my questions:
1. When I get my G Tab, should I even turn it on or should I insert the MicroSD card with the CWM on it and then turn the G Tab on?
2. If I turn it on first, will it automatically connect to WiFi thru my router and start downloading the Viewsonic update?
3. Is it OK to install the Viewsonic update BEFORE I root it?
4. I have noticed that a lot of the users who use TnT Lite, are running the 2.1 or 3.1 versions. Why aren't they using the latest 4.1 version? Should I start with an earlier, more stable (proven) version?
5 When should I install the "Enhancement" pack? After the CWM or after I install TnT Lite?
These questions may be somewhere on this site, but I can't find them. Thank you in advance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still using stock TNT, but:
Re. 1) I would turn it on, even if you're planning to go to a different ROM, to at least make sure that it's working, before you try anything else. That way, in case there's a hardware problem, you haven't done anything to it yet, so it's factory condition. I don't know what stock firmware it will come with, but when I got my Gtab, it was like 3389, and there was a known thing with it, when you powered on the first time, a lot of stuff would force close. Rebooting (power off then power on) fixed that for me.
Re. 2) Assuming your WIFI is secured (WPA, etc.), the Gtab will try, but won't be able to connect successfully, since it doesn't have your WIFI router/access password. You'll need to go to Settings==>Wireless, and configure the password, and then it should connect after that.
Re. 3) Yes. That should be fine ...
Re. 4) I don't know...
Re. 5) The enhancement pack is INSTEAD of TNT lite, and is a patch for stock Viewsonic TNT. Conversely, TNT lite contains the stuff in the enhancement pack, plus more. So, they're kind of mutually exclusive. If you want to stay stock, but get the enhancements, install the enhancement pack. If you want a non-stock ROM, to replace the stock TNT, install TNT lite (or one of the other ROMs).
Jim
Thanks Jim! So, you are running the stock TnT 3452. Do you have the Enhancement pack installed? Did you try one of the new ROMs and then go back to stock?
No, I didn't install the enhancement pack, but rather, I've been installing things manually. The reason is that though I have a bit of experience w Linux, this is the 1st time I've had the chance to work w Android, so doing things manually is a kind of learning opportunity for me.
I haven't tried any of the other ROMs yet, but I might have to once they have CM7/gingerbread. It's tempting ...
In the meantime, this is OK for me.
Jim
Wax it with Mothers FX Make it shine
Wax it with Mothers FX Make it shine
Hey Dawg,
You know what I think happens a lot is that people get everything running pretty smooth on a particular ROM version (ie: TNTlite 2.1 or 3.1), and then they don't necessarily see anything compelling enough in the upgrade to go through the hassle of backing up, wiping, flashing...Especially the first time or two you do it, it can be a little daunting. (Or maybe they forget to update their signature?)
I like to goof around, so I've flashed mine about 8 times or so. I'm on TNTlite 4.1 and it is a great ROM. Very stable, very fast. I would encourage you away from 3.1 because that's based on a version of the kernel that came from Viewsonic that had issues with performance lag and some media disappearing from the SD card. There are fixes for both issues, but that's even more that you have to install.
4.1 is based on an updated kernel, and both issues are fixed.
I also spent some time with the Vegan ROM and it's pretty slick too. I had an issue with it sporadically shutting down. Others have experienced it too, but certainly not everybody.
Both of TNTlite 4.1 and Vegan 5 have been in the wild for a long enough amount of time for us to have heard about any major issues. I'd say go for the latest and greatest.
nbowes said:
Hey Dawg,
You know what I think happens a lot is that people get everything running pretty smooth on a particular ROM version (ie: TNTlite 2.1 or 3.1), and then they don't necessarily see anything compelling enough in the upgrade to go through the hassle of backing up, wiping, flashing...Especially the first time or two you do it, it can be a little daunting. (Or maybe they forget to update their signature?)
I like to goof around, so I've flashed mine about 8 times or so. I'm on TNTlite 4.1 and it is a great ROM. Very stable, very fast. I would encourage you away from 3.1 because that's based on a version of the kernel that came from Viewsonic that had issues with performance lag and some media disappearing from the SD card. There are fixes for both issues, but that's even more that you have to install.
4.1 is based on an updated kernel, and both issues are fixed.
I also spent some time with the Vegan ROM and it's pretty slick too. I had an issue with it sporadically shutting down. Others have experienced it too, but certainly not everybody.
Both of TNTlite 4.1 and Vegan 5 have been in the wild for a long enough amount of time for us to have heard about any major issues. I'd say go for the latest and greatest.
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Click to collapse
Thanks! That is very useful.
I wish I understood all of this technical lingo. I'm 56 years old and love playing around on computers, but I have a brain fart when it comes to HOW they work. I guess it is just my generation. My father was a HAM radio operator and heavy into electronics. I didn't inherit any of that.
Here's my suggestion:
1) While waiting for the gtab, read the first page of the TnT Lite thread two or three times and download the files you will need to your PC. Then read the Clockwork Mod and Market Fix thread the same amount
2) Play with the gtab just long enough to verify it is not defective, damaged or DOA.
3) Transfer over Clockwork files via USB, restart
4) Install Clockwork, and then repartition to 2048,0 (will wipe your internal memory)
5) Mount USB, copy over TnT 4.1 file and install
6) Configure wireless, setup google account, market fix, flash
7) When everything is working, restart and backup with Clockwork
8) Download Titanium Backup for your apps and learn how to use it. I think this is the best app I have purchased so far and well worth the money.
