Quick few questions regarding AT&T Note 2 before purchasing

[Wicked12]

Hello Phandroid!

I am a new member here and had a few questions for you. I was a iPhone user and had everyone until the huge disappointment with the 4s. I held onto the iPhone 4 until the GSM Galaxy Nexus appeared on the Play store. I picked that up and have been a supporter of Android ever since.

I really liked the GNex and was set on getting the LG Nexus but was pissed with no LTE.

I have the grandfathered unlimited plan and use my tethering a significant amount... maybe 1 gb per month.... The HSPA speeds have been annoying me so I wanted to find a few things out before I jump ship to the Note 2. I also travel to Europe frequently and have a VondaPhone Sim Card that I use.

1. Is there a app/mod/way to wifi tether without a root?
2. When they come out with 'roots' can you still retain all functionality of the the s-pen and it's software/apps?
3. How would I go about unlocking this phone so that I could use it in Europe and other GSM countries without getting an AT&T plan.


I really like the Note 2 and hope that there is an easy way to make it just like a Nexus with unlocked capability, wifi tethering, and the latest versions of Android.

Am I dreaming or can this all be accomplished?

Thanks very much!

 

[N6EAJ]

I commented within your quote. This info is based on my experience with the Note 1 and GS2.

1. Is there a app/mod/way to wifi tether without a root?

Yes. Foxfi https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxfi
Although I just read this in the description "WiFi mode also does not work on Jelly Bean (Except for Verizon Galaxy Nexus). ". BT tethering looks to still be an option.


2. When they come out with 'roots' can you still retain all functionality of the the s-pen and it's software/apps?

Non stock based ROMs will probably not support the S-pen. However you can run a stock ROM rooted (meaning you are running the official software, but you have root access). I will probably go this way with my Note 2 when it comes.