Database Info

Stock G-Tablet MOD Thread

This is not knocking our heavy-duty modders and developers, but it seems like in lots of threads folks ask questions and the answer always is to go to the custom ROMs. (Yes, I know they are good and do a lot!)
Could we maintain this, or another thread -- or could the admin set up a section for folks who have stock G-Tablets who want to improve and get the most out of them without ROMs?
I got my tablet 11/25 and when I turned it on, the first thing it did was download two updates. I have not had a lot of the really bad problems some of you earlier adopters had. So I would like to try a stock machine with program improvements before deciding whether to go custom ROM.
That said, I would like to install the Google Market, Contacts, Gmail, Calendar, etc. I am willing to root the tablet if that is needed to get all the software working.
Any suggestions -- references to non-ROM upgrades -- recommendations on how to accomplish the above will be appreciated. And I suggest there probably are a lot of other folks out there who would like to do the same thing. (If I'm right, post and speak up so the people with knowledge will know helping us is worth their time and effort.
Rev
P. S. -- Sorry this got so long. If a different thread is needed to get this done, someone feel free to get it started.

I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
EDIT: This version of Market does not work on the firmware update version 4349. For that use the package that Roebeet has supplied to us:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=12939008&postcount=40
It is installed as an update package, where you first unpack it, then place it into the /sdcard folder. Reboot holding both the Power and Volume+ button. Then select "Apply Internal update.zip", using the volume rocker to select, and the power button to enter the selection.
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
EDIT: This is no longer needed, as there is now a "Classic" home screen in the firmware update. But it can still be done if you want to try it.
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
This is no longer needed. The OpenGL update is included in the firmware update.
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.

wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...

It may be true that "Waterhead" had done most of the same things some of the ROM mods do ---- BUT, he didn't have to flash anything like TNT or cwm, etc.
For those who don't want to flash, what he has provided here is a less risky path to decent performance.
Or for those who are less experienced and want to start out "lite" on their modding experience, this gives them a chance with less opportunity for making a fatal mistake.
I think there probably are a lot of folks who will own G-Tablets who will fall into this category.
And with a route to learn modding and work their way up to really serious modding, I think we will have done them a big favor.
Thanks for the posts. I think we have started a good thing in this thread. And thanks to you more experienced folks who are willing to help get those folks started.
And......it just could be that if we provide an opportunity for the unexperienced folks to make their tablet right -- more people will buy them. IMHO.
Rev

Sprdtyf350 said:
Not giving you a hard time but for someone who doesn't mind the stock interface everything you have done is pretty much the same as just installing TnTLite...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I did is no different than what a person does to a PC. You install the needed programs and drivers. And maybe customize your desktop.
As a long-time Linux user, I am fully capable of installing from scratch. I just see no need to do that with the g-tablet. I actually like the weather app as a homepage.

So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.

xmr405o,
Two things:
(1) My model with updates has a three-screen "Home" already -- one with weather/clock/news, one with "To-Do" lists, and a third I use so little I have forgotten what is on it.
(2) I have installed Launcher Pro and when I choose a task that will require launching, my firmware gives me a choice of the regular "Home" or LP to do that job.
What would the app you are recommending do beyond this??? More info??!!
Rev

Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.

Thanks for this thread.
My wife picked one of these up at Office Depot the other day. She knows I have been waiting on Adam and thought I might like this instead. I have yet to open the G Tablet until seeing what the supposed Dec 19th update brings. I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with modding a $399 toy on day one.
From all the reviews it sounds like a solid piece of hardware and that most issues are with TnT and the lack of Google support for tablets. Do you think this device will get Gingerbread and full support from Google eventually?
My only other concern is the LCD, which is turning out to be hard to judge without having seen the demo unit.
Ideally I just want a clean Android 2.2 experience with the ability to install and use the typical apps (gmail, flash, twitter, facebook, angry birds, etc). If this thing can be made into a solid purchase maybe I would just skip Adam and wait for a next gen tablet like Eve which should be on Tegra3/honeycomb.

rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true, that's awesome!

This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.

jfholijr said:
If this is true, that's awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing is impossible.. We just haven't found the person to do it yet
It is pretty forgiving though. And I have been able to get going again every time I have gotten into a crazy spot.