Well I don't know your android experience level but there a few thing I would look into first your comfort level of installing bekits clockwork.08 based in my experiences this works better than other versions of recoveries. I would also look into nvflash just in case you run into trouble. There is no need for nvflash unless you run into trouble Choose the rom you want to use and read the instructions many times before trying to flash. And if you decide to use rom manager app you can download the roms from it but for now do not use rom mananger to flash to new roms or make backups only do it from clockwork recovery. With all that being said have fun it is not as diffcult as you might think
Thanks for all of the help/recommendations. I have to admit that I am so afraid that something will go wrong while trying one of these things. I'm telling you, I really don't understand any of this. I can follow instructions, so if that is all it takes, then I can do it. But I think I will first install the Viewsonic update and play around with that for a few days before I decide to root it.
Just so you know you don't have to root seperately anymore when you flash a rom it will automatically root for you
Which rom is better in your opinion? Vegan or TNT
I have enjoyed Vegan more, only because i couldn't get the market to fix in tnt, but first try with vegan and it worked. That may be because i was doing something wrong in tnt, but that's it. I've been using vegan for 2 weeks now and i'ts very solid.
Which is better
I've tried TnT and VEGAn. TnT bombed the first time when I loaded 4.0. I switched to VEGAn and it worked straight away. I did, call me a sucker, go back and TnT 4.2.2 is working great for me. Only thing I miss from VEGAn is the ability to lock the screen.
What's in 4.2 that isn't in 4.1? I'm using 4.1 and everything is working. I am considering 4.2 but would like to know what the difference is. Do you know?
When I first got my gtab last week I flashed TnT. I was able to get the market running, but after a few hours it would pop a gapps error, and I would run the market fix again. Had to do this a few times a day.
I wiped and flashed Vegan and have been running it for the last 4 days with no issues. The lock screen is awesome and have had zero issues with the market
Highly recommend Vegan!
cjohns79ut said:
Which rom is better in your opinion? Vegan or TNT
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Click to collapse
After messing around with the five or so availale ROMS, I decided to make the VEGAn 5.1 beta my daily driver, it and TnT lite are the most stable IMHO, I chose VEGAn over TnT because the news and weather genie was absent from TnT and the VEGAn web browser offers much more flexibility as far as options go. I'm a news junkie!
Also the On-Screen soft keys on the notification bar [HOME, MENU, and BACK] are fantastic additions to VEGAn since the keys on the device don't light up, which makes it real [email protected]%# when using the device in a poorly lighted room so that would be wonderful if that feature was kept.
I have to agree with Vegan. I bought my pad two days ago and decided to go with Vegan. Flash and the Market are already installed. And having the menu, home, and back on the screen really makes getting around easier.
Now If I can just figure out how to use the host USB port.
I would have to say vegan.
I like the notification bar on TNT better, but I find Vegan just slightly more solid.
Sent from my VEGAn-TAB-v1.0.0b5.1.1 using Tapatalk
Recently installed GAdam 1.1.0 and love it. Real nice and pretty simple UI. Running very stable. Didn't try Quad yet, played Angry Birds thou (LOL). Smooth transitions no FC on any app I tried. So, I believe I found the one I like and will stick with it till Honeycomb comes out (keep my fingers and toes crossed LOL).
vegan i would say
Also been running VEGAn - TAB V1.0.0B5.1
Several weeks now works without issues.
edirector said:
What's in 4.2 that isn't in 4.1? I'm using 4.1 and everything is working. I am considering 4.2 but would like to know what the difference is. Do you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always check the changelog. It's usually a mix of enhancements and stock updates. Some are minor changes, some are more major.
4.2.0 updated the TnT base to stock 3588. And I added the Gingerbread keyboard and upped the frame rate to 60.
Same here..Vegan. Running about a month with no isses. Posted a 1825 on Quad. Am happy!
I gotta cast my vote for Tnt. I've been running it since January, and have had no issues at all, and the market fix worked like a charm. The one thing I will say is, I have a 5 year old who loves to play angry birds and play a drawing game, and she is at home with TnT which is the main reason I haven't tried a different ROM.
My vote is for VEGAn, I just couldn't get the hulu fix to work on TnT and when I flashed VEGAn onto my tab last night worked right away. I also got all 5 stars on the market.
I have had my gtab for about 2 weeks now and tried out TNT as a first shot and it was good till installed some app and scrambled it. After that I kept getting FC's all the time.
Decided to go to the gAdam yesterday and I must say it seem to be solid. I have not had any problems with the market, like I have seen else where, and I just love the interface.
Rock on guys keep up the great work on all of the roms.
A big thanks to all of the devs who are working on the gTab.
i just picked up this tablet for my sister and chose to go with TnT Lite 4.2/4.2.5 to speed it up a little bit and so she can download some games and apps.
i ran a quadrant score against my rooted Xoom (not overclocked) and got the same scores, between 2000-2100ish.
no problems whatsoever with this TnT rom and i am quite impressed at the speed of it. at times it seems snappier/quicker then my Xoom.
TnT Lite is what I am currently running. Of course there are a few things I dont but there are a lot of things I do like. Is a great stable rom. The widgets take up way to much space in landscape mode.
