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I'm not the person that buys a new phone every 6 months. I'm probably going to use my Nexus S for 2 years or more. And because of that, I want it optimized so that I won't get jealous at those multi-core phones.
I can optimize the OS by just downloading something like Launcher Pro, but I want more. I like applications like Adfree and ShootMe, and VooDoo sound also looks very nice. But, I want more! Custom ROMs increase the speed, and then I could always overclock. So Cyanogen Mod 7 is also on my list.
But the problem is, I don't know where to start. There are SO MANY options in the world of Android. Of course, with some Googling I can find the best Custom ROM (CM7), but the internet isnt very clear about it all. I am an average user, so I don't want to much risks. I also don't understand 'geek language' (you know what I mean ), so these forums don't help me much either.
I know how to root (there are tons of youtube videos), and I can probably find a youtube video for installing CM7 as well, but like I said, I don't know where to start. Can somebody give me a push in the right direction? I hate to ask, but I couldn't find something like a noob guide...
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
willcpfc said:
Go to the android development section for nexus S and all topics are covered
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
Androyed said:
Hmm I see you can root with or without fastboot oem unlock. I know fastboot oem unlock wipes all data, but if you do it when you get your phone, that isnt a problem. Is there any other (dis)advantage?
It seems there are a lot of methods to root. What is the best one (not the fastest)? I like the one from AllGamer, but it says 'via Clockwork Mod'. I don't know what that is, or what it does. I know I look like an idiot now, but I really can't find good explanations on the internet. Everyone supposes that you know a lot of stuff already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the guides get you to the same result: root and a custom recovery with the exception of distortedloop's guide which keeps the bootloader locked and avoids an initial wipe. If you read through each thread, you'll realize that they all do the same thing. Some just helps you avoid terminal work, which is as easy as retyping what you see. Just pick one and follow all the steps. No reported advantages or disadvantages to unlocking the bootloader other than the wipe you are aware of.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Go to theunlockr.com It has alot of beginner friendly videos.
http://theunlockr.com/category/howto/android_how_tos/nexus-s-how-tos/
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
Androyed said:
Thanks, both of you!
Unlocking the bootloader is needed for flashing ROMs, right? If that's true, I think I'll unlock it right away when I don't have any data/apps installed. The only thing that will suck is the ugly padlock sign when you start your phone, but who starts his phone anway...
By the way, changes a unlocked bootloader anything else except for a slightly different boot animation?
Some other questions: will you get OTA updates from Google when you have root enabled? And what if you use a Custom ROM? And what if you use a Custom Kernel? And what if you use Clockworkmod (that is a custom recovery, right?)?
And where do you need a custom kernel for? Is it only to overclock your device? I saw it is also necessary for VooDoo sound, which I like very much. Same question about Clockworkmod: if it's a custom recovery, what does it do? Is it for back-up/rom switching?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking the bootloader is not required for flashing roms. On previous devices, it was necessary but we have a method in distortedloop's guide which can work around that.
You can still get OTA updates with root, however updating will cause you to lose root. Custom roms usually have a script to disable OTA updates. Kernels and custom recovery will not affect OTA updates.
Custom kernels are "custom" in itself and often offer more features such as the ability to overclock, file system hacks, as well as sound/graphic hacks which may not be included in a previous developer's custom rom. It leaves room for the user to pick what is suitable for him/her.
Custom recoveries are recoveries with extended features. These features may include the ability to backup/restore, wipe device between ROM builds, and more. Its main feature which I enjoy the most, is the ability to navigate between folders of your storage and choose a ZIP file to flash. Standard recovery requires anything flashed to be in the root of your storage as well as named "update.zip". Custom recoveries eliminates this requirement and lets you keep the name of your zip files as well as organize them in folders. There are more features, but that's up to you to discover and see what you'll actually use.
And again, thanks!
After reading the post above and an awesome explanation on a dutch forum, I now know what all those 'custom' things do.
First of all, I'm interested in root. There are some very useful applications that can only be used with root. After that, I'm going to flash a kernel (not overclock it), probably Netarchy's, for some speed improvement and most important of all, voodoo sound improvement! The last looks very promising.
If I'll get bored after that, (I probably tried out dozens of homescreen replacements and their themes by then), I'm going to flash a Custom ROM, and experiment with custom ROM themes. This is probably going to be Cyanogen Mod, but I'm going to wait till a stable release comes out for the Nexus S. If I'm still bored (we are probably talking about 1.5 years ahead), I'm going to overclock for optimal performance...
