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Best ROM for Nexus S? And how to flash it?

Hi guys!
I'm using standard Gingerbread Android ROM and I'm getting a little tired of it so wanted to ask if someone could suggest some ROMs to try. Also, I'm not sure how to flash them on Nexus S. I heard that there are many Androids that can be rooted by clicking one button in an app, but for Nexus I found a long tutorial here on XDA and I'm a little hesitant to try it.
Any tips will be appreciated!
Thanks much
Okis

I have tried out just about all of the roms out there now for the nexus s and now I have reverted back to stock. I have found something wrong with every rom I have tried. Custom roms are just too buggy for me even ones marked as "stable". If you're willing to deal with bugs things not working phone reboots and dropped calls by all means try some custom roms. Now I'm just waiting for Ice Cream Sandwich to come out.
oxygen rom is one of the better ones out there.
oh and btw nexus s is one of the easiest phones to root follow the guides carefully and you'll be done in minutes.

This has been discussed couple of times here, do a search.
For example: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1239365
If you don't really feel comfortable flashing a ROM, hang around in dev section where most ROM & guidelines are available and read the feedback from users on each ROM and see which one fits your needs.
And there are NO best ROM only most suitable to your needs, what is best for others doesn't necessarily fit your needs.
I'm with blowtorch, you have to try it to find out yourself...I myself did and at the end of the day I'm perfectly comfortable with stock rooted.

The longer and harder thing to root a Nexus is to installer drivers on computer. After it's fast and easy.
Oxygen is great after 2 or 3 days. I use adw launcher ex, or stock launcher.
Sms, mms, video gtalk, video skype and so on.
Everything is juste ok.
2 days of battery life with heavy use.
I try ns collab, superosr, it's great too. More cyanogen like.
I never use miui more than 5 minutes...but i read and heard that it's a good rom too.

I love Ice and Fire. Has an Ice Cream Sandwich style launcher. Lots of extras.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

okishead said:
Hi guys!
I'm using standard Gingerbread Android ROM and I'm getting a little tired of it so wanted to ask if someone could suggest some ROMs to try. Also, I'm not sure how to flash them on Nexus S. I heard that there are many Androids that can be rooted by clicking one button in an app, but for Nexus I found a long tutorial here on XDA and I'm a little hesitant to try it.
Any tips will be appreciated!
Thanks much
Okis
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do us and yourself a favor and learn everything you need to know for rooting, recovery, roms, and kernels before attempting anything. You will save yourself a headache and the possibility of ****ting your pants. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium

blowtorch said:
I have tried out just about all of the roms out there now for the nexus s and now I have reverted back to stock. I have found something wrong with every rom I have tried. Custom roms are just too buggy for me even ones marked as "stable".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This x100.
Stock Rom may not be flashy but its rock solid and fully functional.

I once searched for something like this and found that there's no clear cut answer for "best" ROM. Like others said try them all (one you figure out how to flash) or do watch videos showing off each rom to get a sense of what it's like. I don't have my NS yet but I'll be trying NSCollab and SuperOSR when I get it. Odd considering I'm not a CM7 fan...

Depends on the features you are looking for. For me at least, I got the Nexus S so I could have stock AOSP. I've been sticking with Oxygen for a while now as its close to stock with some useful added features. CM wasn't for me though I may give it another shot soon.

There's a lot of tutorials on youtube that show you how to flash a ROM. I suggest you watch a few of 'em to get an idea how to do it properly.
As for the best ROM, like others have said, it all depends on your needs. I use Oxygen because it's very stable and has extra features that I find pretty useful.
I also like minimal bloatware so I downloaded ES File Explorer and removed most Google apps since I never use 'em!

Rem3Dy said:
Please do us and yourself a favor and learn everything you need to know for rooting, recovery, roms, and kernels before attempting anything. You will save yourself a headache and the possibility of ****ting your pants. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read about it already, and the question is - is there a simpler way to root Nexus S than installing all of these SDKs etc on the computer? I guess, not from what I see here.
Don't worry, I won't **** my pants)

there is one...give it to someone who knows how to do it.
You are asking for best ROM, how to flash it, finding simpler way to root it without installing SDK, etc. on computer....and that's the only way I can think of.

vennstrom said:
there is one...give it to someone who knows how to do it.
You are asking for best ROM, how to flash it, finding simpler way to root it without installing SDK, etc. on computer....and that's the only way I can think of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you have a mac...
Sent from my Nexus S MV from the XDA Premium app.

