Database Users

ROM Madness

I wonder how many people will agree with me. I have spent the last several months playing around with different ROMs -- both 6.1 and now 6.5. I have found that it takes me at least 5 hours to put everything "back in" after uploading a ROM (I admit that I have 20-odd programs and lots of tweaking to do which I cannot automise) and have decided that this is really a waste of time. I am neglecting ACTUALLY WORKING on my phone (I have several projects going; one is compiling a dictionary). My family has also suffered from lack of attention. I find that when I wake up, the first thing on my mind is: Is there a new ROM for me to download today?
So I have stopped this madness. I have gone back to the latest generic English ROM and have started to add various CABs to suit my needs for new stuff For example I have the 'Growing' panel, and lots of other things like the new calculator from 6.5. I think this is the way forward for me. Of course, I just might give in to temptation as the ROMs get better -- who knows? And I will always be grateful to the cooks.
I wonder how many people would agree with what I have just written; would love to read your comments... Thanks

I fully agree with you. I haven't used a single cooked ROM yet, still I have a lot to do with finding the right software for my phone, installing it, uninstalling it again, adjusting the settings, etc. It consumes a LOOOT of time and it definitely has a great impact on my life at this time. Hope that I will have everything I need soon

I would agree if the new roms brought nothing to the table but after using itje's 4.5 rom i can't say i agree. That was just a spectacular development.

I think the ROM developement here is amazing and the proof of people creativity on .xda. I admire it.
At the same time I don't use it.
No time, no need.
Don't want any risk either.
Generic UK is good. I wait for R3.

doministry said:
I think the ROM developement here is amazing and the proof of people creativity on .xda. I admire it.
At the same time I don't use it.
No time, no need.
Don't want any risk either.
Generic UK is good. I wait for R3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't have said it better.

Klaus1960 said:
For example I have the 'Growing' panel, and lots of other things like the new calculator from 6.5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get a calculator from 6.5? I'm looking for a nice free calculator and that sounds nice
Beside, I agree with you, I think it will coast a lot of time, I didn't install a custom ROM and I'll wait for the official R3AA Rom, I think the custom ROMs are great, and I'm a lot browsing through the threads, but I do need a lot of time...

I agree with you.
I have tried most of the english ROMs for X1. And i tell you the best ROM is the official generic ones(generic UK in my case)
Almost all the cuztom roms out now have problems, little bugs here and there. I like Jacks ROMs best, because he always tries to perfect his ROM. Even the little enhancment tweaks which are posted here, they are not worth it.
Just stick with the official stuff and use the product that are made good developers (like HTC and SPB)

I for one am pretty happy with the nX1i ROM. Its lite and works like a charm.
But yea...its pretty darn annoying to have to install everything back into the device.

Klaus1960 said:
I have found that it takes me at least 5 hours to put everything "back in" after uploading a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5 hours? Did you use UC to automate the install process? I had UC for almost everything (e.g. software install, software registration w/ registry or file copying, shortcut moving, customization ....etc) and it take about 20 mins and require no attention. It may take some time beforehand for UC, but worth it since the one time process will work for any UC custom rom w/ any device (w/ minor change) in the long run.
Klaus1960 said:
So I have stopped this madness. I have gone back to the latest generic English ROM and have started to add various CABs to suit my needs for new stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that you are doing the same thing except it's just on a stock rom (and no UC to automate yr process)?

I am not either a flashing fun.
I ve had 2 WM phones b4 (MIO & ETEN) with very buggy official ROMs. And a good custom ROM could give tones of added value at these old times.
But with X1 things are different. The latest version of the official ROM is quite good. Not any serious issues.
A good reason to flash a custom rom could be if u like Manila (which I don't)
ATM, I am using nX1i which is actually same as the official, except some junks removed and some newer version apps and I am very happy with it.

