I have ADOSD – Attention Deficit…Oohh!  Shiny!! Disorder. 

When it comes to mobile devices, I can’t seem to last for more than 6 months on a single device.  I get bored quickly and start looking for the latest greatest and often get disappointed.  Why disappointed?  Simple. 

I be po’.

Like most everyone else with a family and other obligations – like groceries and the mortgage – (and little to no mad money or disposable cash just for me), I have long been a fan of cooked ROM’s for the devices I truly do like.  While putting a cooked ROM on a device can technically void your warranty (and certainly will if it gets bricked during flashing), leaving you with nothing more than a fancy paper weight and a monthly cell bill, if done correctly, a cooked ROM can go a long way to helping you get through the next two years on your contracted device.

Please note: This article does not recommend, suggest, condone, or imply in any way that you SHOULD jailbreak your device, despite the recent federal ruling regarding its legality. Jailbreaking your device is a personal choice and not without its risks.

With this in mind, the following is the experience I recently had while trying to root the MyTouch 3G Slide, a T-Mobile, locked,  Android 2.1 update1 device and a recent addition to the mobile phone stable in our house.  A full review of the device is currently in the works, so make sure you check back in a few weeks for it!

The MyTouch 3G Slide is an Android device.  And as Android is a Linux variant, the only way to get the MT3GS (or any Android device) to accept a custom ROM usually involves a 1 to 2 step process – Unlocking the bootloader (as in the Nexus One… though this is not required with every device) and getting root (or super user/ admin privileges… this IS required).

First things first… props and kudos to the authors of all the posts, tools and instructions I’m probably gonna site while I go through this. While there are a number of methods and tools out there that will help you root your device, this is by no means an easy task; and if you’re not 100% comfortable with working with a command prompt; or aren’t confident in your abilities to keep the Brick Faerie away from your device, then I wouldn’t recommend this.  Bricking your device is a VERY real possibility.  I actually thought I had done that with the MT3GS at one point, as it got caught in a boot loop near the end there, but I was able to work around it and got the device back.

1. Unlocking the Bootloader
   The first step you need to do is determine whether or not you need to unlock your bootloader in order to root your device. The Nexus One requires you to unlock the boot loader in order to root the device.  Thankfully, the MyTouch 3G Slide does not.
2. Rooting the Device
   Not all devices are created equal. Those of you that have been with me for a while will know that my device reviews tend to be very critical and often telling. Those that have had more than one mobile device within the last couple of years will also know that one may have been better than the other. This being the case, rooting one device may not be as easy as another device; and the same procedure you used to root one may not work on another.  Rooting the Nexus One was easy. Rooting the MyTouch 3G Slide took a great deal of persistence and furthermore, a great deal of patience.

   There are a great deal of posts out there trying to explain how to do this. I found the XDA Dev’s post near impossible to follow. It assumes you know a great deal about Unix or Linux and is written un uber geek speak. I’m a little light on the lingo, and really couldn’t follow it.

   There are a couple different methods out there that try to make the process somewhat automated.  SimpleRoot 1.3 simply didn’t work for me or my device. For some reason, and I don’t know why. When I contacted the author of the scripts about the problems I was having, he told me that there were other methods available. I tried following these instructions, as well as using the scripts and required support files, but all I did was ending up having to hard reset my device over and over.  The method just didn’t work for me.

   So, off I went, googling some more, trying to find the simpler, easier ways I was told existed. I bumped into the Universal Root, which offers one click rooting (and unrooting!) for select devices.  I got conflicting information information that indicated that the method worked for the 3G Slide.  It doesn’t. The app’s home page is here, and if you have a supported device, you can pick up the app and root and unroot to your heart’s content.

   So, again… off I went, searching some more, trying to find a method that worked for me, that I could understand, didn’t assume that I knew my way around the Android SDK, and provided complete resource files.

   I was finally able to find a method that worked. There are a few different posts out there that cite this particular method.  The thing that you need to understand is that it comes in two parts.  Once you root the device, in Step 1, you have to stop, leaving the device in the state that its in, and then move to Step 2 (via the link near the bottom of the article). I’m not going to recreate the steps here.  You can go take a look at both articles if you’ve got a MyTouch 3G Slide and read the articles. 

   The problem with the number of different rooting methods that are out there for any number of devices is that some of them don’t work with every device and every stock ROM out there, despite what some users say.  I had to try about 5 different methods before I found one that worked, and then, it was one that I had tried before and had fail. Not only do you have to have the right drivers, but you have to have the right OS and OS version. I was not able to root the device on my 64bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate on my MacBook. I WAS able to root the device on my 32bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate on my Fuji Lifebook.