butchconner said:
This quote from an earlier post answer the question asked as well as I ever could:
"I am new to android and hesitant to start at the deep end of the pool with
modding a $399 toy on day one."
I've already said I have no problem with the people who want to go the ROM flashing direction.
But there are people who would like to be more conservative while they learn something new.
Would it be such as bad thing to just help them?
Rev
P. S. -- And, personally, the first computer I ever built I soldered and put evey part together. I have been doing hardware and programming since 1979. But still, I am new to Android....and the documentation is lacking...and somethings are not explained well in the threads....so like the person I quoted I would like to move a little slower and not take chances until I am ready. And eventually I may get a second G-Tablet I can afford to mess up. But right now I want improve my tablet without the risk. IMHO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said in my earlier post... I am not trying to give anyone a hard time and understand people wanting to keep them stock. You should be able to and have a useful tablet. When they first came out it wasn't so easy, and still isn't. Programs would not install because of memory mapped wrong, wifi disappeared after waking from sleep, time would reset every boot. The latest Viewsonic update has fixed some of those things, but not all. I flashed mine because I knew I was driving a Z06 Corvette with a Vega motor in it that had power windows that didn't work. I wanted the capability I knew was under the hood and the only way to get it was to flash a new rom. Or wait, and hope that Viewsonic eventually did it in an update.
I picked up my tablet back when they first came out. Seems like a long time ago but was really only a month. I read read all the pages in the original huge thread that existed before the G Tablet received a home of its own here. I would read what people were doing, read what they were breaking, and then when I felt comfortable enough that success was a possibility I would give it a shot. I have worked with computers myself since the early 80's and am comfortable building, installing, breaking, etc. Android is definitely different, but mostly to have fun with your tablet you don't have to know much more than how to flash a rom. Back before there was a recovery path things were pretty spooky and I did a lot of reading and waiting to see what worked. Things have progressed now to where if you can unzip a rom package to your internal SD card so you end up with an update.zip file, and a recovery folder all that is left is to hold the volume up button while pressing the power button and about 2 minutes later you are all done. And your Z06 will actually have power windows, and the right engine..
The specs on this tablet are probably the best out there right now. The software chosen just doesn't properly utilize most of it. Maybe the December 19 update being talked about will make it right out of the box. I hope so...
And no matter which path you take, stock, or modded... If trouble comes the answers so far have all been here in the forums...

xmr405o said:
So you have the TnT UI (Stock 3 Homescreen UI) and Launcherpro/ADW? If people are going to go this route, then I would suggest installing home switch app from the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only installed LauncherPro. When I want to bring up the original TapnTap UI, I use the icon in the app list.
If you install both LauncherPro and ADW, then the home switcher app would be a good idea.

rayden25 said:
Seriously, what is so intimidating about installing a rom? You cannot brick these things, it's impossible to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a ZT-180, and have flashed it several times. You had to mess with it just to get it to a useful state. But eventually you want to stop re-installing things and just use it. The stock g-tablet is wonderful compared to the stock ZT-180.
I guess that I come to this with a different perspective.

Great post! I've done exactly what you've done and am pleased with the result.
Thanks

z4padroot
trying to root g tablet with z4padroot.1.3.0.apk, answer: could not parse.
please advise.

I don't know about the program you used, but I used z4root as mentioned in the second or third post in this thread. It installed flawlessly and all I had to do to root was click one icon! Good luck!
Rev

wasserkapf said:
I don't find the stock g-tablet as horrible as many are reporting. It is not the same as an Android phone, and I guess that is what most people object to. I have installed the ViewSonic 1.01 update.
Here is what I have done:
1) Root it using Z4root. You can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953
2) Installed Android Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
3) Do the Market fix to get access to all apps:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=845175
4) Also install the AndRootFile app, available here:
http://www.getjar.com/mobile/39778/androotfile/
5) Install LauncherPro or ADW.Launcher
6) Install Flash:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9172522&postcount=2058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=842040
7) Install OpenGL fix, so then you can install Angry Birds from Market:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=846463
I think that is about it. If I think of something else, I'll add it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?

jae-v said:
thank you very much, have you tried vimeo?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is vimeo?

[Q] Update not loading

Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!

you found the right place
ksporry said:
Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget about the stock update and read about TNT lite or the vegan beta Rom if you feel experimental. You can get market flash and pretty much all the Google goodies.

ksporry said:
Guys,
I just became the, now rather dubious, owner of a gTablet that a colleague brought for me from the States. So far I am not that impressed. Several apps that supposed to be on there, aren't (no Kindle app out of the box, and no gMarket, despite what the manual says).
SO, I try the announced update procedure: fails.
First time fails at 8%. Second time fails at 13%, third time fails at 28%, fourth time fails at 4%. Is this a joke of some sort? Also the download is rather slow, as in, they use smoke signals to get the message across!
Does anyone have the update as a file that I can run as an apk perhaps?
I also have to point out that the GUI rather sucks. The settings menu misses about 50% of the Android 2.2 options (I have a HTC desire. Waaaay more settings options...)
After my complaints,lets get to figuring this out.
1) Can someone point me to the update pack if it is available for download via my Mac and can be installed using that ES explorer program it has installed?
2) Does the update provide Google Market or the original weblink? Does it use a different gui or still the same simpleton gui?
3) if not, is there a simple ROM flash I can do that gives me a different GUI and google Market?
I have flashed my HTC Hero before, which was not a big deal. However, I want things done simple, so if there is a good ROM with a nice GUI and simple instructions for a noob (I got two left hands when it comes to this sort of stuff), and Google Market, I would gladly see a link.
Any support will be very welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good start would be the following guide.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245
Understand that there are newer versions of the rom referenced, also there's VEGAn, a rom based on the Vega.