A truckload of questions

Long post - To help you understand where I am coming from and my situation to better assess what I'm looking for
I've read pretty much all the stickies, and the newbie section regarding questions but I didn't really get answers. Though I did learn a lot, but I'm still a little confused. I find some threads messy, in terms of instructions, and descriptions. Not forgetting the existance of compilation threads. Of course, kudos to everyone here for making awesome apps and roms.
I'm a student from Singapore, and I finally got my dream phone, which is the X1, my first smartphone, from a friend. Barely a few months old and still under warranty. So I'm pretty much a newbie in terms of smartphones, firmware, apps and all that. Been using it for about a month now, got a few minor scratches from wear and tear so it's no biggy, but the keyboards a lil faded, peeled. I'm not sure how to describe it, some letters are just a blob without the 'paint' on to denote it, and the slide-up screen's a little loose.
I started off getting apps like PockeTwit for Twittering to play around. Then I stumbled upon XDA forums. I started off 'boosting' my phone's capabilities with TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, R3A Camera Update, SRS WOW sound thingy. Probably the same way you would do to a PC with certain OC programs and whatnot. Then I installed that Manilla program thing, and now my UI's pretty much like a HTC. Which is awesome might I add. A little laggy, may not be perfect, but it's still great. Thereafter I found out about firmware, WinMo 6.5, issues with it, custom ROMs. Read about how to flash, break it down before flashing custom ROMs into it, which is easy actually. I'm deciding between the Touch-It ROM and the SE-X1 xPERT one because it already has all the goodies in it. More inclined to Barebone one even, then later installing the goodies I want.
I'm looking for one that would look great, with minimal lag, with all the goodies to help me keep it in check and upgrades. (I do understand that there will definitely be a little lag in smartphones due to it's hardware and how we upkeep them as owners.)
Here comes the questions.
1. I would like to change the keyboard to a new one and tighten the sliding-screen. Would SE do that? And would it be free due to warranty?
2. If I were to flash a custom ROM in, would it void my warranty? (Assuming I do it before sending it to SE to fix above problems)
3. Which ROM should I get? I like the goodies that come in the xPERT ROM, but I also like the HTC UI from the Touch-IT ROM. Is there a way to maybe integrate the two? (I'm assuming it would lag less if the UI was integrated into the ROM rather than having it as a seperate installation like I have now)
4. Which would be after the first three are settled, is with games. I've seen the phone's capabilities and what not around, with emulators for the PS1, fullscreen games like Palm Heroes, PDiablo and all that. I've tried them all but I just can't seem to get them all to work, am I doing something wrong?
5. Panels, the whole point of the X1 would be its panels. But I just can't seem to find any. I've searched google, lists, pretty much everywhere. All I see are the official released ones from SE. The most I found, being custom, was the Youtube panel which I got to work. Is there really a lot of panels out there?
[Edit - More questions in Post #5]
That's all the questions I can remember for now, it's pretty late. I'll put up more in the thread or post if I can remember.
Thanks in advance!

keiitastrophic said:
Long post - To help you understand where I am coming from and my situation to better assess what I'm looking for
I've read pretty much all the stickies, and the newbie section regarding questions but I didn't really get answers. Though I did learn a lot, but I'm still a little confused. I find some threads messy, in terms of instructions, and descriptions. Not forgetting the existance of compilation threads. Of course, kudos to everyone here for making awesome apps and roms.
I'm a student from Singapore, and I finally got my dream phone, which is the X1, my first smartphone, from a friend. Barely a few months old and still under warranty. So I'm pretty much a newbie in terms of smartphones, firmware, apps and all that. Been using it for about a month now, got a few minor scratches from wear and tear so it's no biggy, but the keyboards a lil faded, peeled. I'm not sure how to describe it, some letters are just a blob without the 'paint' on to denote it, and the slide-up screen's a little loose.
I started off getting apps like PockeTwit for Twittering to play around. Then I stumbled upon XDA forums. I started off 'boosting' my phone's capabilities with TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, R3A Camera Update, SRS WOW sound thingy. Probably the same way you would do to a PC with certain OC programs and whatnot. Then I installed that Manilla program thing, and now my UI's pretty much like a HTC. Which is awesome might I add. A little laggy, may not be perfect, but it's still great. Thereafter I found out about firmware, WinMo 6.5, issues with it, custom ROMs. Read about how to flash, break it down before flashing custom ROMs into it, which is easy actually. I'm deciding between the Touch-It ROM and the SE-X1 xPERT one because it already has all the goodies in it. More inclined to Barebone one even, then later installing the goodies I want.
I'm looking for one that would look great, with minimal lag, with all the goodies to help me keep it in check and upgrades. (I do understand that there will definitely be a little lag in smartphones due to it's hardware and how we upkeep them as owners.)
Here comes the questions.
First, I would like to change the keyboard to a new one and tighten the sliding-screen. Would SE do that? And would it be free due to warranty?
Secondly, if I were to flash a custom ROM in, would it void my warranty? (Assuming I do it before sending it to SE to fix above problems)
Thirdly, which ROM should I get? I like the goodies that come in the xPERT ROM, but I also like the HTC UI from the Touch-IT ROM. Is there a way to maybe integrate the two? (I'm assuming it would lag less if the UI was integrated into the ROM rather than having it as a seperate installation like I have now)
Fourthly, which would be after the first three are settled, is with games. I've seen the phone's capabilities and what not around, with emulators for the PS1, fullscreen games like Palm Heroes, PDiablo and all that. I've tried them all but I just can't seem to get them all to work, am I doing something wrong?
That's all the questions I can remember for now, it's pretty late. I'll put up more in the thread or post if I can remember.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Just ask Sony Ericsson
2) You can send it back unless you flash to any of the Official Roms and you have to flash the default spl so they don't find out that you flashed your phone.
3) I don't get your questions. If you install a ROM that has Touch Flo 3D then of course you get Touch Flo 3D (aka manilla 3d)... therefore you can delete the the Touch Flo 3D cabs...
4) Xperia sucks with games... btw what is Pdiablo? Link please?