This is why I love Android. Why would you buy a new device every couple of months? There is so much to tweak! When I tried to find some information about flashing ROMs, I sure have learned how many possibilities Android has. It isn't easy for the average user, but if you get something awesome like voodoo sound in return, it is defenitely worth it!
Sorry, I got still two questions left:
Custom ROMs don't change anything from the outside, right? They are only deodexed? Or is there a difference between, let's say, MoDaCo's ROM and CM7, from the outside?
I heard some Custom ROMs have certain themes, but I suppose you could just as easy install the stock Gingerbread theme when for example MoDaCo ships with a different theme. Custom ROMs support themes after all.
Also, what is the difference between a theme from a homescreen replacement and a theme from a Custom ROM? Themes from Custom ROMs can change apps, because it is a deodexed ROM, so themes will probably also change the looks of the dialer for example. And themes from homescreen replacements will only change the homescreen. But will a theme from a homescreen replacement also change the notificationbar and the icons? Or do you have to install a Custom Rom for that?
Thanks in advance!
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
WoolyMarmot said:
I got myself a brand new nexus S and Ive got some questions
Im debating on using a custom ROM or just go stock ICS.
A good reason why people use custom ROMs is because of better battery because of the kernel. so would it be possible to flash a better kernel on stock ICS?
If I am going with Custom,
whats the most Recommended:
way of rooting(1 click or manual, and why)
Custom recovery
best kernel
best ROM
is it possible to save a custom UI(so you could do dual booting through custom UI u made)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a stock kernel on stock ICS, this is what i have done in the past and it was great. However I will note that the new ROM modifications that increase usable System RAM make a very noticeable difference with no negatives as far as i see. You also get things like notification power toggles, more lockscreen options and so on with a custom ROM.
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
2) ClockWorkMod is generally the most favorable, compatible and least buggy of the lot. TWRP, although good, has a couple of hidden bugs in it and is no longer being developed. Further, CWM now gives you the option between a Touch based recovery and a button based one. This is up to you as they're both essentially the same, but i still prefer the buttons.
3) There is no best kernel, just the best for you. Find the features you want in a kernel first, and then pick a handful and try them all. If you are using a ROM with fixes for the extra RAM (CM9, Slim, etc), you will need a kernel that supports this.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Custom UI? If you mean bootloader or something like that, not really. There have been one or two devs who have tried to make this possible (not specific to the Nexus S) but i don't think their (working?) attempts have taken off. Don't get your hopes up here though.
Harbb said:
1) Best way of rooting: We have a Nexus device so i would not waste time using one clicks. Unlock the bootloader using fastboot, flash a custom recovery and then either flash superuser.zip or a custom ROM. This allows the most versatility when changing ROMs, mainly if you ever decide to flash or restore a stock ROM. The Nexus S allows you to lock the bootloader if you ever need to so warranty issues based on unlocked bootloaders are minimal.
4) Same with kernels. CyanogenMod is generally a good choice. Although on the surface it looks just like stock it is heavily modified. Others have only minor modifications and additions, practically a stock experience with a couple of extra features. Pick a handful with features you want and try each for a couple of days. Feel free to switch kernels from the one that comes with each ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
WoolyMarmot said:
1. Im fairly new to android OS and while I do generally understand what youre saying its best you give me some links. The only root Ive done with a phone so far are 1 clicks
4. can you elaborate more of why cyanogenmod is a good rom. I hear about it alot and people recommend it,but why?
also, what ROM do you use yourself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll all make sense as soon as you do it, I assumed you had a read through some rooting guides for the Nexus S.
The Nexus S uses a little flashing utility called fastboot. fastboot gives us the ability to replace certain parts of our phone with customised versions. For example, you can replace the stock Recovery partition (which only lets you install Google-signed .zip files) with a custom one, such as TWRP or ClockWorkMod (which let you install any correctly-formatted .zip file). To be able to use fastboot, you need to unlock the bootloader. On our phones it is possible to lock it again afterward with no trace, but the phones warranty would technically be voided (<-- scare tactics). So basically, you unlock the bootloader, flash a custom recovery and then you can freely install a .zip file through the recovery which gives you root privileges. Afterward with this new recovery, feel free to install custom ROMs and the such straight through it.
I personally used Zedomax's guide found here. This does exactly what i stated above and gives you all of the tools to do it, as well as a video. Just follow the video to a T and you'll be fine, it is all pretty simply laid out. I personally use CWM recovery though, not TWRP as it is no longer being developed. I'm pretty sure i explained what each of the steps do above.