The Gtab stock needs a lot of help but it is a very good product with a little TLC and some grunt work:
Different devices/users different opinions. I am more than satisfied with the performance and feel of my Gtab without flashing a different ROM and what I did was follow these instructions:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
I used root explorer instead of AndRootFile
Then I changed my launcher to ADW.Launcher
Side load flash (Instructions/.apk on XDA-developers)
Do the market fix to get all market (Instructions/.apk on XDA-developers)
add titanium backup
add ROMManager
Note: When I applied the latest update from Viewsonic (fixed the video driver, now AngryBirds, etc working) I had to re-root the device but everything else works fine.
Even fixed the issue with Gtab not seeing Ad-hoc network from phone (Instructions can be found on internet). Now my Gtab rocks, connects to my home Wifi or if not available connects to my Phone Wifi.
I can still launch the default tapNtap if I want to and Viewsonic upgrades apply fine. I had an issue with update also....Support had me set the sleep to "off" and then it worked fine, however the update image was posted on XDA-developer:

Bobtran,
Interesting perspective. Could you run Quadrant and show us what that score is?
I have had TnT up to 2.2 then swithed to VEGAn beta3 now. Q =2411
Most everything runs very very fast...

All, Thanks for the suggestions and the useful links . I might be flashing mine this weekend.
As for which ROM to use, what are the pros and cons for one over another? E.g. if I were to take the TnT ROM (I think it's at 2.4.1 now?), how does that fare against, say, the Vegan Beta4 (I think the latest is beta4 from what I read on some posts)
Bobtran, did you have a link for the update image? seemed like you were going to post it, but got cut short...

Guys,
I am trying to install Clockwork Mod v08 as per one of the links. First issue is that the tablet won't mount the SDcard to my desktop. SHouldn't be a big issue as I can coy/paste the required files from the internal storage to the SDcard via ESexplorer (standard installed on the gTablet).
However, how do I know it installed correctly? I don't see a new app and the boot install goes very fast. There is an opened box with an arrow pointing down and a load bar that seems to have green hashed filling, as if it's preparing to install. Then suddenly the splash screen pops up. The box with arrow and progress bar are there for a second or so, maybe 2. Seems rather quick. Is this correct?
EDIT: I wanted to say the boot screen didn't come up when starting up with vol+ and pwr, but just noticed, it does... so should be ok

well, seems I have been successful in flashing the new ROM (TnT 2.4.0) using CWM-v08.
Question though, the instructions in the TnT installation guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245) seem to say that the market fix only is a partial fix (note that the comment applies to TnT2.2).
Now that I installed the TnT2.4.0 ROM, I was wondering if the market fix is also only partial for TnT2.4. If yes, can I run the patch at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
and if yes, would that give me full Market access? If not, what's involved in getting full Market access?
As a side question that may not belong here but wouldn't be answered in the appropriate forum section: I have an XT701 phone that needs a Market Fix. Would the fix at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
also provide my phone with the Market? Just a side question, if no answer, that's fine...

n2thecloud said:
Bobtran,
Interesting perspective. Could you run Quadrant and show us what that score is?
I have had TnT up to 2.2 then swithed to VEGAn beta3 now. Q =2411
Most everything runs very very fast...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately I flashed to TnT lite yesterday so can't do that anymore without starting from scratch. Just testing the waters so to speak.

ksporry said:
All, Thanks for the suggestions and the useful links . I might be flashing mine this weekend.
As for which ROM to use, what are the pros and cons for one over another? E.g. if I were to take the TnT ROM (I think it's at 2.4.1 now?), how does that fare against, say, the Vegan Beta4 (I think the latest is beta4 from what I read on some posts)
Bobtran, did you have a link for the update image? seemed like you were going to post it, but got cut short...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I was but I couldn't find it. Did some more research and here it is:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=847653&page=4
see post #35

ksporry said:
well, seems I have been successful in flashing the new ROM (TnT 2.4.0) using CWM-v08.
Question though, the instructions in the TnT installation guide (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=865245) seem to say that the market fix only is a partial fix (note that the comment applies to TnT2.2).
Now that I installed the TnT2.4.0 ROM, I was wondering if the market fix is also only partial for TnT2.4. If yes, can I run the patch at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
and if yes, would that give me full Market access? If not, what's involved in getting full Market access?
As a side question that may not belong here but wouldn't be answered in the appropriate forum section: I have an XT701 phone that needs a Market Fix. Would the fix at
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=827209
also provide my phone with the Market? Just a side question, if no answer, that's fine...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the market fix, just see the link that I have in my first post, in the TnT Lite thread. That fix could also work on other devices. It's the same fix in the link you just posted.