poetryrocksalot said:
1) Just ask Sony Ericsson
2) You can send it back unless you flash to any of the Official Roms and you have to flash the default spl so they don't find out that you flashed your phone.
3) I don't get your questions. If you install a ROM that has Touch Flo 3D then of course you get Touch Flo 3D (aka manilla 3d)... therefore you can delete the the Touch Flo 3D cabs...
4) Xperia sucks with games... btw what is Pdiablo? Link please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will be asking first thing in the morning regarding that. Just wondering if anyone had the same idea and probably got it fixed.
Regarding 2, if they'll fix it, I'll just wait till I get it back before flashing the ROMs then.
Sorry about the mix up with question 3, what I meant was, in regards to what I expecting from the X1, what I wrote in my first post. I like how the Manila UI looks and feels. But I'd like to have all the goodies or upgrades that are included in the other ROM.
So would it be ideal to flash the xPERT ROM and then installing the Manila UI? Or flashing the Touch-IT ROM and install all the other goodies and upgrades thereafter. Which would have minimal lag as a result, more space etc.
Hope I cleared it up.
PDiablo is a port of Diablo 1 to smartphones or PPCs (Whichever is the term), I read somewhere that it works fine on the X1. Here's the link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3836658
Games are not an issue for me, since I have the PC and my PSP for it. I'm happy enough just to have the X1 as a phone, with apps and goodies.

For a properly working TF3D, you need it flashed into the ROM. Even then it'll be a tad slow at times (TF3D was coded horribly), but it'll be loads better than installed through CAB.
Which goodies in the other ROM do you want? Most can be installed anyway.

Angelusz said:
For a properly working TF3D, you need it flashed into the ROM. Even then it'll be a tad slow at times (TF3D was coded horribly), but it'll be loads better than installed through CAB.
Which goodies in the other ROM do you want? Most can be installed anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clarified my thoughts in terms of programming, about flashing > CAB installation. Thank you.
Program wise, preferably those I listed, like the R3A goodies from xPERT ROM, TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, SRS WOW HD I guess. Which I'm assuming shouldn't raise any problems in regards to clashes and whatnot.
I understand the SE-X1 ROMs come with WinMo 6.5, does the Touch-IT ROM come with 6.5 or is it just 6.1?
Is there also a way to increase the volume beyond the given maximum on the X1? Sometimes I can be pretty deaf and miss calls or alarms due to that.
A seperate question. Is there a way to show upcoming appointments beyond the current day and/or the Calendar button on the Home tab in Manila?

You say - "a truckload of question"
I say - Bring them on !!!!!!!!!
Some of them were answered so here are my two cents.
3 - I am using the Generic R3A UK ROM. I find it pretty stable and decently fast. All the tweaks and apps can be done separately, so I don't need a custom ROM. By the way - you can find almost every app or tweak in a cab file.
4 - There are many games that can be played by the X1, but a few made for it . Just search the forum for topics about games. Like this one that I posted (sorry for the shameless self promotion) -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522761&highlight=games+X1
Most of the problems are caused by the resolution of the games. Not many of them are in WVGA resolution. You need this app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442426
5 - There are probably a dozen or less custom panels. Panels development = FAIL.
I dislike TF3D, so I can't help you there .

orelsi said:
You say - "a truckload of question"
I say - Bring them on !!!!!!!!!
Some of them were answered so here are my two cents.
3 - I am using the Generic R3A UK ROM. I find it pretty stable and decently fast. All the tweaks and apps can be done separately, so I don't need a custom ROM. By the way - you can find almost every app or tweak in a cab file.
4 - There are many games that can be played by the X1, but a few made for it . Just search the forum for topics about games. Like this one that I posted (sorry for the shameless self promotion) -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522761&highlight=games+X1
Most of the problems are caused by the resolution of the games. Not many of them are in WVGA resolution. You need this app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=442426
5 - There are probably a dozen or less custom panels. Panels development = FAIL.
I dislike TF3D, so I can't help you there .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply and input. I've seen your thread about games and I find it highly useful. I'll be sure to refer to that if I intend to get more games.
Will also look at standard Generic ROMs since you brought that into light. Never really looked into that.
Currently playing with theChanner program now, watching the telly on the X1.
As with games, not really bothered with panels, just find it rather funny how a strong released concept like that would be so under-developed. Guess it'll take time.
Thanks again.