CyanogenMod, unlike most other ROMs, have a somewhat large team of developers working together. They add many features to many phones which are often ported to other ROMs, whether it be the concept or the code. It is a great ROM once stable with countless features and they generally do a great job making sure everything is just about perfect, and there is plenty of support and a large userbase. This doesn't mean it's the best, it is just one of the most known.
I personally use Slim ICS daily right now. Largest benefit at the moment is compatibility with CMs bigmem mod, the phone loves the extra RAM.
well in that case I dont wanna use cyanogenmod. I was thinking something as close to stock(or just simple) as possible because I plan on using themes and widgets to customize it.
1 more question before I root, does it matter which version of OS it has? For example, this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007782
nvm, phone already rooted
new question: is it possible to dual boot roms? Ive been reading and they say its possible with using particular apps and an SD card, but the nexus S has no sd slot so...
I am awaiting the delivery of my new phone.
Question:
I have been reading of people flashing their roms for whatever reasons.
Do I really need to flash to another rom? Isn't the stock S3 rom good enough?
I ask this because I coming over from the Droid Bionic where their flashing was pretty much automated.
The S3 flashing looks a little intimidating.
The phone is great when running stock. Rooting and putting a rom on this phone is not really that intimidating. There is an automated way of rooted, that is simple and quick. Then there is an app that flashes a custom recovery for you (custom made for vzw s3) and another app that will unlock the bootloader for you too. After that, flashing a rom/mod would be as easy as flashing a rom/mod on any other device.
Its all on preference and this phone is probably the easiest phone to unlock and root.
I am a noobie to all that is Android... I am usually on an iPhone/iPod, but I decided for my upgrade why downgrade to the iPhone 5 when I could get the SGIII?
So, anyways... I am new to rooting and how to add anything on it after the root is done... and I need some help...
I have my SGIII rooted and all and it has been sweet. However, I do not want to add a custom ROM because of the loss of certain features on the device and a higher risk of brick.
I have to ask... Am I able to theme the stock touchwiz ROM differently without a big risk of brick? Or can I at all?
And, with the SGIII being on verizon... my notification toggles do not include a WiFi toggle! I want one on there, and I am not sure how to add it...
Here is a link to a thread about one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
I am running Jelly Bean 4.1.1.
Help?
First, congrats on getting the s3! It's an amazing device and definitely an upgrade.
What do you mean by losing features by flashing a custom ROM? If anything, you would gain features. I would recommend flashing CleanROM, it's basically the way your phone is now with a bunch of bloatware removed (and it has a WiFi toggle, and others which are customizable) for better performance and battery life. I know you said you don't really want to, but if you read and follow instructions, you'll be perfectly fine. Besides, it's what having an android is all about!
As for that WiFi toggle mod, you would simply download it, reboot into recovery, and flash it. Just don't flash anything not meant for the i535! That's how you end up with a paper weight.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I was referring to some of the Samsung features that you would lose when switching to a new ROM. I thought I read that you lose some...
I may look into putting a ROM onto it... I just am sketchy on having myself a brick... I have the extended insurance and all, I just dont want to ruin it so soon since I just got it.
How about themes though? Can I theme the stock ROM?
You can change the icons, if that's what you mean. Check out an app called desktop visualizer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Basically the only ways you brick the phone is of you flash an international ROM. The other potential way to brick is a power outage if you are flashing with Odin and the primary or secondary boot loader are in the process of being flashed.
If you are going to flash anything, back up your imei following the sticky thread
If you get the "unauthorized software return to Verizon message" don't panic. Odin can bring you back.
Its hard but not impossible to brick this phone. If you take your time, read, and always verify that the file you are going to flash is for the i535 it is very hard to brick.
Rooting essentially means you have administer rights. It doesn't come with any cydia equivalent as (almost) all apps that use root are in the play store.
My current favorite ROM is carbon rom which brings all the android 4.2.1 features to the table including group SMS (finally), lock screen widgets, and enhanced Google now. You will lose some touchwiz features though many can be replicated with 3rd party play store apps.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Hmm, can anyone toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535 in comparison to stock?
I had told myself that I wasnt going to risk it, but I think you have me convinced... Cause I do want to get different with it...
Which is why I was looking for full themes for the stock ROM.
