Benefits of ditching Sense ROMS?

[Guest Zarch1972]

As we all know, battery life on the Desire is not great, so would ditching the conventional sense ROMS help in that regard?

Having not really dabbled with other launchers, which are recommended?

And what ROM would people suggest for great battery life?

I think the only 2 things I'd miss from my Sense ROM is

The nice HTC clock with weather. (but i'm sure other clocks/weather widets are available)

"People", ie the way it links your google contacts with Facebook and Twitter (and shows pictures etc when they call). Can this be done elsewhere??

In a moment of tinkering, i've just gone from R9 to RCMixHD v0.14b over on XDA, but looking in quick system info and SystemPanel shows what a load of crappy HTC stuff runs in the background.

I think i'd prefer a virtually empty system with no browser/message apps (and underlying crap) included, then i'd add my own afterwards (Doplhin and Handcent)

I wonder what the rest of you guys think about this and what you've done about it??

[Guest spammyspam]

I switched to Cyanogen due to major issues with Bluetooth on HTC ROMs. Although I missed Sense at first, I got over it. As a bonus I got an email client that works with Hotmail ActiveSync.

With regards to battery I think it's better, but not by much. I still have to switch to 2G etc. That said, only HTC ROMs seem to have the "only use data on demand" option which I had selected before. With Cyanogen it's always on with no relative effect on battery life. You could try it for a day with JuicePlotter etc to see if it affects your particular usage.

Anyway, I've not looked back myself.

[Guest chucky.egg]

I've found my Desire to be noticeably faster without Sense, and the battery life somewhat improved. I charge overnight and tend to have 75%+ when I leave work, then I often charge in the car while listening to podcasts. I've not see an orange or red battery icon for quite a while.

I've installed Launcher Pro Plus, which is excellent, and I don't have that many apps installed, and only 2-3 widgets.

I too have not looked back, and would really recommend it.

The only issue I have is that the pre-baked ROM I'm using won't download from the Market - Paul's working on that, and I can live with other sources for the time being.

If you're a Plus member you can bake your own ROM, with whatever you want in it

[Guest EddyOS]

If you still want the HTC clock/weather widget then download this:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ru6m0w

Looks the same but is third party

[Guest potter97]

Hi their if your looking for Literally the Fastest ROM's on the market with all the added bonus's of....

Features:

Android v2.2.1 built from AOSP

Linux kernel v2.6.35.9

Latest Google Apps

Superuser v2.3.6

Busybox v1.17.3

Latest Zeam Launcher << New launcher which is Free and a lot quicker than launcher Pro, plus some nice features too!

Adblock support for S-OFF users

Adhoc wifi support

Advanced power widget

Any file type downloading

Dalvik2Cache support for N1Table HBoot users

Deodexed

FM Radio

Froyo A2SD support

Legacy A2SD with support for EXT2/3/4

Long press back to kill apps

Reboot menu

Track change with long press of volume buttons

Then I highly recommend AdamG's Oxygen Rom, no other Rom scores higher on Quadrant or is as fast as this little puppy

Oxygen v1.0 << GO <<

His last project called Open Desire was a MASSIVE hit, and this new project is proving to be even better, everything is complied from open source and not copied of off anyone.

I am only highly rating this ROM as I use it everyday, and have never been so happy with one rom before, it includes pretty much everything!

If you read just a few pages of the thread you will clearly see what people think of it, we are all blown away!, the rom is only 48MB, and contains NO bloatware that slows your device down at all. It is completely optimised for speed and stability!

But don't take my word for it, try it your self and be blown away!

I would highly recommend you S-off your device too if not already, it just makes life easier all round!

Hope you check it out and get back with your review, Need any help ask in the thread or pm me on XDA potter1984, am only to happy to help!

Edited December 8, 2010 by potter97

[Guest Zarch1972]

The only issue I have is that the pre-baked ROM I'm using won't download from the Market - Paul's working on that, and I can live with other sources for the time being.

If you're a Plus member you can bake your own ROM, with whatever you want in it

Which ROM are you using Chucky? Paul's non-sense version?

If you still want the HTC clock/weather widget then download this:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ru6m0w

Looks the same but is third party

Thanks Eddy, that will be the "old" version that HTC asked them to change?? ;)

Hi their if your looking for Literally the Fastest ROM's on the market with all the added bonus's of....

Then I highly recommend AdamG's Oxygen Rom, no other Rom scores higher on Quadrant or is as fast as this little puppy

Oxygen v1.0 << GO <<

His last project called Open Desire was a MASSIVE hit, and this new project is proving to be even better, everything is complied from open source and not copied of off anyone.

I am only highly rating this ROM as I use it everyday, and have never been so happy with one rom before, it includes pretty much everything!

Thanks Potter, I had seen that ROM over on XDA. Maybe I will give it a try.

So the final thing I can't see to get an answer on is the Facebook/Twitter contacts integration. Can that be done without Sense?

[Guest potter97]

Which ROM are you using Chucky? Paul's non-sense version?

Thanks Eddy, that will be the "old" version that HTC asked them to change?? :P

Thanks Potter, I had seen that ROM over on XDA. Maybe I will give it a try.

So the final thing I can't see to get an answer on is the Facebook/Twitter contacts integration. Can that be done without Sense?

Yes on Oxygen, you can use either a separate app or jut the basic contacts app it includes what you want it to!. FB, Twitter Google, or just 1 or 2 of them, Plus if you don't like the interface their are other apps that get the job done!, were not on iphone but theirs an app for that!

Just checked my phone contacts list I have Twitter, Facebook and google on, but have set it to just show people with phone numbers or the list is HUGH ;)

[Guest EddyOS]

Indeed it will, but it's the best IMO

[Guest potter97]

Indeed it will, but it's the best IMO

hehe it is!