SuderMods - a Wooters Tale (formerly Tail)

I receive my GT in a day or so an plan to go to work on it immediately. I will post my steps and experiences here . sort of my own personal wiki. It will be part historical notes to myself....part useful info for y-all...part ***** session.
I will start with my Shipping experiences:
Ordered on the 23rd (like all wooters) around 4:30 pm Pacific
Got my Tracking number yesterday, 29th, around 12:30. Clearly part of the 2nd or 3rd tranche.
FedEx first showed info around 10pm last night.
Mar 29, 2011 2:27 AM - Left FedEx origin facility - Austin.
I've seen others where it goes from Austin to Huchins ... hope mine doesn't have that extra stop..unless that's a plane .
I've done some reading in here on ROMs and bootloaders and recovery...sounds like an AA meeting.
The Tools
NVFlash : utility written by NVidia to facilitate changing the partitions in the memory structure.
ADB : a generic utility used to facility communication between a computer (your PC) and an Android device (your GT).
Apparently, getting ADB running for the GT is a little different than for our phones.
Here is an ADB Guide for windows users I found that has stuff for W7 x86 and x64.
Here is an NVFlash guide for window users...also has x64 stuff.
on Recovery
I've read a couple different posts relating to recovery...to Clock or not to Clock? I've read many posts on how to install Clockwork, other posts that say do NOT install Clockwork. The issue seems to revolve around the fact that Clockwork does NOT modify the bootloader, while the Stock Recovery can. However, Clockwork allows you to clear user data but Stock does not. I think that gAdam ROM has both.
From what I can gather....the bootloader is sort of like the BIOS of your computer. It sort of sets up your GT tab for whatever you're running on it. Some ROMs use different memory partitions in different ways, and the bootloader needs to match it.
roeBeet's post on Recovery has great info.
The recovery issue is confusing. The second post in the above thread indicates to not install the Clockworkmod app...only install bekit's .8 recovery...of which there are two versions...read the post. I've read it 4 times and am still confused.
Firmware
3389 - first batch of woo-Tabs
3588 - most common version
3991 - potential next step from Viewsonic
What do these number represent? I think it's firmware version...which is different than bootloader. I haven't got a good sense of it yet .
I read in the Shipping receiving thread that someone got 3588. Maybe the second batch is different. That would be good...almost worth the wai.....naw....
The first "version" post for the wooters was This one.
"shipped with version 1.1-3389"
On page 2 of that thread roeBeet writes :
"It's not a requirement, but I think it's a good idea to flash to 3588 first. The reason is that you'll get the latest bootloader and recovery, which ROMs like VEGAn don't touch.
Recovery is the one that concerns me, as 3588 recovery seems to be a kind of "gateway" recovery that might (and I stress "might") be needed to get you to a future firmware level. So, imo, I would flash to 3588 first, THEN start using ROMs if you want. It's a safer bet, again imo."
Update: I saw this post in the Shipping Thread:
"Just got mine! Not sure what firmware i started with, but as I turned on wifi I was prompted to update to 3588."
So, it looks like you will be updated to 3588 as soon as you enable wifi....RoeBeet says this is the best starting point...so I guess everything should work out as we need it.
On ROMs & Kernels
Here's a sticky post with links to Video Reviews of All ROMs.
Personally, I will try some other ROMs....but Culkulin had the most stable stuff back in the TouchPro2 days. and I've read great reports on his v1.1 ROM. I will give that one a run early.
Kernsls are different than ROMs. Honestly I don't have a complete grasp on it all ....but I'm pretty sure the ROM runs on top of the Kernel. You can run different Kernels on the same ROM and it will run differently. I think the kernel may control the I/O between the ROM and the hardware.
What I've Done
Initial steps
Well it finally came yesterday.
1. Hooked up to Wifi
2. OTA Update immediately loaded...I obliged
I mistakenly turned on the TNT desktop...what a mistake...i just didn't like it.
So now I'll just load clockwork. But wait we said we weren't suppose to. I honestly didn't see any way around it. I needed to load a ROM but couldn't get the thing into the standard recovery mode. I was short on time and really needed to get a ROM in there fast.
I used the Stick Post as a guide. I had some issues at first. I could see recovery being installed, but I could never get CWM to come up. 5 times I pressed Power- Volume+ and it would just boot. Then I started looking at the folders and files and figured it out.
The instructions are to pick internal or external memory install type and download the proper file. I picked external and dropped it on SDCard. duh.
There are two SDCard folders!
SDCard is the internal ROM
SDCard2 is my card.
Once I figured that out, everything's been jake.
CWM is working I loaded a ROM and am rockin the house!
I'm running Culkulin's 1.1 and love it. I know this guy's roms from the TouchPro2 days. I always built very solid kitchens and I would always use his ROMs. So I'm doing it again. Thanks Cullie!
Tablet's need HC
However, it won't be good enough. I've run Honeycomb on my Nook Color and love it. I will put up with a little performance hit to have that great interface. I just like always have some navigation ON THE BOTTOM. Seriously, if you haven't seen HC, check it out.
So now I'm going to try to find an HC ROM and compare it with Cully's ROM.
I will also try CM7.
However, all this will have to wait. I have a big Boy's Ski Weekend in Tahoe this weekend....I'll be back next week.!
Ginger requires some getting used to : (Updated 4/6/2011)
I loaded up a CM7 build and got lost at first....maybe it's just the recovery I'm using..
Froyo ROMs like Culkulkin, have the memory in the device as SDCard....the external card is SDCard2
Gingerbread ROMs like CM7, have the memory in the device as emmc...the external card is SDCard.
Now, switch between these can be interesting, because, all the browsers put downloaded files....like kernals or gapps, in the download folder on SDCard. Recovery, also looks to SDCard when you want to "apply a zip".
So, If you were on Froyo, everything is great...download from apps in the device and recovery all look at the same place.
BUT in Gingerbread, you have to move the zip file, from SDCard -> emmc....before you go into recovery....so that recovery will see it.
This is probably because of the version of recovery I'm using. But to me, it's a small price to pay.
I haven't tried going back to Froyo from GB, so I'm not sure how it will work....

