Database Users

DroidX User: Just bought my first tablet! TF300T

Hello folks I just bought the 32gb TF300T at Best Buy tonight. Got the price match via the "Office Max" ad for $349.99 plus tax...
Anyhow some questions.
I have rooted, rom'd, themed, ect... the heck out of my DroidX and am generally very comfortable mucking around in that territory but I'm reading various threads here and about concerning the permanent bricking of the TF300 if a person does something wrong. I'm used to being able to SBF & restore the DroidX if something goes amiss and bring the 'brick' alive again. That being said, I'm a bit squeemish at the moment to do any modifications with the TF300 but of course will be itching to nontheless... Mainly would like to definitely Root-Unlock(?)-Flash Roms. Any suggestions or particular threads to point me to concerning this? I've done a little looking around but there seems to be multiple methods discussed for even rooting and I'm a little uncertain on where to begin realizing this is likely a bit different than the DroidX.
Any recommendations as to "Must Have" apps and/or do most apps that work on the DroidX for example, still work on this tablet?
My uses will be for both work and play. A lot of web surfing, email, and media.
Any and all tips are appreciated! Thanks

Once you unlock the bootloader you should be good to go. Just make sure you follow directions and read up before you do anything new. Also just so you know once you unlock you cannot go back to locked and you will not get updates from asus. Currently I'm just going with it locked and rooted and I'm happy. Ics is so good already plus there aren't too many rooms out yet. Give it time though and once they start to roll out and I get sick of stock ill start flashing. I'm also holding out so that if anything goes wrong my warranty is still valid and I can get it replaced.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using xda premium

Howdy!
First off, nice buy, I do so enjoy my TF300T, and I'm sure you will as well.
As you prolly know from the cheaper price, Asus also used cheaper parts to build their tablets. Make sure the screen is free of defects, so you can return it for a new one if something goes wrong. It's a beautiful tablet as long as your luck is up and you don't brick it by mistake. My advice: wait a week or two. If you're happy, go ahead and visit this thread ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1669827) for a cyanogenmod 9 port. The Nightlies are stable, I'm using it right now, but there are still issues with GPS and Sound, which will be fixed with time and patience.
You can root (if you haven't updated past .17 and don't want to install CM9 yet) easy by using sparkyroot at: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1526487 ))) But if you have, do some research, and you'll find what you"re looking for.
If you do, here's something to help you along: http://www.android.gs/update-asus-t...anogenmod-9-android-4-0-4-ice-cream-sandwich/
There's more, but you have to search for it! Google is your friend.
------------------------------------
If I've helped you, please don't forget to thank me!

TDinsmoor said:
As you prolly know from the cheaper price, Asus also used cheaper parts to build their tablets. Make sure the screen is free of defects, so you can return it for a new one if something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this completely. I'm on my third tablet. The first one had a dead pixel, and the second had a hardware defect where the touchscreen went crazy if I applied any amount of pressure to the left edge of the tablet. The second one took me a few days to figure out what exactly was happening.

Thanks for the replies! I did actually take that update from Asus last night after powering it up.
My Kernel version is 2.6.39.4
Wonder if I can even root now at this moment?
Thinking of holding out for now regarding unlocking as I would sooner keep it within warranty at this time plus it doesn't seem like there are any real perks in unlocking currently if the Roms & Kernels out now are still young in development.
I would like to root though if I haven't screwed up by already taking the update so I can run TB, ect...
Thanks again guys. I'm sure there will be many questions to come!

Yer very welcome.
I do recommend the updated build.prop, it's low-profile, but helps with things such as battery life and other optimization. You need root, however.