Btw how are you eddyOs haven't seen you around for a while, mainly due to the fact I haven't been on modaco for a while!

All good I hope ;)

[Guest EddyOS]

Yeah I'm good, tend to live on XDA these days as it's gone a bit quiet here...not into rooting as much, either. Currently running stock but might be getting a DHD in January

[Guest potter97]

Yeah I'm good, tend to live on XDA these days as it's gone a bit quiet here...not into rooting as much, either. Currently running stock but might be getting a DHD in January

Lol, same here bud, XDA is the old new local hang out! ;)

Cool on the DHD, I thinking of waiting till end of next year and picking up a Dual core device if any are out by then XD, Oh technology i LOVE YOU! ha

[Guest le_lutin]

Yeah I'm good, tend to live on XDA these days as it's gone a bit quiet here...not into rooting as much, either. Currently running stock but might be getting a DHD in January

Stock as in the Stock ROM which comes with the phone? I thought you were running a HD ROM, no?

[Guest EddyOS]

I was but got bored of it. Never stay rooted for long - I just like to try ROMs out

[Guest EddyOS]

Lol, same here bud, XDA is the old new local hang out! ;)

Cool on the DHD, I thinking of waiting till end of next year and picking up a Dual core device if any are out by then XD, Oh technology i LOVE YOU! ha

Well it depends. Missus is due an upgrade but she doesn't care about phones and she likes the Desire so she'll get mine and I'll have hers. DHD looks like the job but we'll see come Jan/Feb time

Edited December 8, 2010 by EddyOS

[Guest le_lutin]

I was but got bored of it. Never stay rooted for long - I just like to try ROMs out

So do you prefer Stock to the DHD ROM?

Just interested as I was gonna move (more or less permanently) to a DHD ROM and I don't want to do it if it turns out it's not worth it.

[Guest EddyOS]

Oh, its worth it!! I just don't need to run on a custom ROM as I use very few apps...

Edited December 8, 2010 by EddyOS

[Guest le_lutin]

Oh, its worth it!! I just don't need to run on a custom ROM as I use very few apps...

Thanks.

[Guest Diggedy]

im also a big fan of the non sense roms. I use launcher pro due to being able to do everything sense does and a lot more and then once youve chaged the launcher the HTC stuff just becomes useless junk. So if I were you, try switching launchers first, see if you can go without sense and then try a non sense ROM. I also prefer the stock dialer and contacts, but its not for everyone

[Guest chucky.egg]

I'm using one of Paul's pre-backed NO SENSE roms (I've tried WITH and WITHOUT the modaco additions and neither have the market working properly, IME)

Trying out a launcher is a good tip.

Personally I don't much like the default dialer - no dial-by-name support (unless I'm missing something) but who dials numbers these days?

And I don't like the look of the Contacts as much, but it's faster which wins for me

[Edit]

So far so good.

Re-flashed last night, Market worked. Rebooted the phone this morning (it was updating my album artwork overnight) and can still download.

Edited December 9, 2010 by chucky.egg

[Guest Zarch1972]

Yes on Oxygen, you can use either a separate app or jut the basic contacts app it includes what you want it to!. FB, Twitter Google, or just 1 or 2 of them, Plus if you don't like the interface their are other apps that get the job done!, were not on iphone but theirs an app for that!

Just checked my phone contacts list I have Twitter, Facebook and google on, but have set it to just show people with phone numbers or the list is HUGH ;)

I've installed Oxygen ROM and it does seem mighty rapid. The layout is certainly different to the HTC Sense ROMs so will take some getting used to.

Do you need Facebook and Twtter installed to see FB and TW contacts in your list?

Looking in the contacts list, all I can see are the ones from my google contacts. I've tried Launcher Pro and the Zeam Launcher, but neither appear to have any integration with FB or TW. Which leads me to think you need the proprietary apps in place??

Edited December 8, 2010 by Zarch1972

[Guest EddyOS]

Yes you need FB/Twitter to sync with contacts

[Guest Zarch1972]

Yes you need FB/Twitter to sync with contacts

Thanks Eddy, seems have to done the trick. Will carry on playing and see if I like this minimal look through tomorrow. ;)

[Guest Zarch1972]

Thanks Eddy, seems have to done the trick. Will carry on playing and see if I like this minimal look through tomorrow. :P

Been playing with the Oxygen ROM this morning. Certainly is fast. Not sure of battery usage compared to Sense (r9 or DHD) as i've had in plugged into USB messing about with ADB. ;)

Both Facebook and Twtter integration work through the standard contacts utility. (remember to install both apps and choose sync exsiting contacts first).

I'm not convinced about the basic notification bar yet.... i much preferred the Sense simple icons. (and smooth sense i had on there). But i think that might be all down to themes??? need to play some more there.

I'm using Launcher Pro and it gives me back that old iPhone feeling with phone, contacts, SMS and email permanent icons along the bottom. LOL. I like it.

Although I might try Zeam launcher too.... although not sure what the differences are at present??

Nice little experiment so far...... recommend it if you fancy messing about.

[Guest Zarch1972]

A quick visit to the UOT Kitchen and i'm now back with simple black/white icons with the battery% mod.

Got to love that kitchen.............. http://circle.glx.nl/

Now, is it possible to change the lock-screen in Oxygen?? Thats the next little task.

I'm loving all this messing about...... you certainly learn a lot for just pissing about with things. ;)

I do have a problem with adfree though..... plenty of chat on xda about that though, so need to see what's gone wrong there.

Edited December 9, 2010 by Zarch1972

[Guest EddyOS]

You need S-OFF for AdFree to work properly, unless the ROM is edited to work with it otherwise

How'd you change the name of Dolphin btw?

Edited December 9, 2010 by EddyOS