Useful Links - I'll try to keep this updated.
Apps
New App List Site to share your apps and experiences
XDA Thread on working apps
ROMs
Culkulin : v1.1 | beta link removed..it was for the ROM listed
Vanilla AOSP Gingerbread
Corwin : Tweaked CM7 RC4 | Using this now....like the full time status bar of the CM7 builds.

Cool Stuff You Can Do
NAV System
I have an old bluetooth GPS receiver that i hadn't used in like 3 years....I read some posts about how you can use them...see below.
Well I'm happy to report that it works GREAT!
Install Bluetooth GPS Provider on your GT,
Set up -> Applications -> Development : Allow Mock Locations
You should be good.
It worked great for me in Google Maps.
4x4 Backcountry Nav System
I haven't tried this yet...don't have my GT yet....but THIS looks useful
Use your external bluetooth GPS device on your GT. BlueGPS4Droid
You need Mobile Atlas Creator to create your offline Maps
Along with TrekBuddy... Or Orux .. you got yourself a nice 4x4 nav system.
Accessories
I'm probably going to be picking up this keyboard case from Amazon for $28
Here's some nice picks and review from Android Central forums

ROM Reviews
Here I will discuss my ROM and Kernal changes and what I found.
Speed : Quad scores along with general feel
Solidness : force closes and stuff
Useability : what apps install and work, also how it is moving around in it.
1. Stock 3288?
Sucked...sucked hard....lasted about 30 minutes before I ran to my nearest Recovery.
2. Culkulin v1.1 : (3/30)
This ROM was very very solid and FAST. like 2600+ QuadScore fast. Clemsyn's v9 helped even more with this...WOW, this rom is fast.
Hulu : When I first loaded it Hulu worked. Then i did something and it stopped working.
Market : market was pretty limited. even the "build.prop" fix, didn't seem to help much.
ChromeMarks complained I wasn't using stock launcher so I couldn't drop shortcuts to the desktop.
Speed : 8.5
Solidness : 8
Useability : 6
3. Corwin's Tweaked CM7 RC4 : (4/5)
Not as fast : Quadscore at 1800. I loaded Clemsyn's v9 and it bumped it up to around 2000...so do that for sure.
Hulu : no workie here....I'll try to custom Flash and see if that helps...it does...hulu is up now. to clarify...I set the default browser to Agent: ie6.
Market : everything under the sun...it's what you want. just about everything shows up .... just about everything installs and works..
ChromeMarks let me drop shortcuts to the desktop.
I really like the full time, bottom status bar on this rom...makes it so easy to move around apps and stuff...really really useful.
Speed : 7
Solidness : 8
Useability : 9
4. VeganTab 5.1 : (4/6)
I was a bit scared loading this ROM coming from Corwin's Tweaked. But someone asked me to do it....so I did.
The vegan thread says it will completely erase my emmc internal memory. We shall see....looks like it just renamed it back to sdcard
Hate the giant keyboard. This is a slate right? why the huge keyboard?
This does NOT have the fulltime status bar like Corwin's has...isn't just a restyled top bar
Market set up OK...did not show Dolphin browser, similar to Culkulin...so I assume it's similarly hampered.
Good Quadrant scores : 2200 - 2400
Speed : 8
Solidness : 8
Useability : 5
Back on Corwin now...easy transition....just couldn't get into the Vegan.

lol, is this a joke? 4 threads reserve to mod a gtab?

You know, there is so much information on this forum already...if someone is looking for a certain 'how to' all they need to do is search. Don't really need a step by step when there are already stickies on the majority of the mods/issues.
Each to his own though...

i think hes too accustomed to his droid 2 forum where the people who create roms post this way, however, that information isnt stored in 20 other threads so its a little more needed, this is like someone thinking them modding their device was so important it needed its "own personal wiki" rofl

The purpose here is to consolidate knowledge to a useable form for others. Even if it's just a narrative. The info is VERY scattered...and it constantly changes...Thanks for you helpful comments!