   After you complete the permanent rooting via the flash of the engineering ROM, then you can flash a custom ROM.  There are a number of them at XDA Developers.  There’s even a version of CyanogenMOD 6.0.0 available for the MT3GS.  Its kinda cool to see a Nexus One styled image on the MT3GS.  Cool, but kinda freaky…

   Also, you need to know that if you don’t install the Clockwork Recovery Image and ROM Manager, after  you install your first ROM, installing a second ROM is going to require you to reflash recovery again and again.  According to the author of SimpleRoot, the custom recovery doesn’t "stick" like you would think it should.  However,using Clockwork Recover and ROM Manager, resolves this problem and makes working with your device a lot easier.  It also makes working with Nandroid a lot easier, automating the entire backup process.

3. Flashing my First Custom ROM
   Picking a custom ROM is not as easy as you might think it would be. Aside from finding one you really do like, not all ROM’s are created equal. Not all of them work like you would think they should. The first ROM I chose, wouldn’t boot.  The initial device screen came up, then the screen would go black, and then the device would reboot. I thought I had bricked the device. I hadn’t.  I pulled down CyanogenMOD for MyTouch 3G and flashed it instead. Thankfully, it worked and I soon saw a smaller version of my Nexus One, but with a slide out keyboard, staring back at me.

   Shortly after I did that, I installed ROM Manager.  With it I was able to pull down Clockwork Recovery and reinstall it to the device. That pretty much has automated most of the actions I’ve wanted to complete on it as far as custom ROM installs.

I am in the process of reviewing this device, and thankfully, I was able to find a rooted version of the stock ROM.  Now, I’ll  be able to take screen shots of the device screens for the review.

I defaulted to Google a long long time ago because it worked and was fast and efficient, the same way I went to Firefox and never looked back. I am NOT a Microsoft basher and have relied on most of their product offerings for years. It’s just that I NEVER EVER liked IE and I never went back there unless I absolutely had to, so I did not take advantage of or familiarize myself with any service within it that came from Microsoft.

Now though, since the advent of BING, I have it on my phone and, because I have enjoyed using it there, I have begun to try it on my laptop. The BING people have been adding features over time and I must say I am becoming a fan, at least on my phone.

What say you? Who is your default search provider and would you be willing to try another; or have you?

For the longest time, I’ve wanted to be able to log into multiple GMail accounts using the same web browser.  Since GMail is my primary email, and I use it for one of my consulting jobs, it was always a pain to have to log out of one account to get into another.

Sure, I could have used two browsers, bobbing back and forth between the two, but that would have been a huge resource waste.  Plus, when a person makes up their mind that something should work a certain way, they kind of want it that way!  That was the case with me anyways.

Long story short, Google has finally implemented support for multiple account logins, and a small dream of mine has come true.  Setting this up is relatively easy.

After logging into your primary account, click on Settings in upper right corner.  Then click on the Accounts and Import label in the Settings tab.

Next scroll down the list of options until the Change Account Settings label appears.  You will need to choose the Google Account Settings option.

You’ll then want to enable the option to use multiple accounts.  Google will cautiously warn you that there are limitations.  They even go to the extent of making you check the boxes beside several of the disclaimers they provide.  Read them and click if you agree to live with the functionality sacrificed by using multiple accounts.

At this point, if you click on the arrow beside your email address in the upper right corner, you will be provided with an option to sign into a second account.  Clicking it opens in a new tab of Firefox for me.  This may vary depending upon your current browser’s configuration options.

And there you have it – multiple GMail logins while using the same browser.  Just one more way you can make that thing called the internet work for you.

Like may people, I’m certain you’ve seen this article or that article describing what the top or favorite apps are for <pick a device>. I recently saw an article from Tech Republic on this for Android (using a Nexus One to display screen shots) and it really disappointed me. 

The article simply listed the apps with a few screens, and didn’t give any justification as to WHY they were listed or picked over similar apps.  They also didn’t give any justification to the ranking of the apps.

HUH?!  That doesn’t make any sense.

So… ok.  I’m going to give you mine; but I’m also going to give you the reasons WHY I’ve chosen to list them, in the order that I’ve listed them. All of these applications with the exception of one, are free. So, if you haven’t, you need to give these a close look before passing on them for something else.

1. Agenda Widget
   
   

   I need to have my Agenda Visible at all times!