TDinsmoor said:
Yer very welcome.
I do recommend the updated build.prop, it's low-profile, but helps with things such as battery life and other optimization. You need root, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I did get my root very easily per this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1689193
The thing is I tried to get the CWR via:
3. If you have root and need CWM recovery.
Why? Nandroid backups and restores. Debrick. Flexibility. Numerous other reasons. ( but no OTA)
- Step 1. Run the tool "1-Click Transformer Root.bat"
- Step 2. You'll be presented with a menu. Choose option (3)
- You'll have CWM Recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And was unable to as option #3 is simply "Quit" :silly:
I'm wondering if one needs to be "Unlocked" to obtain CWM recovery?
Anyhoo, yea, could you point me to this updated "build.prop" discussion and method for obtaining? Anything in particular to be cautious of when doing it?
Thanks!

lazer9 said:
Thanks! I did get my root very easily per this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1689193
The thing is I tried to get the CWR via:
And was unable to as option #3 is simply "Quit" :silly:
I'm wondering if one needs to be "Unlocked" to obtain CWM recovery?
Anyhoo, yea, could you point me to this updated "build.prop" discussion and method for obtaining? Anything in particular to be cautious of when doing it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to be unlocked for CWM. In relation to the modified build.prop AFAIK there isn't one made for the lastest firmware (.30), but here's the main thread for it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219

jgaf said:
You need to be unlocked for CWM. In relation to the modified build.prop AFAIK there isn't one made for the lastest firmware (.30), but here's the main thread for it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info. I'll read up on the process now so I will have a good grip on it if/when one becomes available for the current firmware.

jgaf said:
....In relation to the modified build.prop AFAIK there isn't one made for the lastest firmware (.30), but here's the main thread for it: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait... From that thread: Post #261 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=27666040&postcount=261
It seems there are actually two for the latest firmware or am I reading something wrong?
Edit: Disregard the above. I just realized those are for the WW version and not US. If I'm understanding correctly... Whew, so much to be careful about.

Worth to Root + New Rom my Tab.

Hey everybody I was just wondering if it was worth to do it...
Will the overall performance of my tablet be affected to better?
I have some small experience with rooting and installing new roms on my phone, (epic 4g touch) but i know nothing of rooting and installing new roms to tablets.
Thanks
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium HD app

No answer? Helloooo somebody out there lol?
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch on Codename JoyRide using xda Premium.

Hi, and welcome!
First sorry that you waited so long for a response. It's been a slow Sunday at XDA as far as I can tell.
And it's kinda difficult to give you an answer that everyone would agree with. But I'll give you my take on it. You could change out the words "Why do I" for "Is it worth it" in the following if you like.
Why do I root my tablet? Mainly for bootanimations, system tweaks, like the gps fix we used to have to use to get the gps even marginally functional (That's not an issue anymore, so no worries). I also like to mess with very noobish mod attempts. Noobish, but it makes me smile when I do something neat. Things like that. There are plenty more reasons but I think that should reflect the gist of it.
Why do I unlock my devices (read; install custom bootloader in this case.) and install custom roms? Mainly because of neat features that are above and beyond what the manufacturer includes. For instance the Acer Ring (Some like it, some don't.). as well as tweaks already performed by the chef, like that gps fix I mentioned. Then there is overclocking and the custom kernels.
I'm sure that you probably already know all of this, and while our tablet is really great stock and will do just fine. I think that it is improved using a custom rom. Plus, since it is a tablet rather than a phone, it isn't as critical if something goes wrong when you are goofing around installing the rom or unlocking. No one wants a brick. But it's gotta be a little less of a major problem on a tablet than a phone.
The only real downside of installing the custom bootloader that I know of would be that some users (including myself.) report a flicker and the homescreen going blank on rare occasion and the icons dissapear, but restarting the launcher fixes it. Just put a shortcut in the lockscreen to a home switcher. Thanks to loth77 for that tip. But it isn't something that everyone gets and it's not that big of a drag. I can't really think of any other negatives.
Here's probably the most important thing that you should remember. Get your CPUID in case something goes wrong. The tab is bulletproof if you have that. Here's a link to help understand the whys and hows.http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1624645. Remember to get the drivers from acer, and if something doesn't work try changing usb ports, usb cable, or even the pc.
That should pretty much be the long and short of it. Hope it helps. And good luck.