keiitastrophic said:
Program wise, preferably those I listed, like the R3A goodies from xPERT ROM, TuneUp, XperiaTweak, VModeSwitch, SKTools, SRS WOW HD I guess. Which I'm assuming shouldn't raise any problems in regards to clashes and whatnot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, shouldn't be a problem at all. All those things are available in CAB format. SRS WOW HD doesn't work properly on the X1 though, so I don't know what that chef did.
keiitastrophic said:
I understand the SE-X1 ROMs come with WinMo 6.5, does the Touch-IT ROM come with 6.5 or is it just 6.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touch-IT has a WM 6.1 variant (10.3) and a WM6.5 one. The WM6.5 one is pretty old though, and if you use TF3D, having WM6.5 isn't that big a bonus.
keiitastrophic said:
Is there also a way to increase the volume beyond the given maximum on the X1? Sometimes I can be pretty deaf and miss calls or alarms due to that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SRS WOW HD is the only method I'm aware of - which, like I said earlier, doesn't work.
keiitastrophic said:
A seperate question. Is there a way to show upcoming appointments beyond the current day and/or the Calendar button on the Home tab in Manila?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people have asked this, none have found out how so far. I think the best person to ask this is "Rotastrain" - he does a lot of Mode9 editing.
keiitastrophic said:
Will also look at standard Generic ROMs since you brought that into light. Never really looked into that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although a possibility, do keep in mind that Generic roms might lack some tweaks that you require for some things to work properly. I'd recommend a stripped down and tweaked ROM instead of generic. Often chefs make these as well, since it's the first thing they do before adding in new stuff.
keiitastrophic said:
As with games, not really bothered with panels, just find it rather funny how a strong released concept like that would be so under-developed. Guess it'll take time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't take time, it'll take a miracle. The X1 has been released more than eight months ago. The peak interest in the device has come and gone, panels have failed.

To increase the volume, you can try what you can find here
A new version of touch-it with WM 6.5 should come shortly (it is in betatesting)

Angelusz said:
No, shouldn't be a problem at all. All those things are available in CAB format. SRS WOW HD doesn't work properly on the X1 though, so I don't know what that chef did.
Touch-IT has a WM 6.1 variant (10.3) and a WM6.5 one. The WM6.5 one is pretty old though, and if you use TF3D, having WM6.5 isn't that big a bonus.
SRS WOW HD is the only method I'm aware of - which, like I said earlier, doesn't work.
Many people have asked this, none have found out how so far. I think the best person to ask this is "Rotastrain" - he does a lot of Mode9 editing.
Although a possibility, do keep in mind that Generic roms might lack some tweaks that you require for some things to work properly. I'd recommend a stripped down and tweaked ROM instead of generic. Often chefs make these as well, since it's the first thing they do before adding in new stuff.
It won't take time, it'll take a miracle. The X1 has been released more than eight months ago. The peak interest in the device has come and gone, panels have failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, so much for panels. I'll be sure to ask Rotastrain regarding that, I most definitely prefer seeing a list of upcoming appointments rather than seeing it a day before or having to go into the somewhat confusing calendar to look for stuff.
ROM-Wise, I guess I'll be going for the Touch-IT v10.3 one till the beta one is done.
Looks like I'm pretty much done, unless I can think of any more questions I likely forgot.
Thank you for answering all my questions.

Mopral said:
To increase the volume, you can try what you can find here
A new version of touch-it with WM 6.5 should come shortly (it is in betatesting)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That .CAB file works perfectly! Loud and clear!
Thank you so much.

Why the need for dozens of ROMS?

My understanding is that a cooked rom is a rom that has lots of bit's taken out and then cabs etc put back to make the HD2 run with better performance etc.
But there are so many roms on here, that it has become confusing as to which rom to put on my device. Also what happens when a new legit rom from HTC comes out - doesnt that mean that all the cooking starts again and we end up with thousands of roms?
I would have thought that the additional software installations after installing a new ROM to get the phone in a decent state would put most people off lol.
This is not a dig btw - i have installed a cooked rom, but i think the forum needs to be maybe reshaped a little more i.e. another category with each rom version.

Agree. Would like to see some kind of categories, maybe one for "Featured ROMs", they are cool, gives a hint of what will come, but they might be unstable. One category for ROMs really close to stock, but with minor changes...

i totall agree.. i am a new member as you can see on my number of posts.. i would really like to get to know which rom update is for what and which works best with htc hd2.
need help.