I also have played with Vegan, but have an issue with the switching of landscape mode. The standard home screen doesn't switch! Otherwise its a great rom.
have had mine for about 2 weeks.
i just installed caulkin's 1.0 ROM, then put clemsyn's patch on it got CIFS.
i was running Vegan for a week before that.
i would like to switch to the stock or NI browser, and i should have backed up the NI keyboard before going to caulkin's. but i'll figrure out how to download and put them on as APK.s
Hi everyone! I just picked up a "reconditioned" Viewsonic G-Tablet from Sears for $279. It looks brand new, but I can tell it's been removed from the box and then re-packed. The prior owner must have decided it wasn't right for him/her after just turning it on! Well, lucky for me.
I'm not liking the Tap N Tap UI much so I'm looking at other ROMs. I've read all the threads here about Vegan, TNT Lite, Harmony, Zpad and CM ROMs but I can't decide. I've ruled out the Zpad and CM ROMs because they don't seem to be as polished/finished and they don't seem to be actively developed. Of the remaining ROMs (Vegan, TNT Lite and Harmony) can anybody tell what the main differences or advantages/disadvantages are between them? I'd love to hear personal opinions about why you chose one ROM over another.
My main concerns are speed, smoothness, stability and app support. Good Flash support is essential. I know I can just install each ROM and try them all myself, but I'm worried that just playing with each ROM for a short time I may not notice/realize each ROMs key features and shortcomings. Any help is greatly appreciated!
The winner for android 2.2 is Vegan 5.11. People just love it and it is in my gtab for personal use.
The winner for android 2.3 seems to be vegan experimentals. Even if it is not fully functional it seems it has catched attention from people around.
Personally i would recomend vegan 5.11 until vegan(android 2.3) comes out or a good rom of Honeycomb(android 3.0) is usable[Maybe tomorrow-maybe in a month].
Vegan 5.11 because it is very stable and performs really fast. Almost no fc in common apps(maybe in some games like those of gameloft) but it is very stable, fast and usefull overall.
You will probably get lots of suggestions as the ROM of the week changes as the Devs make changes or add functionality. For today I think your best choice is Vegan Tab beta 5.1. Unless you have to have cutting edge, I suggest not adding supplement 5.1.1 as some users have had issues, Follow the directions carefully and you will have a tablet that you will be happy with.
You will certainly get quite a few recommendations and such for each of the ROMS, but in the end I think that actually installing each one and giving it a whirl is the best way to see what works for YOU personally. There are plusses and minuses for all the ROMS, but in the end I believe it comes down to what is pleasing and what works for the individual - plus, the more you flash the easier it is
Try vegan first it's my personal favorite.
I highly recommend TnT Lite 4.2.x
A quick read through the VegaN thread will show you that some users have issues, some don't. I woudlnt and didn't take the chance as I'm less about the tinkering and more about the functionality of the tablet.
I've never had issues with TnT Lite. I was on 3.x and I went back to stock for a while but went back to 4.2 and have been with it since.
I'll second the TnT lite. Only issue I've had is market fixes. May not be a fault on our end as it seems alot of folks, tablet and phone owners are having issues with the droid market web page.
I tried Vegan as my first rom and got bored w/ it. was gonna try cyanogen but did the TnT lite rom instead. Haven't look back since.
But Rom's are a personal choice. try all of them and make ur decision from there, as each one has it's pro's and con's.
Casting my vote for VEGAn 5.1 Beta (Without the 5.1.1 supplement)
It will be my daily driver until either the VEGAn/Cyanogen Merge has an RC or until someone puts out a Honeycomb Port since the full system dump was just put out in the wild!!
Thanks a LOT for the replies so far. Seems like Vegan has a slight edge over TNT Lite in the voting so far.
Just curious, for those who chose TNT Lite over Vegan (or vise versa) after trying both, what were your reasons? Is one faster or smoother or better looking? More stable? I'm probably going to stick with 2.2 until the 2.3 ROMs stabilize.
Some said they switched to TNT Lite after using Vegan because they got bored with Vegan... why?
I've used both and lean towards VEGAn over tnt-lite. My reasons...VEGAn is closer to stock android and tnt-lite had too much stock tapntap still there.
Both are great but I had more market issues with tnt-lite.
Sent from my Viewsonic 10" GTab...
Running TnT Lite 4.23 here. Have used VegaN in the past as well as trying out CM7 and earlier versions of TnT. I'll agree with the other posters that you need to try them out for yourself, either VegaN or TnT should make you VERY happy. One of the biggest differences between the two is that TnT is a modified version of stock software, taking out most of the TnT UI. VegaN on the other hand appears to be based on the phone version of 2.2 but does open up the settings menus as well as other things associated with 2. that in TnT Lite might not be accessible, more of a "pure" 2.2.
Thanks for all the replies! I'm reading this forum even as I'm working to root my new GTab! But I've run into a problem. I hope I'm not thread-jacking my own thread, but I'm having trouble installing Clockwork Mod Recovery.
I'm following the sticky How To Guide and I've unzipped the "internal" version of the CWM to the root of the internal SDCARD. When I hold the power and volume + button to boot into recovery I get the Viewsonic splash screen with "Detect a recovery key pressed" and "Booting recovery kernal image" in the upper left corner. But then nothing. It just stays on this screen forever. I waited for 15-20 minutes just in case.
Any ideas?
Neoprimal said:
I highly recommend TnT Lite 4.2.x
A quick read through the VegaN thread will show you that some users have issues, some don't. I woudlnt and didn't take the chance as I'm less about the tinkering and more about the functionality of the tablet.
I've never had issues with TnT Lite. I was on 3.x and I went back to stock for a while but went back to 4.2 and have been with it since.