Hey thanks a lot, I think I might root it, Im familiar with flashing roms but the Bootloaders are new to me, can you tell me why do I need to unlock it to install a rom?
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch on Codename JoyRide using xda Premium.

If I understand the process correctly it is something about the way that the bootloader does its security checks. If you have a stock bootloader it looks for the stock rom only. If it doesn't find a rom/kernel that it expects you get to see the android on it's back. The custom bootloader doesn't mind a custom rom. If you want a technical answer maybe someone smarter than myself could explain it better. But I think that is pretty close.

JdgM3NT4L said:
If I understand the process correctly it is something about the way that the bootloader does its security checks. If you have a stock bootloader it looks for the stock rom only. If it doesn't find a rom/kernel that it expects you get to see the android on it's back. The custom bootloader doesn't mind a custom rom. If you want a technical answer maybe someone smarter than myself could explain it better. But I think that is pretty close.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you said it, more or less
With ICS, the bootloader and boot.img communicate. A lot. Neither wish to run properly as they should. In the beginning, we hacked the ICS kernel to run on an HC bootloader. It worked and gave system somewhat RW, but is was crappy to say the least, and caused display irregularities on boot, and sometimes during operation. But when Skrilax_CZ started working on the ICS Bootloader, we could run an ICS kernel, and still get somewhat root and /system RW. But the RW was crappy, and required re-mounting /system all the time.
Having root, without /system RW, is like having a hamburger without the burger. Yeah, it kinda looks like it, but still....
Thus the "tweaked" ICS boot.img came out. Basically the same kernel, but the Zimage has some mods to it. Namely changing the part that prevented RW. And thus, the fully unlocked, fully RW system came out. And technically, you don't need busybox. Just SU. But busy box has to be there for other deals.
So now, to get the full unhindered benefit of both worlds, it's required to change bootloaders. We can do this via NVFlash, because we have the Secured Bootloader Key algorithm (SBK).
Also, HC based Roms WILL NOT run on the ICS bootloader, locked or unlocked. So if ya wanna play ball in our park, ya hafta play by our rules.
You can get your root under a stock ICS bootloader, but, you will have issues with system RW. This I promise.
Also with the unlocked bootloader, you get "fastboot" functions. Consider it your last line of defense. But for those that know how to use it, it's better than flashing certain things.
MD

For what this is worth, as a total noob to all this I decided to try the custom bootloader. Knowing from bricking a Wii once, I made a nand and a rom backup, got my CPUID using blackthund3r's ACER manager for those using ICS (just an incredible thing), and got to work.
I made an error and got hung in APX mode and initially I had at least three heart attacks when I thought I'd bricked; however I figured there had to be a way out as tablet still came on and I had done all the above. Reran Acer manager, changed my previous decision, and soon (within 5 mins) boatloader patched. I've since tried so many roms I've lost count.
Regrets? Not one. It's faster and better. Reading this thread, however, and learning that with a CPUID the tablet is bulletproof makes me feel even better! If you're a noob like me, it's a little scary, but backup, get a nand and the CPUID, Acer Mgr, follow the directions and go for it. After all I went through, if I can do it, so can you!

Yeah I flashed a rom already seens to be working great, i dont have much time right now to mess around with it but its definally better fellows, thanks
Sent from my Epic 4G Touch on Codename JoyRide using xda Premium.