This guide should be simple enough to follow.
1-CLICK-ROOT (Windows)
Download link {Updated with CWM 5.0.2.3 (cyan) and su-3.0.4-efgh}
Note: Don't forget to install the corresponding x86 or x64 drivers through the PdaNet setups.

Pyrolyser said:
This guide should be simple enough to follow.
1-CLICK-ROOT (Windows)
Download link {Updated with CWM 5.0.2.3 (cyan) and su-3.0.4-efgh}
Note: Don't forget to install the corresponding x32 or x64 drivers through the PdaNet setups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks will definitely look into it!!

cm7.1.0 RC ns-kang. its in rom manager. there is a 7.1.0 stable release but causes random reboots.

Android 4.0.1 by Samsung for SGS2

interesting....
http://www.sammobile.com/2011/12/14/exclsuive-android-4-0-1-by-samsung-for-sgs2-custom/
Originally Posted by bocautrang.pt
After a long wait Samsung has finally started testing Android 4.0.
Last week our “insider” presented us with XXKP1.
The Android version of this ROM is Android 4.0.1.
The build date is 7 december 2011.
As you may know of us we often get these leaks prior to release.
After we did some checks on it we can confirm that we’re dealing with a “CUSTOM” Samsung build.
We strongly advise people who only flash stock ROMs to not flash this.
As you all may know we only offer stock ROMs so you will not find this firmware on our usual firmware page.
We at Sammobile offcourse have tested this ROM in all curiousity.
Samsung uses Android 4.0 with their own TW-Launcher and Android 4.0 tweaks.
Below you will find a video review of this ROM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAI6qbQm6U">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAI6qbQm6U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350">
What works in I9100XXKP1?
All the Basics work like calling , sms , internet and more.
Some applications havent been worked out correct so they will force close on stress.Because we are dealing with a “CUSTOM” ROM here it can occur that the phone will react very slow from time to time.There is also the chance of some “RANDOM REBOOTS”We at Sammobile advise people to not use thhis ROM for daily usage.If you want to download this firmware then you can do so via the provided link below.DOWNLOAD
Password: samfirmware.com
Again if you only flash STOCK ROMs then dont flash this.
Because you flash this rom with “unsecure” kernel the phone thinks its “CUSTOM”and will start counting on your custom counter.
You will loose your warranty because of this.

Indeed.
I know our Infuses could run ICS. Hell, my Nexus S runs it beautifully. It's just a matter of the right libs. I think the hardware is more than sufficient.

im curious to see how the hard key/soft key issue is going to be worked out. Also since ive been using GoLauncher to get rid of my status bar, it will be interesting to see how the new menu button works.

tazbo28 said:
im curious to see how the hard key/soft key issue is going to be worked out. Also since ive been using GoLauncher to get rid of my status bar, it will be interesting to see how the new menu button works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the custom ROMs to come out so far for the Nexus S have either left them in (which some people prefer) or taken them out. The hard buttons would obviously still need to work (they do on the Nexus S) so you'd just get a bit more real estate at the bottom of the screen. Rumor has it that the official ICS update for the NS will not have the software buttons but as it hasn't been officially released yet, nobody knows for sure. It's a good bet though.

jvanlew said:
Well the custom ROMs to come out so far for the Nexus S have either left them in (which some people prefer) or taken them out. The hard buttons would obviously still need to work (they do on the Nexus S) so you'd just get a bit more real estate at the bottom of the screen. Rumor has it that the official ICS update for the NS will not have the software buttons but as it hasn't been officially released yet, nobody knows for sure. It's a good bet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldnt doubt it. It would seem redundant to leave them in. Hopefully google is really making an effort at unification with ICS. It would be awesome to not have a fragmented app store and dev.

My 2 Cent's
There is no question that the Infuse is capable of running ICS, other lesser devices are running it. I have a mostly stable beta running on my Inspire that has very similar hardware specs. (slower processor clock too 1ghz vs 1.2ghz) it really boils down to the correct drivers & libs/kernel I think ICS would be awesome on the Infuse.
Cheers
BR