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How did you go back to stock, I was thinking of that to see the fixes that Viewsonic has put out there. I am using TnT lite as well and like it except that my browser keeps closing.
fireheatfrank said:
How did you go back to stock, I was thinking of that to see the fixes that Viewsonic has put out there. I am using TnT lite as well and like it except that my browser keeps closing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a CWM friendly official VS update, I can't remember which one it is now.
I'd really have to go back and look into it. I flashed that through CWM and got stock and it did not overwrite CWM or affect anything in a negative way. I updated through the OTAs and they did not overwrite CWM either. Some people remove a line from the script but there's 1 version that doesn't attempt to even touch CWM....it's either 3053, 3316 or 3389. I'm really sorry that I can't remember which one.
I haven't experienced any force closing, I use Dolphin HD.
Also, the dev. that author's TnT Lite (Roebeet) I believe bases it on the newest stock releases according to the info, so you're getting any fixes offered in the stock with TnT, plus extra ones that are tried and true created by other devs.
Wtang:
If I remember correctly, you have to have that update and also a recovery directory....so if you just have the update.zip maybe you're missing something.
This is from the How to install Clockwork, Mods etc. thread:
"Step 1.
Download ClockworkMod v08 (This version has been found to work best...the newer version causes some issues with some ROMs.) There are two versions available; one for installing ClockworkMod from the internal memory, one for installing it from external memory (microSD/microSDHC card).
Step 2.
Unzip the file you chose (cwmod_internal.zip OR cwmod_microsd.zip) to the root folder on the storage option of your choice.
So, for example, if the storage option you chose has the drive letter “F:” assigned to it when hooked up to your computer, you would want it to look something like this…
A folder located at “F:\recovery”
A file located at “F:\update.zip”
Note that it's probably best to unzip this to your desktop and then manually copy them over to the tablet. That way you know everything is there.
Also, regarding preferring TnT Lite, for me personally I didn't bother with VegaN at all because of the sheer number of issues and problems I've read occurring with it in the VegaN thread. As I mentioned, maybe some people are lucky and it's flawless or some are unlucky and have issues. I don't want to risk it. Since I never had ANY issues with TnT Lite, it's what I prefer. While "close to stock" is nice, we have to consider that 2.2 was never meant for tablets. There's the pro that you get to more settings (like accounts and sync, for eg), but the con that it's an interwoven framework where there are now extra files and processes running that aren't necessary for a tablet at all, but necessary for the OS in general. That's how software works, process A is unnecessary for anything else than for phone use, but process F may depend on it somehow, and the OS may need process K which requires F to run a program you DO use on the tablet.
Since I don't find TnT Lite lacking in any way, I stayed with it. VegaN may full well be 'better' in some way, I just decided to stick with what works and has worked for me.
machine73:
For some reason the market is flawless on my Tab and I did nothing special. I even successfully send installs to it from the market. It doesn't show up as compatible for some, that's understandable though.
wtang said:
I've unzipped the "internal" version of the CWM to the root of the internal SDCARD....Any ideas?
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Click to collapse
I've always used the "external" version on a microSD and never had a problem so that might be worth a try.
Also for what it's worth, I've been using the G-Harmony ROM and loving it. It is very nice and peppy. Everything works like it seems it should. I would very highly recommend it. I had put it on a couple G-Tabs for people who have asked after they seen mine and they love it as well. And after just watching the review of the Xoom on Engadget with HoneyComb, I don't think I'm in a hurry to upgrade to HC just yet especially since Flash is working just fine on my G-Tab right with G-Harmony.
Got CWM installed... what a pain.
Thanks for all the replies and help! What a bunch of friendly and helpful people here!
I tried both the internal and external SD card versions of CWM with no luck. I also made sure I had both the update.zip file and the recovery folder with the command file. The problem was something totally different.
I finally fixed the CWM problem. I think whoever owned my GTab before did some hacking on it... I see that superuser.apk was installed. Anyway I think the previous owner must have deleted the recovery image by accident. There was no recovery at all on my GTab, so that's why I couldn't boot into recovery to flash CWM. I had to use nvflash to install CWM over an APX connection from my PC. Pain the *ss but it worked!
Now on to installing some ROMs!!!
So i bought the Gtab to root and loving the device so far! I didn't really know which ROM to pick so I went with Vegan Ginger RC1...
My question is, which ROM runs the fastest (clean, crisp) and is most reliable. After searching around, I really dont need gingerbread but I am huge on speed. Any suggestions for a newb? Thanks
I really like CyanogenMod 7. It's fast and the stable versions are always reliable. They also release "nightlies", which come out every night and have the latest features and bug fixes; however, the stable versions are released quite often (I think more often than most ROMs for the gtab), so I usually stick with those since I know they're going to work well. A lot of people will tell you to go with a froyo ROM because they have the hardware video acceleration drivers, but I honestly didn't see any improvement in video playback or compatibility (HD or standard def) over CM7 when I tried VEGAn TAB 5.1.1 (a froyo based ROM).
I'm also interested in trying the honeycomb port for the gtab, but since that's still in the alpha stages and many things still aren't working, I'm planning on sticking with CM7 until that becomes more stable. Regardless, when the Ice Cream Sandwich source is released, I'll probably go back to CyanogenMod, since they'll probably have a working ROM of it before anyone else (that's how it went when the gingerbread source was released [at least on the EVO; I don't know about the gtab, since I didn't have one at that point]).
Hey thanks for the reply.. i think i would like to get the latest froyo release.. how would i know the latest stable version of a froyo release?