I think this is a very good idea. Thanks for taking the initiative. I appriciate any kind of action forward in this forum, naysaying gets us nowhere. Suggestion, maybe make an unboxing video and a video showing steps to find release version. I think it would add to the complete experience your trying to capture for all of us here. Or you could link good YouTube vids. Keep it up! Can't wait to see more from you. Oh and it wouldn't hurt to link the nvflash thread in development forum

Mantara said:
Oh and it wouldn't hurt to link the nvflash thread in development forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done...keep the suggestions coming!

sudermatt said:
The purpose here is to consolidate knowledge to a useable form for others. Even if it's just a narrative. The info is VERY scattered...and it constantly changes...Thanks for you helpful comments!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that a consolidated and **up to date** source of installation / modding
info would be great - but it's a huge job.
Last night I was bitten by rom manager - led to the dreaded "magic number
mismatch" semi-brick. Turned out this was a "known issue" as I found
out *after*. I did not think to search for "magic number" prior to the
incident for some reason ... go figure

albright said:
I agree that a consolidated and **up to date** source of installation / modding
info would be great - but it's a huge job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just sharing my experiences...and what I find during my wRooting journey.
albright said:
Last night I was bitten by rom manager - led to the dreaded "magic number
mismatch" semi-brick. Turned out this was a "known issue" as I found
out *after*. I did not think to search for "magic number" prior to the
incident for some reason ... go figure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to here that.
are you a wRooter? can you tell us :
1. Where you were (device state) when you started.
2. What you were trying to accomplish.
3. Steps you took.
4. issues that arose.
5. What you've done to back out / resolve?
Thanks,

I read the title for this thread, and am still waiting to hear his story about how he came to have a tail...

sudermatt said:
1. Where you were (device state) when you started.
2. What you were trying to accomplish.
3. Steps you took.
4. issues that arose.
5. What you've done to back out / resolve?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No - I bought mine from tigerdirect.ca.
I had installed google earth and got it working a few days ago; but
then thought I'd upgrade to a clemsyn kernel. I had already
installed tnt lite 4.2.5. That worked, but when
I tried to start google earth I got a crash and reboot. System then
would not start (stuck at android splash screen).
I should have wiped out everything before the upgrade I think.
I then tried to restore a backup using rom manager + clockworkmod.
Turns out that's a bad idea (rom manager problem - some post here
I found out later warns about this) and when I rebooted to the
restored tablet I got a "magic number mismatch" error.
Then it was time for nvflash.
That worked and I now have everything back to working.
Except I cannot get google earth to work anymore. Don't know
why.

Updated the OP
"Ginger requires some getting used to : (Updated 4/6/2011)
I loaded up a CM7 build and got lost at first....maybe it's just the recovery I'm using.."
Also updated Cool Things Post
NAV System
I have an old bluetooth GPS receiver that i hadn't used in like 3 years....

Added the following section to page one.
ROM Reviews
Here I will discuss my ROM and Kernal changes and what I found.
Speed : Quad scores along with general feel
Solidness : force closes and stuff
Useability : what apps install and work, also how it is moving around in it.

@suddermat
I think you did a good job. Thank you for your post. I would like to see your review on the Vegan 5.1 and TnT roms, with and with out different kernls. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

Check first page for new review
4. VeganTab 5.1 : (4/6)
I was a bit scared loading this ROM coming from Corwin's Tweaked. But someone asked me to do it....so I did.

albright said:
I then tried to restore a backup using rom manager + clockworkmod.
Turns out that's a bad idea (rom manager problem - some post here
I found out later warns about this) and when I rebooted to the
restored tablet I got a "magic number mismatch" error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran into this same problem myself but was able to resolve it with a different approach. First off a reboot and flash the proper friendly version of cwm. Then repartition the drive to wipe everything out. Went to the mounts and storage to mount the ext usb and plugged into the desktop. Drop the update.zip onto the now empty drive, disconnect the desktop and unmount. From the main menu go factory reset, apply update.zip, and another factory reset. Then you should be able to reboot and be in business.

Nice, reads like a good review. keeps others from having to do some of the same experimenting.
You might consider these if you want a more honeycomb like experience:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1002000
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007455
Also, the VTL-Launcher:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1017451

Market Apps Incompatible??

I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?

kingston73 said:
I never came across this issue with my G2, but during google's 10 cent sale I bought a few games (asphalt 6 was the main one I wanted) and when I first got my sensation it came preloaded with N.O.V.A 2
Since rooting my phone neither one of those is now available, they don't show up in the market and when I tried to push the apk file it still doesn't work. When I check the market on my desktop it says my phone is incompatible. I have tried multiple roms, thinking it may have been a sense 3.5 issue, but it happens on 3.0 roms as well.
Have any of you run into this issue? Why does this happen, and how can I fix it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't comment on before or after rooting my phone because I did it straight away, but I can't 'see' either of those games in the Market. I also can't buy Shadowgun. Apart from those people running pirated copies, there are clearly also people who can buy and download these games. I just don't get it. At first I thought people must be using Chainfire's Tegra app, but I don't think it's just that. I guess it should be possible to change something on the build.prop but I can't work out exactly what the key difference is.

After I posted I found this:
http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-in...-from-android-market-for-unsupported-devices/
I haven't tried it yet but I'll post back when I do. Nova 2 worked just fine on my phone before I rooted it, and I bought asphalt6 with my phone (again, before I rooted and installed new roms) I'm assuming not everybody has these problems, so I'd love to know why some of us have issues and others don't?