After a long wait Samsung has finally started testing Android 4.0.
Last week our “insider” presented us with XXKP1.
The Android version of this ROM is Android 4.0.1.
The build date is 7 december 2011.
As you may know of us we often get these leaks prior to release.
After we did some checks on it we can confirm that we’re dealing with a “CUSTOM” Samsung build.
We strongly advise people who only flash stock ROMs to not flash this.
As you all may know we only offer stock ROMs so you will not find this firmware on our usual firmware page.
We at Sammobile offcourse have tested this ROM in all curiousity.
Samsung uses Android 4.0 with their own TW-Launcher and Android 4.0 tweaks.
Below you will find a video review of this ROM.
What works in I9100XXKP1?
All the Basics work like calling , sms , internet and more.
Some applications havent been worked out correct so they will force close on stress.
Because we are dealing with a “CUSTOM” ROM here it can occur that the phone will react very slow from time to time.
There is also the chance of some “RANDOM REBOOTS”
We at Sammobile advise people to not use thhis ROM for daily usage.
If you want to download this firmware then you can do so via the provided link below.
DOWNLOAD
Password: samfirmware.com
Again if you only flash STOCK ROMs then dont flash this.
Because you flash this rom with “unsecure” kernel the phone thinks its “CUSTOM”and will start counting on your custom counter.
You will loose your warranty because of this.

bocautrang.pt said:
After a long wait Samsung has finally started testing Android 4.0.
Last week our “insider” presented us with XXKP1.
The Android version of this ROM is Android 4.0.1.
The build date is 7 december 2011.
As you may know of us we often get these leaks prior to release.
After we did some checks on it we can confirm that we’re dealing with a “CUSTOM” Samsung build.
We strongly advise people who only flash stock ROMs to not flash this.
As you all may know we only offer stock ROMs so you will not find this firmware on our usual firmware page.
We at Sammobile offcourse have tested this ROM in all curiousity.
Samsung uses Android 4.0 with their own TW-Launcher and Android 4.0 tweaks.
Below you will find a video review of this ROM.
What works in I9100XXKP1?
All the Basics work like calling , sms , internet and more.
Some applications havent been worked out correct so they will force close on stress.Because we are dealing with a “CUSTOM” ROM here it can occur that the phone will react very slow from time to time.There is also the chance of some “RANDOM REBOOTS”We at Sammobile advise people to not use thhis ROM for daily usage.If you want to download this firmware then you can do so via the provided link below.DOWNLOAD
Password: samfirmware.com
Again if you only flash STOCK ROMs then dont flash this.
Because you flash this rom with “unsecure” kernel the phone thinks its “CUSTOM”and will start counting on your custom counter.
You will loose your warranty because of this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ill include the text in the main post.

Ahhh stupid att they want their new devices to have it only . Guys our only hope will be cm9. After that, then chances of having pur own rom will be high.

Does this work on infuse
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

rboone18 said:
Does this work on infuse
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol
Sent from my SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

I thought it was a valid question, it seems missleading how post is wrote.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium

rboone18 said:
I thought it was a valid question, it seems missleading how post is wrote.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol.........

No
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Theres nothing misleading about "for sgs2".
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App

Is it worth unlocking and installing custom roms at this point?

Basically im trying to get convinced on whether unlock the tf300 or not. Most i see around is people with issues and bricking their tablets
Im used to the g2x its my only experience with custom roms and it seems there is a lot more to the tablet than to my phone.
I see a lot of people complaining about not being able to return to stock..Is there an efficient way to restore to non rooted stock through cwm or that other thing forgot name. Also wich of those recovery's is best to be used. I would like to be able to return to stock unrooted at any time in the case I have to return to bestbuy or any similar issue .
I would also like your experience on the roms out there right now what are your preferences wich one is working best, is battery better than stock rom, is it worth it basically .
Do people that have bricked their tablets have done it because of bad luck it has a chance to happen or simply didn't follow the correct procedure.
I'm still a noob into this unlock bootloader and all this I would apreciate it a lot of I could be pointed the correct way of doing things
Any recommendations or advice would be greatly apreciated.
PS: I find ridiculous that interface studders a bit while on power saving mode quad core 1.0-1.1ghz come on.. Hopefully this isnt the case in CM9 ^^
I'm still in my 30 days for replacement so thought it be best to do this while that in case anything opps it died gime new =D
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA Premium HD app

meh screw it I keep reading and reading and all I see are problems and problems doesn't seem worth the extra performance. was really hoping this was as simple as my phone.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA Premium HD app

Hi,
If you unlock the bootloader, there is no way back!
I and I think most of the others brick there dev not while unlocking the bootoader than while rooting and then flashing the wrong image inside CWM (one f*** click).
Hope that helps
Midyr