Thanks again
raphenucleus said:
I really like CyanogenMod 7. It's fast and the stable versions are always reliable. They also release "nightlies", which come out every night and have the latest features and bug fixes; however, the stable versions are released quite often (I think more often than most ROMs for the gtab), so I usually stick with those since I know they're going to work well. A lot of people will tell you to go with a froyo ROM because they have the hardware video acceleration drivers, but I honestly didn't see any improvement in video playback or compatibility (HD or standard def) over CM7 when I tried VEGAn TAB 5.1.1 (a froyo based ROM).
I'm also interested in trying the honeycomb port for the gtab, but since that's still in the alpha stages and many things still aren't working, I'm planning on sticking with CM7 until that becomes more stable. Regardless, when the Ice Cream Sandwich source is released, I'll probably go back to CyanogenMod, since they'll probably have a working ROM of it before anyone else (that's how it went when the gingerbread source was released [at least on the EVO; I don't know about the gtab, since I didn't have one at that point]).
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dreday28 said:
Hey thanks for the reply.. i think i would like to get the latest froyo release.. how would i know the latest stable version of a froyo release?
Thanks again
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Click to collapse
CyanogenMod 6 was Froyo-based, but I did a quick search of the cyanogenmod site and I couldn't find any links for it, so I'm not sure if it's available any more. If you want to go with Froyo, I'd say go with VEGAn-TAB 5.1.1 or Calkulin. There are other Froyo-based ROMs floating around, but the two I mentioned seem to be the most popular. You can find links to both of those in the Development section of this forum.
Another thing to think about is kernels. Most people seem to say use Clemsyn for Froyo and Pershoot for Gingerbread.
Get up to date with the 1.2 boot loader; then for a FroYo build use Roebeet's Brilliant Corners.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
dreday28 said:
Hey thanks for the reply.. i think i would like to get the latest froyo release.. how would i know the latest stable version of a froyo release?
Thanks again
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Click to collapse
+1 for VEGAn 5.1.1. It's fast and reliable. That and the free VTL Launcher makes the gTab a thing of beauty. It boots up fast too. I've got 2 gTabs (one running VEGAn 5.1.1 and the other running CyanogenMod 7.0.3) the one with CyanogenMod takes almost 2 minutes to start from a cold boot while the one with the VEGAn loads up for me in about 35~40 seconds.
CyanogenMod does let me watch Netflix on one of my gTabs which is the one thing the VEGAn 5.1.1 gTab doesn't let me do. On the flipside, the VEGAn gTab plays all of my ripped dvds with no problems while the CyanogenMod gTab won't play any of my xvid-avi movies even with Rockplayer or Mobo Player. Everytime I try and start a movie on the CyanogenMod gTab it acts like it will begin to play and then closes the player without any errors or messages. I've read on some threads that the CM rom is picky about the frame rate of the movies and the suggestions were to lessen the quality which sounds like a crap solution.
Anyway, I'm running both for their pros and cons and if you don't care about Netflix and you do care about speed then I would definitely recommend the VEGAn 5.1.1.
Good luck.
sjmoreno said:
+1 for VEGAn 5.1.1. It's fast and reliable. That and the free VTL Launcher makes the gTab a thing of beauty. It boots up fast too. I've got 2 gTabs (one running VEGAn 5.1.1 and the other running CyanogenMod 7.0.3) the one with CyanogenMod takes almost 2 minutes to start from a cold boot while the one with the VEGAn loads up for me in about 35~40 seconds.
CyanogenMod does let me watch Netflix on one of my gTabs which is the one thing the VEGAn 5.1.1 gTab doesn't let me do. On the flipside, the VEGAn gTab plays all of my ripped dvds with no problems while the CyanogenMod gTab won't play any of my xvid-avi movies even with Rockplayer or Mobo Player. Everytime I try and start a movie on the CyanogenMod gTab it acts like it will begin to play and then closes the player without any errors or messages. I've read on some threads that the CM rom is picky about the frame rate of the movies and the suggestions were to lessen the quality which sounds like a crap solution.
Anyway, I'm running both for their pros and cons and if you don't care about Netflix and you do care about speed then I would definitely recommend the VEGAn 5.1.1.
Good luck.
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I got Vegan Ginger Edition and it takes maybe 2 mins to start. I know 5.1 and 7.0 are not the same...but aren't they cousins? So why does mine take 2 mins to start
imdaman99 said:
I got Vegan Ginger Edition and it takes maybe 2 mins to start. I know 5.1 and 7.0 are not the same...but aren't they cousins? So why does mine take 2 mins to start
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You could say they're cousins in the sense that they were built by the same dev, but with one being froyo and the other being gingerbread the code that they're built off of is quite a bit different. I believe VEGAn ginger is based off of CM7, which is why they both take so long to load; I read somewhere that it has to do with the native libs being unpacked for everything at boot.
Another vote for Brilliant Corners
If you're not adventurous enough to delve into Bottle of Smoke or another HC alpha port, Brilliant Corners is a great, stable and fast environment.
By the way, "many" things are not issues with HC ROMs, just a few. Read up, but you will have to go to slatedroid for it.
Here's a starting point, if you are interested. http://www.slatedroid.com/forum/199-viewsonic-g-tablet-12-rom-development/
raphenucleus said:
You could say they're cousins in the sense that they were built by the same dev, but with one being froyo and the other being gingerbread the code that they're built off of is quite a bit different. I believe VEGAn ginger is based off of CM7, which is why they both take so long to load; I read somewhere that it has to do with the native libs being unpacked for everything at boot.