Safestrap roms

Now that the OTA has locked everyone up or those of us that got a device that didn't have the chance to unlock the bootloader, do most/some/all/etc roms that we have for the Razr M work with Safestrap?
Sorry if this is posted elsewhere but I didn't see it and only saw mention of roms having to be compatible with it

collins521 said:
Now that the OTA has locked everyone up or those of us that got a device that didn't have the chance to unlock the bootloader, do most/some/all/etc roms that we have for the Razr M work with Safestrap?
Sorry if this is posted elsewhere but I didn't see it and only saw mention of roms having to be compatible with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the exact roms, but I know there are a few. Since the bootloader was unlocked though, the development for safestrap roms has slowed or stopped. Check in the Android Development section and scroll through for the safestrap roms. I believe they were 4.1.2 roms only, but don't quote me on that.
Sent from my Droid Razr M using xda app-developers app

Jersey846 said:
I don't know the exact roms, but I know there are a few. Since the bootloader was unlocked though, the development for safestrap roms has slowed or stopped. Check in the Android Development section and scroll through for the safestrap roms. I believe they were 4.1.2 roms only, but don't quote me on that.
Sent from my Droid Razr M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROMs developed for SS stopped at 4.1.1, meaning that there not any 4.1.2 custom ROMs available. bootloader was unlocked prior to 4.1.2 rolling out.
there might be a way to convert them to SS though - I know that a dev was able to convert a SS ROM to TWRP flashable recovery, so perhaps he might be able to do the reverse.

jco23 said:
ROMs developed for SS stopped at 4.1.1, meaning that there not any 4.1.2 custom ROMs available. bootloader was unlocked prior to 4.1.2 rolling out.
there might be a way to convert them to SS though - I know that a dev was able to convert a SS ROM to TWRP flashable recovery, so perhaps he might be able to do the reverse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe DeadCalm was updated to 4.1.2. Also, Eclipse v1.2 is still SS compatible but it leans more heavily on AOSP styling.
SS compatible ROMs:
-Early builds of CM10 (way early, like at the beginning of thread early)
-DeadCalm was SS enabled, not sure if it was modified for an unlocked bootloader only
-Energy is SS enabled and never altered for unlocked bootloader
-Flying Jelly was SS enabled and I don't think it was modified to work only on an unlock bootloader
-Eclipse v1.2 was SS enabled, I don't think it was modified for unlocked bootloader

RikRong said:
I believe DeadCalm was updated to 4.1.2. Also, Eclipse v1.2 is still SS compatible but it leans more heavily on AOSP styling.
SS compatible ROMs:
-Early builds of CM10 (way early, like at the beginning of thread early)
-DeadCalm was SS enabled, not sure if it was modified for an unlocked bootloader only
-Energy is SS enabled and never altered for unlocked bootloader
-Flying Jelly was SS enabled and I don't think it was modified to work only on an unlock bootloader
-Eclipse v1.2 was SS enabled, I don't think it was modified for unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, but those are all 4.1.1 ROMs - and I'm fairly certain deadcalm is unlocked bootloader only, as it was created for just 4.1.2.
but I really don't think it matters much anymore - Motorola has been quite diligent on providing updates, so I would not be surprised to see an official 4.2.2 release by the end of this year, with a 4.3 release by next summer.

jco23 said:
yeah, but those are all 4.1.1 ROMs - and I'm fairly certain deadcalm is unlocked bootloader only, as it was created for just 4.1.2.
but I really don't think it matters much anymore - Motorola has been quite diligent on providing updates, so I would not be surprised to see an official 4.2.2 release by the end of this year, with a 4.3 release by next summer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right on all those being 4.1.1, but I was just throwing out some options. Personally, I think very few of the devs, if any, will develop for SS. Sure, the people that are getting new phones or maintenance replacements are hosed. However, people that owned the phone and decided to install the update and not unlock their bootloader? Well, it's their own fault. They've been warned for 4 months that the patch could be locked. Look what happened, it was locked. The one thing the devs could do, that would be fairly easy, is just update the older SS ROMs to the newer OTA. That would help out a lot of people.