Just do some more research and find what you like.. and use it very often.
Custom Roms are for everybody and each chef has his own kitchen.. and receipe. Someone goes for speed the other for stability.. and some other chef again for a better layout.
I agree sometimes it is difiicullt to see what features are added and to compare which rom suites your needs best, but you could filter it all for you self. Select all Roms that have your interest and filter down to 2 or 3 Roms... then flash those 2 or 3 roms and try them for a few days. You will able to tell which one is best for you
It's up to you which one you choose.. so for lazy people who do not want to search.. stick to the shipped Roms

Bouloama said:
Just do some more research and find what you like.. and use it very often.
Custom Roms are for everybody and each chef has his own kitchen.. and receipe. Someone goes for speed the other for stability.. and some other chef again for a better layout.
I agree sometimes it is difiicullt to see what features are added and to compare which rom suites your needs best, but you could filter it all for you self. Select all Roms that have your interest and filter down to 2 or 3 Roms... then flash those 2 or 3 roms and try them for a few days. You will able to tell which one is best for you
It's up to you which one you choose.. so for lazy people who do not want to search.. stick to the shipped Roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for this one.
It's ur own thing!

Well, All these roms are the personal preference of the maker with some feedback and input from the users. The only way is to decide is read the descriptions and perhaps see what apps are included and mainly, which version of windows mobile (all 6.5 but some the newer 6.5.3(?) version with the taskbar at the bottom and some fingerfriendly stuff), which version of manilla (2.5.1922 is the newest with a document tab but some bugs), etc.
The rest is just a matter of personal preference and trying.

It has always been like this and it works wonderfully... newbs that come here and say this kind of stuff should first try to understand how this forum works and WHY there are so many roms..

Like i said - i agree on the principle of it - but why not create sub forums with rom versions etc so the layout is easier. Being called a newbie because i havn't posted many threads is rather insulting

I really love the way it is now. It gives you freedom to choose, and make your device more custom. I would however like to see alot of cooks go together and create "the perfect rom".. Some cooks go for stabillty, others for speed, someone for visuals. Combine all those chefs recepies and you would have one fantastic rom i believe

I agree with Da9L!
If you spend more time with xda-devs you will see a structure. If i need a WM 6.5.3 ROM i search only for the Sys.Build (28xxx). Very easy.

1. I like having the choice between many different ROMs..you simply have to see what fits your needs the best.
2. Most people stick to their favorite cook because they have similar "taste" and usually you stick with it.
we have many 5-star cooks here and its hard to single out ONE great ROM. There is no universal solution so take a close look at the ROM description and see whats added and removed, look at the bugs and changelogs, the builds and decide if it might be your taste.

i love changing roms in search of features speed and new layouts.. but i always forget which rom was on which version when i last tried it . and now especially with new and different versions of manila and htcsense it is getting a bit of confusing...
I wish if there is a single chart of all roms where they keep atleast some basic information...
like
Name of ROM -- LAST UPDATED-- OS VERSION-- MANILA Version -- Changelog etc
something like this (except its for ANDROID ROMS)
http://db.androidspin.com/android_build_information.asp
tell me what you guys think of this....

Variety
That's like walking into a restaurant and saying, 'why all the different meals?' Or a bar and, why all the different girls? Or why all the different cars? It's the whole point of this site. Viva la difference!

Xaddict said:
That's like walking into a restaurant and saying, 'why all the different meals?' Or a bar and, why all the different girls? Or why all the different cars? It's the whole point of this site. Viva la difference!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True...
But with a menu, you have categories. "Main meals" (full featured rom?) "starters" (clean rom without manila or any addons?)

You just have to have a look at this forum
TheDynamo said:
My understanding is that a cooked rom is a rom that has lots of bit's taken out and then cabs etc put back to make the HD2 run with better performance etc.
But there are so many roms on here, that it has become confusing as to which rom to put on my device. Also what happens when a new legit rom from HTC comes out - doesnt that mean that all the cooking starts again and we end up with thousands of roms?
I would have thought that the additional software installations after installing a new ROM to get the phone in a decent state would put most people off lol.
This is not a dig btw - i have installed a cooked rom, but i think the forum needs to be maybe reshaped a little more i.e. another category with each rom version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just had to read and learn

the thread title is very misleading based on what the TS has to say
in any case, the current layout is fine. i do not think it is very "efficient" to keep going down sub-menus

It would be nice to have a XDA market were al ROMS and stuff can be rated, that would certainly sort things out

Personally I wish there were more ROMs! Like someone said, this is how its always been, this is how it is, and this is how it will always be.
It would be good if the chefs stuck to the official thread naming scheme.
I was gonna provide a link to it, but cant find it now

Rated by who
nwolsink said:
It would be nice to have a XDA market were al ROMS and stuff can be rated, that would certainly sort things out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one that can rate the best rom for you is you

What might be the case
Many of the ROM's have no layout customizations and vary
often only a little in included applications, tweaks/driver patches.
If a new user installs a couple of ROM's , chances
are differences aren't all that big, and the question arises, what's the point ?
If one looks at the older devices, one can see an almost vulgair
choice of styled, tweaked and pimped beyond recognition ROM's.
I mean the ROM's where you open the default games folder and there's 10 games, 19 great themes to choose from, 6 clocks, and what's more.
The fact those ROM's aren't available (yet) could be strange to people relatively new to XDA.
Maybe it's something all different
Edit : forgot to mention Xanitechs Pandora ROM which has "styling" (works like a charm for me)

Life after EnergyROM?