Thanks for the link. I'm debating whether or not to flash a stock ROM first to see what happens.
Also, the other factor that clouds the issue is that developers can remove devices from their compatibility list in the Market as and when they choose. For example, looking on their forum, this appears to be the case with the Sensation and Madfinger's Shadowgun.

So from what I'm learning I need the original buildprop from the stock sensation in order to make this work. I tried the directions from the link I posted and clearly changed something because I got an email welcoming me to the nexus s, but my market still tells me asphalt 6 is not available for my sensation.

Here's to add to the link posted.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=20048765&postcount=5

Thanks, I'll try those edits and see what happens.

Purely for info. Flashing back to a stock ROM (1.50.401.1) didn't work for me, though I was still S-off, just in case that matters in some way that I don't realise.
Tried altering my build.prop as per the OP's link but it didn't work for me. Haven't tried kpjimmy's link yet.
I'd still like to find out for sure if anyone can buy these games without an altered build.prop, and if so, why? (excluding anyone who's using chainfire's app...)

So after spending an hour trying things out my phone's nearly dead and I'm at work so I won't be able to recharge it until I get in the car, but as I type it's downloading asphalt 6. It also thinks it's a Nexus S as it asked me if I wanted to update to IceCream sandwich. A little scary as I'm assuming that would brick my phone. Anyhow, here's what I've done so far:
Clear Market Cache & Data. Settings > Applications > All > Market > Clear data.
Launch ES File Explorer. Enable both Root Explorer and Mount File System under Settings > Root Settings.
Navigate to /system. Here you will find the build.prop file. Take a backup of it by copy-pasting it to your SD card.
Open & edit /system/build.prop
Change the following lines to make your phone identify as a GSM Nexus S:
ro.product.model=Nexus S
ro.product.brand=Google
ro.product.name=sodu
ro.product.device=crespo
ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
ro.build.fingerprint=google/soju/crespo:2.3.4/GRJ22/121341:user/release-keys
ro.build.description=soju-user 2.3.4 GRJ22 121341 release-keys
Save file and remember to change the chmod type button back to read only in the system folder
Reboot the phone
My build prop had 2 entries for build description and I edited both of them. I'm going to try to get NOVA 2 as well, I'll post back after I try playing both of them. I just don't understand why it was so flipping difficult to get these?
And why don't all rooted/rom'ed sensations have this issue?
My last 2 questions I might find on my own, but maybe somebody has an answer so I don't have to experiment. If I wipe/reset and reinstall my current rom, will that rebuild the build.prop file back to original?
AND....if I do get both these games working and use Titanium to back them up, will I be able to reinstall them without re-editing the buildprop file again?
More to come, stay tuned...

Ouzo said:
I also can't buy Shadowgun.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shadow Gun was available to us on the market until very recently.
Madfingers found out that there were driver issues that they couldn't fix... or something like that, so they pull it for the Senny for now.
there is a sticky on their forum regarding it.
far as Asphalt 6, log onto Gameloft's site via your phone(user agent set to Android) and you can purchase it directly from the site.

That still doesn't answer the question of why isn't the Market working correctly?

I'm assuming u have a US sensation? My thinking is if you flashed a Rom that is based on the euro sensation then maybe the market identifies the phone as a euro sensation and blocks certain apps that aren't available in Europe....maybe?
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium

I started with a US updated to the latest release. I rooted it and tried in this order (or close to it):
Android Rev. 4.1
Energy
Elegancia
TMXSS (maff1989's rom)
I had forgotten about asphalt and nova until I was on Elegancia, but on the TMX rom, which is a stock us version basically, it didn't work. I really don't understand the inner workings of android, I'm not even close to a developer level, so if this might be a stupid question...does the buildprop file change with each rom? Basically if I reflash the rom I'm using now it'll rebuild the buildprop?

Yes, build prop changes with each ROM

Ouzo,
this doesn't answer the original question, but it's looking like going directly to Gameloft's website worked for me, at least with Nova 2. The problem though is even though I paid for it once through market the Gameloft site doesn't recognize that, so if I want either game I am going to need to either pay twice or request a refund from google.

Good news that you can download NOVA via Gameloft's website, though to be honest I'm not going to do that because I don't want to create a second account to access their games. I didn't like the idea of giving them my mobile number - knowing my luck I'd end up getting a load of marketing calls from all over ; )
I'm also just feeling stubborn about this. There must be people on here who know. Hopefully they'll read this thread and enlighten us. I'm going to carry on experimenting with other ROMs and see if any unlock the reason why.... Wonder if Sensation XE owners/ROM users can see NOVA etc in the market?