I tried the custom roms here. CM9, AOKP,
But returned always to stock rom.
The thing is I like the extra functions of the custom rom. But hate it if somethings do not work. And losing the Asus stuff.
Custom roms are still in early development stage.
Hopefully someone makes a stock based custom rom.
I always was able to restore via CWM backup. But there are always risks.
Verstuurd van mijn ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T met Tapatalk

Although I haven't unlocked my bootloader yet, based on my experiences with the TF101 as well as other android devices...if you are looking for the safe route and stability, i wouldn't recommend unlocking your bootloader and installing custom roms yet. As stated above, development for the 300 is still young, which means there will be plenty of issues that has to be ironed out yet. Usually the people who do this early on in development are the devs themselves or people who are willing to take risks and pretty much accept that they can't really use their device as a daily driver. I have experimented with CM9 aosp, miui, and other aosp stuff, and I always find myself going to a custom stock rom because they are not as plagued with as much issues like the others. There is a thread in the development section that is attempting to reverse engineer the unlocker program so that it doesnt run and tell asus on you. Once you unlock your bootloader, your device's warranty will forever be voided. Since rooting does not void your warranty, I am happy with that for now and see what becomes of the unlocker project. When doing any mods to your system, you always want to make sure that you can undo them before you actually do it.

Tom v H said:
I tried the custom roms here. CM9, AOKP,
But returned always to stock rom.
The thing is I like the extra functions of the custom rom. But hate it if somethings do not work. And losing the Asus stuff.
Custom roms are still in early development stage.
Hopefully someone makes a stock based custom rom.
I always was able to restore via CWM backup. But there are always risks.
Verstuurd van mijn ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T met Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thing guess ill give this a few more months see how stable things get prety sure things will get refined by then. I just dont see it worth it for us who just want to flash something better that just works and not mess with it for a while. I love cm based roms on my g2x and it saved my from replacing my phone. Its just not ready for this device yet. I do hope the devs keep up the good work
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA Premium HD app

Tom v H said:
I tried the custom roms here. CM9, AOKP,
But returned always to stock rom.
The thing is I like the extra functions of the custom rom. But hate it if somethings do not work. And losing the Asus stuff.
Custom roms are still in early development stage.
Hopefully someone makes a stock based custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. Well, I tried AOKP but due to a couple of things I switched back to stock rom again (aside from no Slovene keyboard layout (yet) for the dock, it had a few tiny things didn't work as I'd like and it annoyed me ). I also like ASUS's weather and battery widgets and the Day Scene live wallpaper is also great (I managed to install the weather widget and the wallpaper in AOKP, but the tiny things were still there).

deathskater said:
Yeah thing guess ill give this a few more months see how stable things get prety sure things will get refined by then. I just dont see it worth it for us who just want to flash something better that just works and not mess with it for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're doing the right thing.
Unless you really need to tinker alot with it - root is enough for now.
It's practically a baby when it comes to custom roms.

Since we don't have a custom stock ROM yet, here are some ways to have a custom stock ROM like experience...
1. Obviously have your TF rooted
2. Download and install adfree from the play store for ad blocking
3. Download and install Titanium Backup from the play store
-Using TB, you can debloat and remove any apps you don't want. I recommend using the "Freeze" option because some bloat apps are needed for the next OTA update to work. Use the "Defrost" option to get them back.
-Using the freeze option, freeze the app, DMClient. This will completely disable the OTA notification from appearing. Defrost it when the next OTA becomes available.
4. Go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219 for build.prop edits. These are performance and battery tweaks that may improve your TF.
5. Search the play store for any apps that may provide you with the functionality and additional options/settings that you may be looking for in custom roms. Theres apps for just about anything these days.

cavsoldier19d said:
Since we don't have a custom stock ROM yet, here are some ways to have a custom stock ROM like experience...
1. Obviously have your TF rooted
2. Download and install adfree from the play store for ad blocking
3. Download and install Titanium Backup from the play store
-Using TB, you can debloat and remove any apps you don't want. I recommend using the "Freeze" option because some bloat apps are needed for the next OTA update to work. Use the "Defrost" option to get them back.
-Using the freeze option, freeze the app, DMClient. This will completely disable the OTA notification from appearing. Defrost it when the next OTA becomes available.
4. Go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219 for build.prop edits. These are performance and battery tweaks that may improve your TF.
5. Search the play store for any apps that may provide you with the functionality and additional options/settings that you may be looking for in custom roms. Theres apps for just about anything these days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually doing just this...lol just finished rooting. Btw I dont think TB is needed since ics has option to disable apps wich seems to work fine they dont even load at startup and that is good enough for me. Gona try build. Prop now
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA Premium HD app

You cant disable dmclient from ics...already tried.