RikRong said:
Yeah, you're right on all those being 4.1.1, but I was just throwing out some options. Personally, I think very few of the devs, if any, will develop for SS. Sure, the people that are getting new phones or maintenance replacements are hosed. However, people that owned the phone and decided to install the update and not unlock their bootloader? Well, it's their own fault. They've been warned for 4 months that the patch could be locked. Look what happened, it was locked. The one thing the devs could do, that would be fairly easy, is just update the older SS ROMs to the newer OTA. That would help out a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
100% agreed on the warnings - but I also understand why folks may have been skittish beforehand (took me 3 months of reading before I rooted my first device). given that this phone is now offered for free, I can see many new folks to this community, but they'll be SOL unless we are blessed with the help from a dev to unlock their bootloader.
that being said, the devs are not required to create a hack or make their ROMs SS-compatible, but I would not be surprised if locked bootloader phones soon begin to outnumber the locked one. i'm just thankful that they are here.

To be fair, the droid razr m that I'm working on has its bootloader locked because my girlfriend is skittish about me touching her phone. Women

I could barely even get any to work when they were still developing SS Roms, so goodluck... Never accept OTA's...

AK47sForAll said:
I could barely even get any to work when they were still developing SS Roms, so goodluck... Never accept OTA's...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the one I have had the OTA already downloaded so I didn't even get a chance to unlock the bootloader...been trying to find a white one at a reasonable price and haven't' had much luck

collins521 said:
Unfortunately the one I have had the OTA already downloaded so I didn't even get a chance to unlock the bootloader...been trying to find a white one at a reasonable price and haven't' had much luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you consider reasonable? And have you tried eBay?

AK47sForAll said:
What do you consider reasonable? And have you tried eBay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I've been watching eBay and other sites for a good deal on a white one. Under $200 and in great shape is where I'm looking to get one. I'm in no real rush so I can wait for a deal to pop up

http://www.droidrzr.com/index.php/t...calm-v14-7172013-412-base/page-30#entry333531
That being said.
An activated DC is a path to this & you take your data with you.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2246081
Edit Yet this is a backup made by the full twrp. Yet again they are supposed to be compatible....

Need Help Flashing Rom

I need a little help with this.
I'm looking to flash the X-Note rom, but it's a bit confusing.
First of, is this the right file to use: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2472301
I've been reading up on this, but it is entitle different flashing these ROMs than worth the S3 I'm use to. Would there happen to be a video tutorial for it anyplace?

Kamau54 said:
I need a little help with this.
I'm looking to flash the X-Note rom, but it's a bit confusing.
First of, is this the right file to use: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2472301
I've been reading up on this, but it is entitle different flashing these ROMs than worth the S3 I'm use to. Would there happen to be a video tutorial for it anyplace?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCFrKkjusD4
a bit old but this is fine

jaythenut said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCFrKkjusD4
a bit old but this is fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, my next question do you use CWR as he does in the video? I always thought the recovery of choice was Safestrap for this phone.

You nee to supply some info...
What version of Note 3 you have, N900 or N9005?
What version of Android you running, JB or KK?
What recovery are you using, stock, TWRP or CWM?
Once you supply these things you might get a bit more help...
And if yo don't understand these questions you need to do some SERIOUS reading before you brick your device...

ultramag69 said:
You nee to supply some info...
What version of Note 3 you have, N900 or N9005?
What version of Android you running, JB or KK?
What recovery are you using, stock, TWRP or CWM?
Once you supply these things you might get a bit more help...
And if yo don't understand these questions you need to do some SERIOUS reading before you brick your device...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading and watching videos for the past 3 weeks now. But coming from the S3 method of flashing has been nothing less than different.
The problems I am encountering is from different methods to flash different roms on the same phone. I see some that can be flashed using SS, but others need a pc. It is also confusing that the video of the rom I wish to flash is using one recovery, but reading about it, another recovery is preferred. There are also inconsistencies between videos and written instructions, mainly because of the age of some of them.
In any case, I am on stock JB with my AT&T N900A. I have SS recovery.
Sent from my Xoom using a Starfleet secured channel