You must be talking about the TouchWiz features like smart stay, s beam, TW camera...etc. As long as you flash a TouchWiz ROM, you shouldn't lose those features. You would lose those features if you flashed an AOSP ROM (which is what you see on devices like the Galaxy Nexus or Nexus 4).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Those were what I were referring to, yeah...
and, anyone think they can toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535?
about roms and your choices.
good info
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1950824&highlight=guide
---------- Post added at 05:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 AM ----------
tylerisbudded said:
Those were what I were referring to, yeah...
and, anyone think they can toss me a few of the most stable/featured ROMs for the i535?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
synergy, beans galaxy mod, almost all others in the development section
read and see what suirs your needs
Clean ROM and csrom are probably closest to stock. Galaxy mod and syngergy get good reviews it seems if you want something a bit different.
Kindacrapmods is neat too to give touch wiz Roms an aosp appearance if you prefer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Anyone care to add to skype or anything of the sort so that I may be easily guided? I would highly appreciate the assistance.
And my GSIII is currently rooted with quite a bit of photos, contact, and personal data... Should I worry about getting that information off before flashing a new ROM?
Plus, say that I were to put a ICS ROM rather than the 4.1.1 JB I have right now... or even a 4.2 JB ROM would I just flash it like normal as if I were rooting my device for the first time?
Welcome to Android, where you are "free!," lol.
You should always have backup of files, photos, apps + data, personal data, documents, etc on your external sd, computer, cloud, etc. Also making a Nandroid Backup would be highly advisable before you flash anything.
Flashing between roms usually just wipe data, cache, dalvik cache, (I wipe system as well to be sure a cleaner start). Someone correct me if that is not the case. I remember on Fsacinate, it was somewhat a pain going from major version jump.
tylerisbudded said:
Anyone care to add to skype or anything of the sort so that I may be easily guided? I would highly appreciate the assistance.
And my GSIII is currently rooted with quite a bit of photos, contact, and personal data... Should I worry about getting that information off before flashing a new ROM?
Plus, say that I were to put a ICS ROM rather than the 4.1.1 JB I have right now... or even a 4.2 JB ROM would I just flash it like normal as if I were rooting my device for the first time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why you would go back to ICS lol. Definitely do a nandroid backup before each new ROM flash, there's always a chance something could go wrong. It's always good to backup your media, but if you do everything correctly, then your media won't be touched.
If you flash a 4.2 ROM for the first time, your SD card is basically going to be moved into a new folder called "0" and you may panic... lol. It's supposed to happen though, it had to with the multiuser feature (which is only present on tablets).
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Check out App2Zip also. It'll create a flashable .zip file of your apps that you can flash after flashing the ROM. I've never been a big fan of TiBu, but App2Zip does a good job. The biggest hassle about flashing brand new ROMs is getting your setup back to how you had it, but that only takes 10 - 30 minutes and is well worth the added functionality. I personally love having native USB tethering and WiFi hotspot. Also much faster performance on many ROMs as well. I personally LOVE the Darthstalker ROM, it's farther away from your stock JB experience, but one of the fastest ROMs out there, especially on top of a kernel like galaxy KOR. But you can get into flashing kernels after you have some ROM experience ;] (it's actually a lot easier). Just ALWAYS make a backup with ClockworkMod or TW first! Preferably to an external card. Then if something messes up you can just recover to your backup and have everything back to normal, it's literally a time machine for your phone. There are a lot of great support threads here. I almost bricked my phone the first time I tried to root it, but you're already past that part so flashing ROMs and kernels are much easier. Have fun!
If you flash Synergy it will back up your IMEI for you automatically. Just copy that backup to you extSdCard and you will always have it. For getting your feet wet with android and from you've posted so far just stay away from AOSP for now and you will be fine and you will be amazed at the control/options you have now.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
If you don't want to flash the entire Synergy ROM you can use this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=30679476&postcount=5732
I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?
tylerisbudded said:
I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're already rooted so don't worry about doing that again, but you need to unlock the boot loader. Look for an app called EZ unlock somewhere on here or RootzWiki (use version 1.2 since the newer one had a problem I believe). It's as simple as clicking unlock, then you're good.
Edit: Here it is http://rootzwiki.com/index.php?/top...-1.4---Easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader!
Woops, guy below found it first
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
tylerisbudded said:
I originally rooted my device without unlocking my bootloader because I didnt see myself putting a custom ROM on my device...