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Totally. The more apps you load the longer it takes to load. Fresh stock with gapps load with 35 or so seconds of the boot animation. With my my 50 or so apps it take almost 3 min of looping the boot animation to start. Bonus is that unlike native gtab roms it doesn't randomly turn off during extended sleep.
I'm using cm7 for Netflix but the day it opens up to all android I'm moving back to the clemsyn+calkulin combo. Its fing fast and stable. Love that rom. I suggest everyone give it a whirl at least once.
Thanks for all the recommendation guys. So it seems vegan 5.1 will work best for me ..
Hows clemsyn+calkulin ? Since i dont care about netflix would you recommend it?
dreday28 said:
Thanks for all the recommendation guys. So it seems vegan 5.1 will work best for me ..
Hows clemsyn+calkulin ? Since i dont care about netflix would you recommend it?
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It is my favorite. Loved vegan 5 but Clem+calk is the fastest and most stable I have used. Its modified around his custom kernel and has a built in add blocker that is better than the add-on market app. Give it a flash Its my go to froyo rom.
How about this one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=985705
I dont care about overclocking, I found some Clem+Calk but they all say 1.5ghz so i assumed they came already OC'd, which would affect battery..
Mantara said:
It is my favorite. Loved vegan 5 but Clem+calk is the fastest and most stable I have used. Its modified around his custom kernel and has a built in add blocker that is better than the add-on market app. Give it a flash Its my go to froyo rom.
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Yeah that's the basis for the combo clemsyn put out. It has a feel like tnt lite but lots of cool tweaks. If you don't care about oc you should still use clemsyns+calkilins combo. You have to download CPU master from the market to activate the oc anyway. All in all the Clem+calk combo is where to go. There kernel just gives you the option to oc if you feel like it in the future.
Hope that helped.
Mantara,
Thanks again for your help. So i have one last question to ask before I flash the clemsyns+calkilins combo.
Does it matter what bootloader, or firmware I have? Because I have no idead what bootloader I have. I just bought the Gtab 2 weeks ago, and bricked my device because appearently I had a new stock firmware. had to use nvflash, clockworkmod, then flashed straight to vegan tab ginger edition..
Mantara said:
Yeah that's the basis for the combo clemsyn put out. It has a feel like tnt lite but lots of cool tweaks. If you don't care about oc you should still use clemsyns+calkilins combo. You have to download CPU master from the market to activate the oc anyway. All in all the Clem+calk combo is where to go. There kernel just gives you the option to oc if you feel like it in the future.
Hope that helped.
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Click to collapse
Did you nvflash back to stock then load cwm? Was the cwm bekit.8 or the new one made by roebeet for the 1.2 bootloader?
Clemsyn just released a version 6 of his combo for the 1.2 bootloader if that's what you have. If you flashed back to stock bootloader use version 5.
I nvflashed back to stock rom, then used CW8.
So i use version 5...? any advantages of having 1.2?
Yep. You are on 1.1 bl now. 5 is what you want.
Only advantage to the 1.2 bootloader is honeycomb. There is active development being done on an Adam port of honeycomb for gtab and 1.2 is needed for that. It looks like the direction that future os releases will be under. So eventually when or if HC gets video drivers I will switch to 1.2. Untilled then I'm staying with Clem+calk and cm7.
Happy flashing
^^i wouldn't say the only benefit of 1.2 is HC....there are a few solid roms on 1.2 over @ SD.
vegan-Tab 7
why doesnt anybody recommend vegan 7 ginger edition? its a great tablet based rom. it automatically partitions the internal memory so you dont need an external sd card to install apps. i tried cm7, latest stable version for harmony, and it required a sd card to install anything (very annoying). i imagine there is quick fix but why bother when vegan7 takes care of it.
Haven't looked at it yet, but found it in my normal scan (I didn't have the build number that high before, so I must have missed it the last few weeks):
http://tapntap.http.internapcdn.net/tapntap/viewsonic/update-smb_a1002-5274-user.zip
EO July build date. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK, as always. I'm going to dissect this tomorrow or Saturday and, if there's anything of importance in there, I'll make a Mountain Laurel update out of it (if the power stays on, of course - Irene, please be kind!).
roebeet said:
Haven't looked at it yet, but found it in my normal scan (I didn't have the build number that high before, so I must have missed it the last few weeks):
http://tapntap.http.internapcdn.net/tapntap/viewsonic/update-smb_a1002-5274-user.zip
EO July build date. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK, as always. I'm going to dissect this tomorrow or Saturday and, if there's anything of importance in there, I'll make a Mountain Laurel update out of it (if the power stays on, of course - Irene, please be kind!).
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Click to collapse
Awesome, looking forward to your findings...
HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO PLAYBACK IS FIXED, with this build (it was broken in all the previous 1.2 stock ROMS -- 3991, 4349 and I believe 4950). I use the same 1080p main profile video for all my baseline tests, and it's working in 5274 stock.
That, in itself, is a good enough reason to deploy this into Mountain Laurel. However, I have to test if I need to use their kernel or not, so more testing would be needed. Worst case, I'd deploy with their kernel, like I used to do with TNT Lite - but of course I still need to check sleep.
This thing also has a newer bootloader, but Mountain Laurel always includes that. Might be related to the video fix, but again not certain without further testing.
As for other changes, probably nothing much - I'm seeing only the usual app and framework files being touched post 4950, the Wifi was touched as well libvodm_query. The camera is still mirrored incorrectly, as it has been on all 1.2 builds.