ICS is the latest android.
I see no reason to unlock or custom rom.

DAvid_B said:
ICS is the latest android.
I see no reason to unlock or custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATM I agree Roms as filled with bugs. Fow now I will stick to having root and modified build.prop its working good ^_^
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using XDA Premium HD app.

[Q] Why does Bard's Tale force close on start up EVEVRY TIME!!!

It even works perfect on my tegra2 device with HD assets, why just crashed on my Xperia PLAY with low asset??!!
I bought it when the version was 1.1.2, it would crash after seen the first logo picture.
Today i updated to 1.1.2a, then crashed after the 1st logo movie...
Just crash anyway...
My rom is 2.33,what roms do you guys use?

sonymakebull**** said:
It even works perfect on my tegra2 device with HD assets, why just crashed on my Xperia PLAY with low asset??!!
I bought it when the version was 1.1.2, it would crash after seen the first logo picture.
Today i updated to 1.1.2a, then crashed after the 1st logo movie...
Just crash anyway...
My rom is 2.33,what roms do you guys use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a stock Gingerbread ROM with locked bootloader? If it's unlocked, you can try using Xperia NXT v1.3.. Works smoothly for me.

Lawliet918 said:
Are you using a stock Gingerbread ROM with locked bootloader? If it's unlocked, you can try using Xperia NXT v1.3.. Works smoothly for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No thanks, I know litttle about third-party ROMs, i used to official rom with rooted only. Is there anyway offical rom could make it?:crying:

sonymakebull**** said:
No thanks, I know litttle about third-party ROMs, i used to official rom with rooted only. Is there anyway offical rom could make it?:crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a lot of apps? The only reason I could think of is that your RAM is too small that it couldn't run the game at all. You can also try to update your stock ROM to 2.3.4 since this is the most up-to-date version of official Gingerbread ROM from Sony. Otherwise, you can always try to email the developers themselves for support: [email protected].
I've emailed them about my issue regarding touchpad support for ICS-enabled ROMs and they've been very quick to reply and probe the problem. Of course, the problem is not yet fixed but they've been in constant contact with me, asking a lot about the symptoms to probably incorporate that in their future updates.

Lawliet918 said:
Do you have a lot of apps? The only reason I could think of is that your RAM is too small that it couldn't run the game at all. You can also try to update your stock ROM to 2.3.4 since this is the most up-to-date version of official Gingerbread ROM from Sony. Otherwise, you can always try to email the developers themselves for support: [email protected].
I've emailed them about my issue regarding touchpad support for ICS-enabled ROMs and they've been very quick to reply and probe the problem. Of course, the problem is not yet fixed but they've been in constant contact with me, asking a lot about the symptoms to probably incorporate that in their future updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used 2.3.4 before, the available ram is just 367Mb, but 399MB in 2.33. Actually bigger than 2.34. And i played many GL games much smoother than 2.34,personal thinking. Maybe ram is not the real reason.
E-mail to developers could be a good way...Anyway,thanks a lot

Just a suggestion, but you could try RAM manager free or Auto memory manager (lets you set your minfrees - set it to aggressive)
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda app-developers app

[Q] Newcomer to all of this (Nexus S 2.3.4 to 4.1.1 issue)

Howdy all - I've just gotten a Nexus S to replace my old Xperia Play that was having many issues. I'm still a bit of a noob to the whole rooting/rom scene, and a lot of it is a bit over my head (which is frustrating for me as I'm good with technology in general).
Currently, I'm running Android 2.3.4, my build number is GTJ61, baseband version I9020AUCKE1 (don't know what all of that is important to know, but there it is).
I've tried most of the "simple" things I've found to try to force the phone to update, including the whole killing the google service, clearing the cache, etc, and the Sim Card removal trick. No dice, which is frustrating to me as I hear that the 4.1.1 update is very nice.
I'm in the middle of searching through the forums to see what I can find on this issue, but Comcast is being utterly craptastic right now and my web is simply crawling along. If anyone could give me a push in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it - I just want a nice, clean interface with good battery life and as little slowdown as possible. I know very little about flashing new roms and such but it seems like that might be my only option at this point.
I do play a few basic games (Robo Defense, Star Trader) and I use my phone heavily for texting and nutritional information (My Fitness Pal and a few other apps). Nothing too heavy, but again, i dont' know what all information is important for this
I appreciate any and all help or advice provided!
-Brian
EDIT - one thing thats had me a bit confused is the i9020a thing - does the UCKE1 at the end of mine mean I have a different version, or is all i9020a the same?
EDIT 2 - Okay, net is working a little better - found this linked from the here:
http://tech-tips-solution.blogspot.com/2012/04/samsung-nexus-s-i9020a-update-to-ics.html
Giving this a shot, hoping for the best! Still need to figure out how to go from 4.0.4 to 4.1.1

