If you are using the Nova or APEX, there is this nice option to lock the home screen into memory. This makes the home screen run faster at the cost of some RAM.
Nova or APEX are not a bloated of anything, but if you are looking for a lighter, I guess a more LXDE type, experience the two that are more "spartan" and lighter are:
1.
The stock AOSP launcher. I do not know how to install the default AOSP launcher. I have only seen it in the stock ROM and a modified version of it on aospX.
This one lacks things like pop-up views and has limited options in terms of docks and theme support, but it is probably part of what makes the ROM feel really fast.
2.
The Trebuchet launcher. Instructions for installing Trebuchet can be found here.
This is the default Cyanogemod Launcher. Less options than Nova or APEX, but in that sense, less bloat.
I love the JellyTime features, but it is a no go for me, until power management is fixed. One of these days I have to check it out again and can see if the issue of too much awake time, while the screen is off has been solved.
Image 1 attached is how JT manages sleep/wake.
Image 2 is a stock Galaxy Nexus on Jelly Bean.
Image 3 is aospX (ICS)
Will add a screenshot from a Sense ROM later.
Compare awake and screen on time.
Maybe you guys can confirm if the issue has been fixed?
If you can flash a phone you can install a new operating system!