New to SK4G and rooting

Hey, new to these forums and new to rooting. I got my sidekick about a month ago (always loved em) and was dissapointed by all the bloatware it came with and how it likes to lag and freeze up quite often.
I didn't want to get a new phone as I figured with a root and new ROM all could be saved.
Well I rooted it myself (using SuperOneClick) a few days ago. Installed superuser, titanuim backup, and rom manager.
Used titanium backup right away to make a copy of full factory system, then got rid of what bloatware I felt safe getting rid of and made another backup.
Now I wana look at flashing a new rom but aren't too sure how to go about it?
Read a few things here and there and aren't 100% sure, id say I'm around 75-80% on how to do it.
A lot of places say I need Nandroid for backup, true? Or can I stick with Titanium and go on?
Next, I can't seem to find many good roms w/ detailed info about installing it and about the rom istelf. Id like to know wat it comes with, wat it doesn't, wat ill need to make it work right and some images to see how it changes the appearance and any performance boosts.
Maybe I'm not looking in the right places or searching the right things.
So what I'm asking is if anyone knows a good rom (ik eveyone has opinions so ill look into all) and how to go about installing the rom and pros/cons of each.
Thanks so much for any and all help guys!
Also if someone thts gotten rid of bloatware on the SK4G, what did you get rid of? I dnt wana take off anything ill need or important.
Again thanks!

I've also been having problems with the phone turning off if the screen is off after a while and sometimes when I turn it on it says something like 'new sidekick tune a few things to get started' and takes about a good 5-10 min before its even useable.
The problem started before the root and as another reason I rooted hoping to fix the problem with some tweaking or flashing a new ROM.
Anyone heard of this problem before or have advice about it?

So I've been looking at the Glorious Overdose V2 and V5. Which have less problems/bugs?
I can't seem to find a definitive answer. Features seem to be similiar.
Some say that on V5 they score lower quadrants but seems to be faster but on V2 ppl are saying battery life and performance are both bumped big and V2 sees to has a battery % mod.
Which of the 2 are better? Or is there anything out there better than either?

Most of the devs include installation instructions with their ROMs, which are usually pretty easy to follow. Just make sure you follow the ones for the recovery you have (orange or red). If you haven't flashed the voodoo kernel, you're probably on the orange recovery. Once you flash a new ROM, you'll get rid of most of the T-Mo bloat. Personally, all my stuff is backed up with Google, Evernote, etc., so I don't worry about making Titanium or nandroid backups. I've tried a few different ROMs, and here are my thoughts:
GOV33+LEAN-PERFORMANCE-RELEASE - Started out good, but over time SU stopped working, battery life degraded. Liked LauncherPro. Maybe it just needs to be reinstalled
neXus_JB_v1.2 - Colors hard to read (white on gray). Seems like too many unnecessary apps (live wallpapers, etc).
MeMoRy - Based on GOV3.3 Lean. Uses Lightning Launcher, which I didn't like at first, but it's very simple and presumably lightweight. However, the supplied Jelly Bean keyboard keeps crashing. I installed the ICS keyboard and removed the JB keyboard, and this is now the ROM I use. You can find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1837071
Your phone shouldn't turn off just because your screen is off for a while. Are you sure you have a good battery? Your phone will go dead if the batter is dead. If you get the "tune up" screen again, just go through the settings and you shouldn't get it again until you flash a new ROM.

Battery is good, holds a charge all day with moderate use.
When I do get the tune screen, I unlock it, and everything is fine and normal.
Ill start looking for more ROMs and info on them.
And the orange/red thing confuses me. How do I know what I am?

Okay to root is simple to flash a ROM you first need a "recovery" and a "update" file which is located either in sticky on the development page or you can find my thread which has basics you may need
Aldo have the ROM you want on the sk put in downloads on sd
Move recovery to system/bin
Move update to SD card but not in any folders
Now reboot into recovery
Reinstall packages
Now the menu will be yellow
Backup using nan droid if you don't wanna lose a lot of stuff
Now you need to wipe everything on main page an then in advance page if
go to mounts mount all except data I believe (I posted guide a few time but no longer use phone)
install zip from SD card now wait 10 mins an listen to device should say everything is mounted
Now you have a flashed ROM
Now from this point if you want to use a new ROM you
Hold power button go to recovery should now be red
Backup just invade you like the last one but wanna see the new ROM
Check mounts (should be fine but better safe then sorry)
Now wipe everything from main page and advance page
Now install new zip
Going back from one ROM to another
Recovery > restore > "file" done
Sorry I have been on sg3 forums a lot now don't use SK at all anymore either
But before I left I preferred ricandroid nexus roms most up to date I believe
All guides should be find able in other fourms as I post it a lot to help people
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

Well things have been going good on the sk4g for a while. Didn't flash a rom as I feel uncapable so I left it rooted and only removed 4 apps tht I seen as bloatware tht I don't use. (Removed right after root in the very beginning).
Well the other day I went to update an app I got recently after rooting (theCHIVE) and it'll download and start installing but I get a red/orange warning triangle in to notification bar saying packing file not signed correctly?
I don't unerstand why its doing this?
Tried it on my normal 4g connection an on wifi as well, same problem. Any help guys?

Your issue is the apk the person didn't sign it correctly or the update took out 2.1 an went to newer firmwares.
If anything back up with titanium just that app you are updating. And then delete the app an install the new one. You then can go back to titanium an restore data
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app

I tried that and I got the same message, ill try emailing the dev and see what the problem could be?