EDIT: I have a prototype with the pershoot kernel, and video playback is still working. Awesome - good to see that this is finally fixed.
EDIT2: Pulling out the pershoot kernel and testing a "mostly stock" version, like I used to do with TNT Lite. If sleep is working and battery life seems improved, it might be worth going back to that type of release. If someone wants a custom kernel, it's fairly easy to add it on your own.
I think they finally "got it right" with this 5274, going on my testing so far. A worthy successor to 3588 and 4349 stock, imo.
EDIT3: Spoke too soon - sleep issues are cropping up. Might need to keep pershoot's kernel after all -- no worries.
Outstanding work Roe.
When you say new bootloader, do you mean 1.2 or do you mean something else?
It's still 1.2 based - but it's got a newer timestamp, and I have a reliable source that tells me that it's been tweaked. Btw, my ML update is released - I stuck with a 3.0.0 with a stock kernel, as that's what I used to do for TNT Lite. Pershoot / Clem kernels can always be installed by the user, if they wanted. (I had retested sleep on a clean machine, no apps, and had no SOD).
Btw, it seems very obvious to me that the 1.1 branch is now long dead. TapnTap have only done 1.2-based work for the Olipad and Hannspad these last few months, the Adam has been 1.2 since almost Day One, and all the GTAB TapnTap work since March (3991, 4349, 4950 and now 5274) are all 1.2-based.
Sooner or later there will be a stock release, and it will almost certainly be 1.2-based, again. I would argue that this 5274 may very well be their next GA release, it's just a question of when. I hope Cyanagenmod will eventually swing over.
Very awesome Roe. I have been using Vegan 5.1.1 with VTL mainly because it covers *my* basic needs: PvZ, Keyboard/mouse, hardware acceleration, HD video. ANd I dodn't need to bother going to a 1.2 ROM. I think now is the time to go 1.2 and check out a newer ROM.
One question: does Mountain Laurel suffer from the media delete issue? Is .nomedia required? Not being able to access media on Vegan 5.1.1 (after applying the .nomedia fix) is kind of lousy.
roebeet said:
It's still 1.2 based - but it's got a newer timestamp, and I have a reliable source that tells me that it's been tweaked. Btw, my ML update is released - I stuck with a 3.0.0 with a stock kernel, as that's what I used to do for TNT Lite. Pershoot / Clem kernels can always be installed by the user, if they wanted. (I had retested sleep on a clean machine, no apps, and had no SOD).
Btw, it seems very obvious to me that the 1.1 branch is now long dead. TapnTap have only done 1.2-based work for the Olipad and Hannspad these last few months, the Adam has been 1.2 since almost Day One, and all the GTAB TapnTap work since March (3991, 4349, 4950 and now 5274) are all 1.2-based.
Sooner or later there will be a stock release, and it will almost certainly be 1.2-based, again. I would argue that this 5274 may very well be their next GA release, it's just a question of when. I hope Cyanagenmod will eventually swing over.
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Will you repack as a nvflash package, wait for the GA, or none of these?
Actually, one more question: did you try the stock 5274 ROM and see if it ran any better than before? My biggest complaint with stock was that it was so slow, but I always liked the LOOK of it, especially the weather app.
mike_ekim said:
Very awesome Roe. I have been using Vegan 5.1.1 with VTL mainly because it covers *my* basic needs: PvZ, Keyboard/mouse, hardware acceleration, HD video. ANd I dodn't need to bother going to a 1.2 ROM. I think now is the time to go 1.2 and check out a newer ROM.
One question: does Mountain Laurel suffer from the media delete issue? Is .nomedia required? Not being able to access media on Vegan 5.1.1 (after applying the .nomedia fix) is kind of lousy.
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From limited testing, I had no issues - for example none of my video test files got wiped. But only time will tell and it is a new kernel.
Btw, good point on PvZ - wish I knew what it was about the old VEGAn build kernel that makes it stable.
mike_ekim said:
Actually, one more question: did you try the stock 5274 ROM and see if it ran any better than before? My biggest complaint with stock was that it was so slow, but I always liked the LOOK of it, especially the weather app.
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Click to collapse
I'd have to go back and test things on builds 3991 / 4249 / 4950, but I would say that it feels snappier than 3588 for sure. And Nenamark / SmartBench scores seem to back that up. So far it really feels like a solid stock Froyo ROM and it's a shame that there are stock users with the ancient 3588 build that still don't have the option to get this ROM the "supported" way.
aabbondanza said:
Will you repack as a nvflash package, wait for the GA, or none of these?
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I'm going to wait until next week and, assuming the new Mountain Laurel mod I just released doesn't have any serious issues, I'm going to update my 4349-based nvflash to 5274. I probably won't wait for GA, because I could be waiting a long time.
@roebeet awesome work as usual... I'm really really impressed with the speed of your releases... fantastic work... thanks a million for making my GTab well worth the money I spent!!
Hello Roebeet. How was your much deserved break?
Would this happen to have the market included? If not would old methods of getting it on work?
Would you recommend pershoots or clemsyns kernel, what is difference other than 1400 compared to 1500?
Also would you happen to know if than old nvrdaemon file/hack from back in the day than dexter put out would work?
Its been a while seen running stock, always liked it but took honeycomb plunge. Thinking about going back to hassle free stock, flash and hd playback is a plus!
I would think the performance is better than 3588, 4349??? I do miss the back to top of page tab in 3588 browser that 4349 didnt have. Saved a boat of scrolling. Is that option back?