Kamau54 said:
I've been reading and watching videos for the past 3 weeks now. But coming from the S3 method of flashing has been nothing less than different.
The problems I am encountering is from different methods to flash different roms on the same phone. I see some that can be flashed using SS, but others need a pc. It is also confusing that the video of the rom I wish to flash is using one recovery, but reading about it, another recovery is preferred. There are also inconsistencies between videos and written instructions, mainly because of the age of some of them.
In any case, I am on stock JB with my AT&T N900A. I have SS recovery.
Sent from my Xoom using a Starfleet secured channel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you have the AT&T Note 3, I'd go to that forum - http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-att
Using advice for a different device might not brick your phone but then again it costs a large amount to replace if you're wrong... You should find answers there...
I don't want to be responsible for potentially bricking your phone by giving advice meant for another device...
Cheers mate...
Generally though, to flash a custom rom your put the rom onto your external sd card, go to recovery and "flasah zip". Find the rom file and sit back for a few minutes and wait. The only real difference is the gui of the recovery...
Also, as a precaution, make a backup of your rom....
Kitkat needs KK bootloaders installed which is why you generally upgrade with ODIN to KK 1st, at least thats what you do with the International N9005....

New S4 new to ROMS and add ons

Hi I just got a new sprint Galaxy s4. I had a Samsung infuse 4g that I rooted and unlocked (which btw was hard to do for a newb way back then) but I never flashed a rom. To be honest I was afraid that I would destroy the phone. They are not cheap. I still have the infuse, so I guess I could practice flashing roms on that one but is it basically the same process? I just really really do not want to destroy my beautiful phone. Is it risky to flash ROMS or put other stuff in the phone? Thanks for the advice. This is an awesome site.

*Anything* you flash to your phone carries a risk (however minute) that it'll brick the device. The root method may be different, but for the most part ROM flashing is the same across any Android device.
IMPORTANT: Check your device model, since there are two variants of the Sprint S4 out there (SPH-L720 and SPH-L720T). The 720T doesn't work with all ROMs, and (last I checked) you lose the Spark connectivity, but 1x/3G/LTE will still work. I have one of the old models before Sprint started rolling out Spark, so I haven't really been keeping up with that part of it.

emeralds5668 said:
Hi I just got a new sprint Galaxy s4. I had a Samsung infuse 4g that I rooted and unlocked (which btw was hard to do for a newb way back then) but I never flashed a rom. To be honest I was afraid that I would destroy the phone. They are not cheap. I still have the infuse, so I guess I could practice flashing roms on that one but is it basically the same process? I just really really do not want to destroy my beautiful phone. Is it risky to flash ROMS or put other stuff in the phone? Thanks for the advice. This is an awesome site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once you get the rooting done here is a great place to start looking for ROM's
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2303917

cyberweasal said:
once you get the rooting done here is a great place to start looking for ROM's
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2303917
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for replying. I posted a question on the rooting thread regarding the s4. I was wondering about rooting it with my
Android version. I believe it's the latest but was not sure. Do you know if it's relatively safe to try that or are there issues like boot loops? Maybe I should leave well enough alone because I doubt I could fix a brick. These are really nice phones...thanks for your help

emeralds5668 said:
thanks for replying. I posted a question on the rooting thread regarding the s4. I was wondering about rooting it with my
Android version. I believe it's the latest but was not sure. Do you know if it's relatively safe to try that or are there issues like boot loops? Maybe I should leave well enough alone because I doubt I could fix a brick. These are really nice phones...thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had no problems. that being said. make sure you also have a stock rom down loaded on the phone or on a pc to fall back on, that way if you do boot loop you can just flash that. also once rooted make a backup!
you can root without doing a new rom or even choose a rom thats mostly stock with minimal changes its up to you how deep you go.
first thing if first once you root if you have KNOX you WILL flag the knox warranty count by 1 and that is not reversible yet.
good luck