You should go in about phone settings and check for updates. On Wi-Fi. And it should ask you to updgrade. Strange thing that it didnt. There are few tutorials in general section, also in q&a you can find something usefull.
I would recommend flashing custom recovery with fastboot, than flash new bootloader in recovery and than you can put any 4.1.2 rom with no problems. also you could flash new radio if you want.
Sent from SpeedMachine i9100

alen1901 said:
You should go in about phone settings and check for updates. On Wi-Fi. And it should ask you to updgrade. Strange thing that it didnt. There are few tutorials in general section, also in q&a you can find something usefull.
I would recommend flashing custom recovery with fastboot, than flash new bootloader in recovery and than you can put any 4.1.2 rom with no problems. also you could flash new radio if you want.
Sent from SpeedMachine i9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, kept telling me my phone was up to date (I blame AT&T myself). I've been reading through the tutorials - I have a LOT to learn heh...

Unlock it, flash custom recovery and flash Jelly Bean.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

dEris said:
Unlock it, flash custom recovery and flash Jelly Bean.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this, sadly google does not have an update program you can install on your computer like samsung or sony have, so you can't really just plug in and update, What you can do is flash a stock 4.1.1 update to it, using the os images they release, please consult the forum guides on how to do this.
Also, I don't think your carrier will update the phone simply because they suck at these things and most likely an OTA to jb was never released.
Alternatively, just flash a custom ROM after you root, but for first timers I'd say just root and then flash a stock image.
Hope this helps.

I would also suggest flashing a custom ROM. It can be a little daunting the first time, but there are many step by step guides in here to help you along the way. Choose one of the more stable ROMs as they will have have most of the bugs all ironed out. Once you go the custom rom path, you will love it.
Just a warning, flashing is very addictive
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

I found myself in the exact same situation a year or so ago when i got my nexus s. My best advice to you would be to follow the guides on the sticky threads and go with the incremental updates, just so you get the hang of all the rooting and flashing first.
2.3.4 > 2.3.6 > 4.0.4 > 4.1.1 > 4.1.2
Since you say you generally don't have issues with technology, just read 2-3 general rooting/flashing threads first and then do everything by hand. It helps.
Also, share your experience here, it might help someone else in the future
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

The only thing i didn't like about flashing a custom recovery is you'd be tempted to flash ROMs and/or kernels from time to time.
We got great developers here so you cannot be satisfied with what you currently have

Hm... any recommendations for custom roms that you guys have used and found particularly good? Like I said, speed and a decent looking interface are my two main concerns

Kittamaru said:
Hm... any recommendations for custom roms that you guys have used and found particularly good? Like I said, speed and a decent looking interface are my two main concerns
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Well, one of the most popular is cyanogenmod. Which version 10 is built on 4.1.2. It's, for me, disgustingly fast, stable, lock up free and has great additions to the codebase. In fact, it's looking like I'll keep this rom for the longest I have ever done. You can also use slimbean, which I used for a time and really liked.

Kittamaru said:
Hm... any recommendations for custom roms that you guys have used and found particularly good? Like I said, speed and a decent looking interface are my two main concerns
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Click to collapse
I would also recommend CM 10.0 (stable) is good rom to start. It is stable, fast and pretty decent battery life. I have been using it for weeks without any issues.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

Kittamaru said:
Hm... any recommendations for custom roms that you guys have used and found particularly good? Like I said, speed and a decent looking interface are my two main concerns
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate check out Slim ROM website - this link leads directly to the Slim Android 4.1.2 for our phone (called Crespo). In addition to this file you'll need to poke around the Slim site to also download GAPPS and the AIO (all in one) file. This ROM is fast, feature packed and absolutely bug-free. Your battery will thank you
http://www.slimroms.net/index.php/downloads/all/viewdownload/139-crespo/841-slim-ns-3-1-0-official