Don't worry, NRGZ28 has no plans to retire yet (I hope ). This thread may get closed or may only get a few replies, but your feedback is appreciated if you would be kind enough to post a few words...
It's not one of the usual "which ROM should I choose threads". I'm experienced here enough not to annoy you all that much!
The problem is that since I flashed my first EnergyROM on my Diamond or TP (can't remember which), I can't divert from them. Great for NRGZ28...that's obviously the desired effect, but I see so many other ROM threads in these fora, and it's obvious so many people choose them over EnergyROMs for one reason or another. Basically, I like the fact that they look great and come "fully-loaded", and a big thing for me is that the latest WM build (currently 23563) is used to cook from. A "stock" or "lite" ROM isn't much good to me as I would just fill it with all the same stuff anyway, only not being cooked in it probably wouldn't all work together so well.
What I'm asking for is what others are using instead of EnergyROM and why.
What I'm most worried about is that I'm so stuck on EnergyROMs that I might be missing something else. I recognise completely that all of the ROM chefs are super talented in what they do and I wouldn't know where to begin in cooking myself. I mean I like to think that I'm pretty well techie-minded, but the thought of ROM cooking hurts my head! All those XIP and SYS and pagepools, lua script & manila files, all the ExtROM stuff that gets constantly updated that I wouldn't be able to get hold of, not being in the right circles. I just can't bring myself to try because I know it could always be better.
But also, I don't like to constantly flash all the time, once a week is enough I think and this is what keeps me from testing other ROMs.
Thanks for reading and I hope I didn't just waste 2 minutes of your life and a few kilobytes on the xda server! I'm sure there are more "EnergyROM addicts" out that are wondering if anything else compares.

Whatever ROM you choose you will be missing something. The right question is:
Can I live without that feature/application/tweak/theme/etc?
Choosing custom ROM over stock has its obvious advantages. Using stock has its advantages also: warranty is not violated, you have support from manufacturer etc.
Custom ROMs are different story. They are made by individuals according to their taste: from eye-candy (or lack of it) to choice of apps and tweaks.
EnergyROMs have nice eye-candy, they are nicely optimized with good app choices. There are ROMs that are faster. There are ROMs that are close to stock look, so you can modify it according to your own taste. There are ROMs with no additional apps so you can install exactly what you need. Some chiefs refresh their ROMs more frequently than NRGZ28, so you get new build faster.
Personally, I stick to the "good old" 21XXX builds and flash only when there is important update in newer build. Something like improvement in speed or some feature that is important to me (battery life, newer Office build, or fix for something that was not working as it should).
EnergyROMs are used by many so bugs and problems are found much faster and, consequently, fixed faster.
I have tried almost all other ROMs but for some reason, EnergyROM on HD2 presents for me, personally, perfect combination of looks, features, stability and battery life.

You make some very valid points...am I right in considering you an EnergyROM addict too?
In fact all of what you have said is completely my way of thinking. Although I use the 23XXX builds. For some reason I have some (un)healthy compulsion to have the latest of everything, which is one of the main reasons I use EnergyROM in the 1st place (and I also why I bought a HD2 when I had a perfectly good TP2, much to my wife's dismay!
)
I couldn't go back to having the "Start" and "X" buttons at the top. That's SO 4 months ago!
Anyone else wanna throw anything in?

Admire al chefs but..
Yes, I admit I have a NRG addiction as well.....
I do try other chef's cooking as well, especially because NRG takes the time to release new builds, and others come out with theirs earlier. I find myself time after time going back to his, either 'downgrading' or flash one of his as soon as they come out.
What other ROMs I try?
I would categorize them like this:
1. Eye candy - Some chefs here are extremely talented is combining their own looks, or co-operating with people with high skills of developing beautiful looking screens.
2. Performance - I always look for a ROM that will have no lag , be memory efficient (not that the HD2 lacks any) , and one without bloating.
I think the appeal NRG ROMS has on me (at least) is the combination of the Italian beauty (see the cars they make) and the German precision. On top NRG is here in the US, and it gives him another advantage for me. Not sure if he is on AT&T or not, but until now any recommendation he has (like going back to 2.07 radio) was a great advice.
I try from time to time Miri's , Tom Codon's , IT's (sorry, not on this forum any more, but still a great chef) and Dutty's, even some others. All are great piece of work, and I do want to take the opportunity and thank all of them, but as stated - NRG's are always the ones I finally keep on my phone, and dare travel with..