Is there anything special I would do to go about putting a ROM on it now? Or would I just go through the rooting process as I did before, but just unlock my bootloader this time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock bootloader use this http://rootzwiki.com/topic/32456-app-920-ez-unlock-14-easiest-way-to-unlock-your-bootloader/
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the help! I actually just figured it out right before you guys posted.
I have CleanROM put on it right now, I am looking to add some MODs now though I think...
I want to keep TW and its standard features... but I also want to get creative with it...
Since I now have deodex I should be able to still add some cool MODs now right?
Oh, and how stable are launchers? If I were to get Apex launcher and assign it to my home key would there be any issues at any time with that and my original home?
the seller stated that the following "this phone is rooted (with stock rom) and has the "Team Win" custom recovery for those of you who like to flash custom roms, kernels, apps, whatever (if you don't know what either of ths mean, don't worry about it)... "
I have not rooted an htc one x because I'm afraid of losing some of the functions the stock rom has, So my question to you guys is, Can I restore this back to stock rom? I'm confused when he said he rooted it with stock rom.. and what is team win custom recovery? If I just wanted to restore the htc one x to its original factory state is that possible?
Its possible but the warranty on the phone is void as the bootloader is surely unlocked and will show relocked if you restore it. And restoring it could prove to be somewhat of a task as you'll need to determine the ruu for that phone.. What carrier did he purchase the phone from? There's a chance the Cid of the phone has been changed so you may have to change the Cid back before running an ruu. The rom he has loaded is probably the stock rom with root so I don't see any reason for it to run any differently.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
what @exad said, plus there are a number of rooted stock roms available that are, well, stock, so I wouldn't worry too much about losing any features.
'Team Win custom recovery' is just a recovery 'program' you can use to flash custom roms and enhancements.
exad said:
Its possible but the warranty on the phone is void as the bootloader is surely unlocked and will show relocked if you restore it. And restoring it could prove to be somewhat of a task as you'll need to determine the ruu for that phone.. What carrier did he purchase the phone from? There's a chance the Cid of the phone has been changed so you may have to change the Cid back before running an ruu. The rom he has loaded is probably the stock rom with root so I don't see any reason for it to run any differently.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought if you purchase the phone from someone else the warranty is automatically void hence you're not the original owner. He purchased it from at&t, and as for the rooting, if it is indeed rooted with stock rom and no functions of the stock rom are lost,What's the purpose of stock rom with root? I thought the whole point of rooting your phone was so you get custom roms, but than again I'm no expert
here are his exact words
"Excellent condition ATT smartphone. I only used this phone for about a month and bought it brand new. Had a ballistics case on it since day 1 and the screens condition is flawless. Switched carries recently and of course need the money for a new phone. Also, this phone is rooted (with stock rom) and has the "Team Win" custom recovery for those of you who like to flash custom roms, kernels, apps, whatever (if you don't know what either of ths mean, don't worry about it)... "
Having root allows you to make changes to the system partition. Basically you can have the stock Rom but get rid of all the bloat and extra apps that AT&T includes which would otherwise be permanent
Sent from my VENOMized HoxL
thorishere113 said:
I have not rooted an htc one x because I'm afraid of losing some of the functions the stock rom has,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What functions? Root is only a change in permissions. It gives you access to the system files, that are normally not accessible. Root doesn't take away any functions.
Only exceptions, is that you sometimes can't get OTA firmware updates if you are rooted. Or installing them may result in the phone not booting properly. For most folks on here, this isn't a factor, since people what mod their phones and install custom ROMs typically don't want the OTAs anyway. Also, I think movies purchased from the Play store might not work if you are rooted. But I never buy/watch those, so I might not have the latest info there.
Now in your case, if you want to keep the phone bone stock, and still get OTA updates, you might just look for another purchase. Yes, the phone can be returned to near stock condition. But it requires you learning some things you don't already know:
- Download and install fastboot files
- Install HTC drivers or HTC sync (if not already installed)
- Use fastboot to relock the bootloader
- Download and run the appropriate RUU (ROM Update Utility) which will return your phone to near stock condition
If you are willing and interested in learning a few things about how the phone works, then it might still be a good purchase. Otherwise, if you just want to get a stock phone, and not have to mess with it, you might just look at buying elsewhere. There should be plenty of other decent options for unrooted One X phones.
Also note that I say the phone can be restored to "near" stock. The bootloader will only say RELOCKED, instead of LOCKED. Once the bootloader is unlocked, it can't be changed back to LOCKED, only RELOCKED. And this may have warranty implications.