Thanks and hope all is well with weather, I noticed your in western pa, im 20 min from Philadelphia and its not looking all that hot. Need something to do while cooped up. This sounds like it could be fun to tinker with!
Let me answer some questions which I'm sure off...
gkitab said:
Would this happen to have the market included? If not would old methods of getting it on work?
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Click to collapse
Market 3.1.3 (latest Market to date) is included in ML3.0.0... along with the olympus (Motorola Atrix) build props...
gkitab said:
Would you recommend pershoots or clemsyns kernel, what is difference other than 1400 compared to 1500?
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Honestly, I think pershoot's kernel is better... It is updated more frequently and includes some latest Tegra changes... and OC to 1400 is definitely much more stable than OC to 1500... without any real noticeable difference (maybe some full HD videos might work a bit better at 1500)
gkitab said:
I would think the performance is better than 3588, 4349??? I do miss the back to top of page tab in 3588 browser that 4349 didnt have. Saved a boat of scrolling. Is that option back?
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Click to collapse
It is definitely smoother than the previous versions (3588, 4349, etc.), but no, there is no "scroll to top" option in the browser...
I took the plunge and installed this update to see if it would fix the SOD I have been experiencing on all 1.2bl based roms. Did the following:
Booted to CWM
Cleared user data
Clear dalvik cache
Formatted cache, system, data, sdcard
Copied file to internal memory and renamed to update.zip
Installed from CWM using update.zip
Clear data, cache, dalvik cache
Reboot
Finish setup and make sure everything works.
Downloaded Flashback 7.2 to sdcard
Clear cache, data, dalvik
Reboot and enjoy.
Funny thing is my tablet still has SOD with every honeycomb rom i tried. Only time i dont is on 1.1bl based honeycomb roms. Everything else is working fine.
Sent from my Flashback 7.2 using xda premium
craigacgomez said:
Let me answer some questions which I'm sure off...
Market 3.1.3 (latest Market to date) is included in ML3.0.0... along with the olympus (Motorola Atrix) build props...
Honestly, I think pershoot's kernel is better... It is updated more frequently and includes some latest Tegra changes... and OC to 1400 is definitely much more stable than OC to 1500... without any real noticeable difference (maybe some full HD videos might work a bit better at 1500)
It is definitely smoother than the previous versions (3588, 4349, etc.), but no, there is no "scroll to top" option in the browser...
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Click to collapse
I agree, yes its smoother.
You are correct that pershoots has been updated, did not think about that.
Bummer on the back to top tap. I think its stupid that they removed that. It was mighty convienent.
Now, what are you talking about with the market. It does not have it. What's the atrix talk about?
Sleep of Death?
What does that entail?
For each and every 1.2 bootloader version from TnT (only TnT), I have problems with the home screen crashing unless I change it on 1st boot to Classic. It happended with Mountain Laurel too, yes the new Roebeet version of this week in included in that.
The home screen will crash as soon as I unlock the screen, unless I have changed it in the previous boot. So, I leave it on Classic. I have ML installed, homescreen changed to classic. All my software installed and now its time for a CWM backup.
Am I experiencing the SoD?
Roe,
It's been a looooonng while since I flashed a stock TnT update but if this is stable I would like to update my wife's Gtab to this most current one. Can you point me in the direction of the market and accelerometer fixes along with anything else I might be forgetting? I would just put Mountain Laurel on hers but she likes the stock TnT interface, besides she is not tech minded so I am keeping hers mostly stock with just the necessary fixes. I really do wish there was some way I could talk you into doing a modified stock TnT update.zip (stock with all the fixes already included). Thanks for all that you do and here's to hoping that you and your family made it through Irene OK.
thx -- still picking up the pieces post-Irene (basement was flooded so I'm ripping out the carpeting today).
As for ML, the install actually loads a stock image first, then I layer all the custom changes afterwards. So, if you enjoy a little trial and error, you could look into the update.zip and alter it to your needs. For the TnT apps, I first delete them and, in some cases, overlay them with stock apps - so you'd need to look at both the updater-script and /system folder, for what you want to alter.
roebeet said:
thx -- still picking up the pieces post-Irene (basement was flooded so I'm ripping out the carpeting today).
As for ML, the install actually loads a stock image first, then I layer all the custom changes afterwards. So, if you enjoy a little trial and error, you could look into the update.zip and alter it to your needs. For the TnT apps, I first delete them and, in some cases, overlay them with stock apps - so you'd need to look at both the updater-script and /system folder, for what you want to alter.
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Click to collapse
Hope all is well. Good luck with basement. Near Philly I only lost power about six hours sat night into sun, but being under tornado warning in our county and having one roll down our street last year, the old ladyhad us sleep down basement sat night. Basement floor is not comfy.
Anyways what is the best way to go about getting market on this. Been a long time since running stock. Kinda like it but missing market.
One other thing, remember in 3588, while browsing we had the back to top tab that saved alot of scrolling in browser. Also when you would click something in the browser the top bar would drop down and you would see the progress icon so you would know your press registered. Why they did away with these things I don't get, it made the browser much more user friendly, is there a way to bring those two things back?
Never really noticed those before, but my guess is that the Browser apk could be replaced from the 52xx one to the 3588 one, to see if that functionality returns.
Roebeet, do you make any changes to boot.img except to add the ML image?
Also, is anyone seeing any problems booting with 5274? I can't get my gtab to boot with it. Just sits on the boot animation forever.. like hours.. until the screen jsut goes off. Then you can tap power and it comes right back to the boot animation, almost like sleep mode during the boot.