i think there are some fundamental differences in chefs way of thinking.
I for one (and i know a few others who have stated as much) are cooking primarily for ourselves. we just choose to share the work. I will listen to requests, and if it is valid that it gets taken care of. Of course bugs affect everyone, so they take a priority.
Many other Chefs seem to "cook for the masses" and therefore appeal to a wider audience.
I dont think it is any any way fair to consider one chef over another by something as simple as post count on their rom thread (not saying you do this its just an observation).
If you feel comfortable with a style of rom, there is nothing wrong with sticking to it. but as you say, it never hurts to look, and so you have.
Going back time and again to one chef is more a compliment to that person, and nothing to be concerned over.

matmaneyre said:
But also, I don't like to constantly flash all the time, once a week is enough I think and this is what keeps me from testing other ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flash every morning (atleast)...sometimes even before taking a crap
Anybody knows any bone diseases I may end up with, please warn me !

On the better side of the thread intention , I for one personally end up with a Clean rom with no extra apps so I can make it my 'own'.
Always two sides to a coin... or many sides to a paper note if you fold it

Will you guys have a look at my new ROM?

here is the story,i have been working on a windows mobile ROM for few days and still i have no idea if any one is really interested to look to other Roms for his phone other than the original,i dont release any screenshots yet,still working on homepage,but all i can say is:
i have held onto lightness of the rom as much as possible
i dont run tweaks on my Roms
style of the ROM is totally new and never been out and its suitable for all microsoft windows users.
after being a programmer of .NET application for near 6 years ever since i was only 14,and before that i was joint the basic game development group,i can say i got some experiences in XNA game development framework and Compact .NET framework,so in everyrom i provide some applications including the updates (which are written by me,applications and updates both togather),for example now im working on a vista style calculator, Folder-explorer and applications like that,and i believe such things are impossible in some way for windows phone 7 due to its limitations.
so generally my questions is that : any of you are interested to see this rom?in next 48 hours i might be complete with designing process and then if you guys confirmed and liked it,i could start programming some non-WM style applications,applications with totally new visuals and ideas,
thanx
with respect to all ROM cookers on this forum
--->>>>>Update on 5/24/2010 2:07AM (UTC+8.00) : Head on to the new thread on :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=687144

forgot to mention the ROM version : 6.5 Professional

Let us give it a try chief.
Any new idea is welcomed here.
All the best,
Me

a unique yet powerful suggestion will be delivery ( pm ) to you soon

icsulescu said:
Let us give it a try chief.
Any new idea is welcomed here.
All the best,
Me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 welcome new chief

an Introduction to team
Thanx for your responses til now ,and i have to introduce me and myfriend and his is also a ROM editor,my name is arman ,and my friend is Rouzbeh,he has been member here for few months but im new in XDA,simply 'newbie',so we officially start our thread about the process of the rom ,and it's screenshots
if you have any software idea that you would like to have it included in the next fewer versions of the ROM ,its most welcome,and you can post it as a PM. i ty to put all my effort to make the idea out of .NET and myown Frameworks

Yes. Me and Arman, together we present the Prestige X series ROM. We are sure you will enjoy this ROM

Bring it on!!!

welcome to you new chief

PrestigeX said:
here is the story,i have been working on a windows mobile ROM for few days and still i have no idea if any one is really interested to look to other Roms for his phone other than the original,i dont release any screenshots yet,still working on homepage,but all i can say is:
i have held onto lightness of the rom as much as possible
i dont run tweaks on my Roms
style of the ROM is totally new and never been out and its suitable for all microsoft windows users.
after being a programmer of .NET application for near 6 years ever since i was only 14,and before that i was joint the basic game development group,i can say i got some experiences in XNA game development framework and Compact .NET framework,so in everyrom i provide some applications including the updates (which are written by me,applications and updates both togather),for example now im working on a vista style calculator, Folder-explorer and applications like that,and i believe such things are impossible in some way for windows phone 7 due to its limitations.
so generally my questions is that : any of you are interested to see this rom?in next 48 hours i might be complete with designing process and then if you guys confirmed and liked it,i could start programming some non-WM style applications,applications with totally new visuals and ideas,
thanx
with respect to all ROM cookers on this forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely we all would love to see your work and be a part of it, so feel free to share your work and we all appreciate you for that.

i would love to see your work!
sounds very interesting!

