I want ICS - How do I know which custom ROM to use?

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note but I really want ICS...

how do I know which path to take?

There seem to be so many different roms...

Word from Samsung Mobile SA is that they will be announcing an update very soon.... How soon, I don't know....

unless you want a custom ROM, there are lots over at XDA. If it's stock you want, then try the UK version, many users here are using that, and report it's quite good....

memphis32 said:

Word from Samsung Mobile SA is that they will be announcing an update very soon.... How soon, I don't know....

unless you want a custom ROM, there are lots over at XDA. If it's stock you want, then try the UK version, many users here are using that, and report it's quite good....

Click to expand...

so I would need to root, and then load the UK version?

what about all the UK stuff on there, or isnt it location specific. In terms of content I mean.

As to root...? Well, I'm not too sure, best if some other member on her comments. Apparently you need to wipe data and fresh install the OS... Not so sure, as when I had my S2, I just flashed straight from GB to ICS, no wipe, no reset, and all was perfect after that.

As to content, well, not sure again. As far as I know, the content should be the same, but I'm still on GB so I would not know...

Just a general tip if you flash to ICS, get yourself a safe kernal, like Speedmod's new one available. It will prevent the brickbug, and possibly speed up the OS completely... So that's then 2 files to flash and you'll be safe....

ai this sounds too complicated I think Im gonna leave it lol

the only thing that really appeals to me is the hardware acceleration of ICS. Or is that JB only?

You need to root first (basically risk-free) and install Busybox (or something similar). It's all usually done in one step by the utility you get at XDA. This allows you to override the kernel/bootloader/recovery area of the phone. Also usually part of those utilities. (This is the part that has risk of bricking, although still a very small risk unless the power goes off.)

Then, you boot into the recovery mode, and install the custom ROM from a zip file. Instructions are usually quite detailed over at XDA and tell you what you need and exactly what to do, which kernel you need, etc.

Edit: If you're referring to Project Butter, yes that's only in Jellybean. But hardware acceleration has been in Android for ages. Since the beginning I believe.

techead said:

so I would need to root, and then load the UK version?

what about all the UK stuff on there, or isnt it location specific. In terms of content I mean.

Click to expand...

I've installed the UK ICS but can't save the APN so am without 3g on this thing! Scanned the net but doesn't seem like there is a solution to this
So planning to drop a custom ROM on this now.

Go for RocketRom..... its fantastic!

Easy way is:

First, use DrKetan's guide on XDA to root
Second flash AbyssNote 4.2 Kernel (its a safe GB kernel)
Third Do 3 X wipes (safe because of the GB Kernel) - Don't know why 3X ... what I was told
Fourth flash ROM (any)

Repeat from Second step to flash a different ROM

EDIT: Never wipe from an ICS ROM

IRG said:

EDIT: Never wipe from an ICS ROM

Click to expand...

can u please explain why? is this the bricking bug?

are you happy with everything on your Note with RocketRom then?? Anything weird? Missing?

Im scared of doing this lol

techead said:

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note but I really want ICS...

how do I know which path to take?

There seem to be so many different roms...

Click to expand...

Real answer, read comments in XDA and test em till you find one that you like. there is no easy answer to this question.

I've loaded the UK/Ireland ICS ROM I downloaded from SamMobile using Odin without rooting and wiping. Everything works fine.

Edit: Battery life took a dive, not as good as it was under GB.

Elimentals said:

Real answer, read comments in XDA and test em till you find one that you like. there is no easy answer to this question.

Click to expand...

^^
Best answer

OGroteKoning said:

^^
Best answer

Click to expand...

I echo that answer. That is also the most 'correct' thing to say...

I would recommend using Cyanogenmod9 for newcomers, that is the ROM I am using as well (I have used others too). I think, because it has such a big development team behind it, it tends to have fewer problems (for me, none now), so it is quite stable. Others would probably contest this statement, which is totally cool too.

It is the most 'popular' ROM too, I believe.

My method of Rooting and upgrading Galaxy note to Cyanogenmod9 ROM:

I root the device using Chainfire's method of flashing a particular stock firmware with Odin, in that particular instance it won't increase your flash counter as well. I find this the easiest most worrisome free method of rooting the Note. Go halfway down page and read this paragraph "1.3. If you are not rooted yet: Flash a modified FACTORYFS". Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1331784

Reboot into Clockwork Mod Recovery, FIRST thing flash that Abyssnote Kernal, and simply choose reboot into recovery (not reboot into phone. Not a train smash if you do accidentally reboot phone, just reboot back into recovery and redo the step). This Abyssnote Kernal flashing step is the only extra step you need to perform due to using a Galaxy Note. Here's the link. You can choose any of the 4 files.

THEN ONLY do you wipe data, cache, dalvik, and flash the the CM9 ROM file (or whichever ROM you want to use). Reboot phone, and voila! Have awesomeness bestowed upon thee! Link for CM9.

Further reading, though it contains different as outlined above (my method works, as do others, don't worry too much about differences). Just for your info

Hope you get it right

FreeStanler said:

I would recommend using Cyanogenmod9 for newcomers, that is the ROM I am using as well (I have used others too). I think, because it has such a big development team behind it, it tends to have fewer problems (for me, none now), so it is quite stable. Others would probably contest this statement, which is totally cool too.

It is the most 'popular' ROM too, I believe.

Click to expand...

See above as Contested - MIUI is my goto ROM for the exact same reasons

As per http://en.miui.com/

What is MIUI?

MIUI is one of the most popular Android ROMs in the world. It is based on Android 2.3 and 4.0, featuring better experience and richer themes. MIUI is updated every Friday based on the feedback from its users.

Click to expand...

Oh and I use MIUIv4 from http://miui.us/ If OP is interested to test it check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1521630