   If I’m anal about anything in this life, its my work calendar. The normal Calendar Widget that comes with Android is BEYOND useless.  It only shows the next appointment on your calendar along with today’s date, and when you bounce from meeting to meeting, having your FULL agenda in front of you on a home page is something I need.  Maybe this is a hold over from my WM days and Snoopsoft’s Dashboard.  Maybe not… Either way, having this information at your fingertips is always valuable. 

   Agenda Widget displays events from any and EVERY calendar you have on your device.  You can go from a full home page to just a few lines (4×4 or 2×1). Its simple and easy to use.  However, if you’re looking for JUST the right look for your particular theme, background, etc., don’t worry.  This is one of the MOST customizable widgets I’ve ever seen, anywhere.  The only problem it has is that sometimes, you get lost in the config screens, and finding the effect you had previously (if you tend to tinker and tweak, like I do) can often be hard to find… Agenda Widget is free and is available from the Android Market.

2. Fancy Widget
   
   

   Nope, its not HTC SenseUI, its Fancy Widget!

   It all started with HTC Home on Windows Mobile.  HTC’s digital clock display has inspired may different spin offs from a number of different developers.  Fancy Widget provides a familiar digital clock and weather widget that makes use of both GPS and cellular location services to provide date, time and weather information.  It does NOT provide all of the features that HTC SenseUI’s time/weather widget does. You won’t get the full screen weather animation when the weather changes or the device starts; but you will get a basic, 4 day weather forecast when you tap on the current weather conditions.

   Unfortunately, HTC shut Fancy Widget down for looking too much like its SenseUI’s main widget.  Its no longer available in the Android Market.  However, you are still likely to find it hanging out around the internet at one of the more prominent Android forums. It was free when it was available.

3. GMail Unread Count
   
   

   Unread GMail Messages = 4 at this time!

   This is one of the best widgets I have ever seen.  It doesn’t do anything really unusual or amazing. It simply creates an icon on one of your device’s home screens with a count of unread GMail messages. It does it very well, works with multiple accounts, is available in the Android Market and is free.  If you don’t have this widget for your device and its Google Account, you’re missing out.

4. SMS Unread Count
   
   

   Unread TXT Messages = 0 at this time!

   Like GMail Unread Count, SMS Unread Count does the same kind of thing, giving you a count on the number of unread text messages you have. Its also available from the Android Market and is free. 

5. PDANet for Android
   
   

   The device side of PdaNet

   I would be dead in the water without this application. I have no personal internet access at work.  As a contractor, I really have to monitor my time on the ‘Net anyway.  However, when I do need to get out, PDANet allows me to tether my laptop to my Android phone and get access through my unlimited data plan.  Access quality and speed depends on the strength and type of data signal you receive.  I usually have a 2-bar 3G/HSPA signal at the office; but its tenuous at best.

   This is only one of two paid applications that I have now, and is worth every penny.  It has both a desktop and device component, and comes in both 32bit and 64bit flavors as well as a MacOS version for those that don’t do Windows. The free version will not let you surf to secure sites (SSL) after it expires. You can regain this functionality by purchasing it for $18.95 from June Fabrics, here. 

6. Google Voice
   
   

   Its the best Voice Mail solution around…

   With the ability to send and receive text messages as well as visual voice mail, and of course, Google Voice’s centralized phone number, I don’t know why EVERYONE with an Android phone isn’t using Google Voice.  Yes, I know T-Mobile has its own visual voice mail service, but it doesn’t have one that allows you to use a centralized number.

   This application is free, is available in the Android Market, and is now available to everyone, no invitations are required.

7. Google Maps with Navigation
   
   

   Awesome & free navigation from Google!

   While this app isn’t available to exactly everyone (I think you either have to have an iPhone or an Android phone running Éclair (Android 2.1) or later), its truly awesome. While there are issues with navigation systems like this (those that require an internet connection to provide map data), I know that its nearly identical to all of the TeleNav implementations that all of the major US carriers are doing.  Usability isn’t as smooth as the <Carrier Name> Navigator, navigating to points of interest and previous destinations is possible, but not done quite the same way, for example.

   However, the application is free, available in the Android Market, and a sure-fire winner, provided you have the right Android OS level.

8. The Weather Channel
   
   

   They’re still the most accurate forecasts around…

   Until The Weather Channel starts showing, you know… WEATHER forecasts on a regular basis again (instead of all the other weather based shows and other gratuitous stuff…) their weather widget can provide you with up to date information. 

   The only thing you’re going to have to adjust with this widget is the frequency and type of weather alerts it generates. If you don’t choose "Moderately Severe," you may find yourself pestered with every single item that hits their alert system, which, I’m saddened to say, will make you want to take the widget off your device.