3 Days ...
This ROM will take about 72 hours,
Currently, Im working on upgrading the base for using the latest packages, and Arman is Focusing on development of additional frameworks which will be included inside the rom
The good news is that the framework will be shared with developers who are interested in using it in their apps)
When the build is ready, we will close this thread & start a new one. until that time, all your Ideas and comments are welcome.

icsulescu said:
Let us give it a try chief.
Any new idea is welcomed here.
All the best,
Me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+ 1, your welcome . so i can say for my experience, there are alot fo peopple that would like to see a complete and original stock rom just with manila upgrade or a complete original stock rom without sense (NO SENSE), There are already so many apps ,modification, tweaks cabs and more to customize a stock rom, PERSONALLY I LIKE 6.5 ROMS MOST

Nice to see that some new chiefs are working on HD2 here!
I will follow your future roms and try them!
If you both have also aknowledge of the base technics of the rom, DLL's and so on, there is a group of people liking very much to use a good incall-recorder!
For now ( I think depending of audio-routing and decoding-GSM ) with every working software just your own voice is recorded; the voice of the one that you are calling with is just recorded by the microphone that picks of the soft sound of the speaker of the phone.
If you guys got the skills to look into this ( othersnapdragon devices as the acer can do 2way-recording!) and solve it you are gonna get lots of fans!
Good luck cooking and developing!

vrgolin said:
+ 1, your welcome . so i can say for my experience, there are alot fo peopple that would like to see a complete and original stock rom just with manila upgrade or a complete original stock rom without sense (NO SENSE), There are already so many apps ,modification, tweaks cabs and more to customize a stock rom, PERSONALLY I LIKE 6.5 ROMS MOST
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We will work on both 6.5 and 6.5.5 roms. I too prefer the 6.5 roms as they are lighter and more professional. but we will work on both editions, offering different versions (including lite, -with & without sense).
I appreciate your suggestion sir, thanks for sharing your experience

alfamini said:
Nice to see that some new chiefs are working on HD2 here!
I will follow your future roms and try them!
If you both have also aknowledge of the base technics of the rom, DLL's and so on, there is a group of people liking very much to use a good incall-recorder!
For now ( I think depending of audio-routing and decoding-GSM ) with every working software just your own voice is recorded; the voice of the one that you are calling with is just recorded by the microphone that picks of the soft sound of the speaker of the phone.
If you guys got the skills to look into this ( othersnapdragon devices as the acer can do 2way-recording!) and solve it you are gonna get lots of fans!
Good luck cooking and developing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will inform arman about this, so he can work on this issue

We would like a beta-tester team who can help us to make a stable ROM. if anyone is interested, please let us know.

Re:
imtiyazee said:
Definitely we all would love to see your work and be a part of it, so fell free to share your work and we all appreciate you for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your support

alfamini said:
Nice to see that some new chiefs are working on HD2 here!
I will follow your future roms and try them!
If you both have also aknowledge of the base technics of the rom, DLL's and so on, there is a group of people liking very much to use a good incall-recorder!
For now ( I think depending of audio-routing and decoding-GSM ) with every working software just your own voice is recorded; the voice of the one that you are calling with is just recorded by the microphone that picks of the soft sound of the speaker of the phone.
If you guys got the skills to look into this ( othersnapdragon devices as the acer can do 2way-recording!) and solve it you are gonna get lots of fans!
Good luck cooking and developing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response,just as an update ;
im now designing mostly .NET framework side of the ROM,for those of you who dont know what .NET framework is ,in very very simple means,its a set of components provided as default ,components can be like : listbox,buttons,textbox and so on ... or even DLLs(class libraries),
i got time this evening to settle all the proper tools for development ,we are still experiening,note that the first series of rom are classified ,just like Windows family classification .
we will be having:
- Business edition : light,fast,browser integrated,office tools and all tools related to the same field of this kind
- Basic : for those of you who wants it real simple,no additional set of tools or frameworks,and basically want the highest level of battery life.
- ultimate: last but not least,including all extras we have developed,from small utilities to huge ones,and both useful and developed based upon your ideas ,this edition will be including all the packages,this is for those who want it real featured!
note that the design is quite stable,we are not aiming to provide differently designed homepages,but instead one universal start page , and the difference is in their features,the difference will be really obvious.
---------------------------------
How will be the future of this ROM?
basically you just download a single file extract it,and run it,setup runs,firstly asks you for the edition of your choice and basically prepares the flash-program for you to directly flash the phone and get the rom to work
--------------------------------
only that our first rom is comming in a very simple shape,just a demonstration and when we are done with styles ,we will head straightly to functionality
--------------------------------
all i can say is that i am trying my best to keep your battery lifes at the maximum level by not running extra processes,but still implementing alot of features .
--------------------------------
AND we are not copying anyone's work in this forum and XDA or any other developer's work,we started a clean copy

Just :
rouzb3h said:
We would like a beta-tester team who can help us to make a stable ROM. if anyone is interested, please let us know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just as a note : beta-testers do not risk their phones,we do not push applications incomplete into the platform,beta-testers are those who could leave us direct comments and ideas about the current style of the applications,the ROM in each beta ,is totally Stable and this is promised by me