   The Weather Channel is a free application, and available in the Android Market

9. Seesmic for Android
   
   

   Awesome app; but missing Facebook integration on my Android device…

   With both a dedicated application and home screen widget, Seesmic for Android goes a long way of making monitoring your social networks fun and easy to do.  This is a great app. (and the folks you see above are GREAT for following on Twitter, so you might want to given them a follow and see for yourself!)

   However, Seesmic for Android only supports Twitter and Google Buzz right now (really..?? Google Buzz..? Is anyone using Buzz??), and Buzz is a recent add.  Seesmic Desktop supports Twitter, Buzz and FACEBOOK.  Why the Android client DOESN’T support Facebook is confusing and frustrating. Its also a HUGE hole.

   Dear Seesmic, please include Facebook functionality in Seesmic for Android. Signed, Every Single Android Device User on the Entire Planet

   Seesmic for Android is free and available in the Android Market.

10. Facebook for Android
    
    

    My friend Chrissy is having fun today!

    Recent Facebook for Android updates go a long way to bringing the Android client’s functionality closer to that of the iPhone client, but there’s still some stuff that you’re pushed to your device’s browser for.  That shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying this app if you’re a dedicated Facebook user, however.  The app is great; but it still won’t let you save pictures to your device’s gallery, which is a huge issue.  Your device views FB pictures in the FB app, not through the web and unfortunately, I find that my Nexus One seamlessly swaps between the two, and I don’t even know it…until I try to view pictures or save them to my device and then I’m stuck.

    Dear Facebook, please allow me to save pictures to my device’s gallery so I can take them with me. Signed, Every Single Android Device User on the Entire Planet

Runner’s Up
It was really hard to limit this list to just 10 apps.  There’s over 70,000 apps in the Android Market right now, and finding the ones that YOU like best is a personal choice.  Here are a few additional apps that I use and deserve some kind of mention.

1. Camera
   
   

   Love the camera…LOVE the camera!

   My Nexus One has a great 5MP camera with a built in LED flash. The camera takes stills as well as movies, and is awesome. I love that it has such a great camera and am glad to be using a device with a camera of this caliber.

2. Gallery
   
   

   This is a great way to view photos!

   While I know friends don’t always love looking at pictures of your kids, YOU do.  The 3D gallery in CyanogenMOD and the other MoDaCo cooked ROM’s that I’m using for the Nexus One, is really awesome.  The Gallery also makes it very easy to share pictures and movies with just about every social networking/picture sharing site available to man. 

3. YouTube
   
   

   Love the mobile movies!

   The app comes standard on just about every Android device out there and makes collecting MY movies very easy.  Sharing movies via Facebook from YouTube is also very important to me, as well as viewing the funny Johnny Carson segment of the day, or Achmed the Dead Terrorist.

4. Waze
   
   

   Free, User developed Navigate may be the Waze to go…

   For those of you that don’t have Android 2.1 or higher, Waze is the BEST freeware GPS navigation app available.  There are a couple of stipulations, however.  1) All of the maps are user generated and retrieved from the Waze servers (and again, an internet connection is required during navigation) 2) GPS navigation is limited to 200 mile trips.  If you have to go farther than that, you’re going to have to navigate to a specified way-point and then navigate from there to another 200 way-point or to your destination if the next leg of your trip is less than 200 miles.

   Once this limitation is removed, its going to give Google Maps with Navigation a nice run for its money. Until then, for me, its a runner up in my top 10 list.

As with everything, your mileage may vary.  However, I find myself going after, and using these same apps over and over again, and in many ways IGNORING everything else under the hood. As I said before, there’s a whole bunch o’ stuff out there.  Finding your Top 10 apps, or top free apps, or heck… TOP APPS is a personal choice that everyone is entitled to make. 

These are the ones that I currently like and can afford on my limited budget.  If you have any other suggestions, ideas, or favorites that you’d like to share, I know most everyone would appreciate you chiming in, in the comments and letting us know.

Google Wave had developed a fairly loyal following in its short life, but there never seemed to be universal understanding of just what it was meant to do. When asked, many thought it was to be a chat platform, others a document sharing application. It didn’t help that Buzz came about and offered some overlapping capabilities.And it seems even Google wasn’t sure how to promote it.

Today  Urs Hölzle, Google senior vice president for operations, posted the announcement in the official Google Blog that they were throwing in the towel on Wave and would not be developing it any further as a stand alone application. Since parts of Wave were popular, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Google incorporating what they learned into other Google products.