Upgrading a 2.2.1 OS?

[GenerationLost]

Hi, I have a Sidekick 4G, and it has the Android 2.2.1 system in it. The phone's discontinued, and I've heard of people "hacking" to get newer systems like 3 or 4. Is this possible, and if so how easy/hard is it? I'm a newbie when it's to this kinda' stuff, and I've only had this phone for a short while. Thanks!

 

[ExtremeNerd]

It's possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you try "newer"software, you will lose most of what you enjoy about it. Custom software doesn't have all of the carrier specific value added apps.

 

[gtbarry]

Also, you may not be able to go back to your older version of Android if you find that the new OS kills your performance on your older hardware.

 

[GenerationLost]

So it's probably just more worth it to stick to 2.2.?

 

[chanchan05]

IF there are stable ROMs available, then what you will get if you do install an update is better performance. However you will lose some features because most ROMs are usually pure Android, without the TouchWiz interface your phone has. It's going to be performance at the cost of certain features that may or may not be available through certain apps. If you decide to go for it, you should read on how to root your device and how to flash a ROM onto it.

 

[ExtremeNerd]

So it's probably just more worth it to stick to 2.2.?

Yes, I would stay where you are. There are so many custom features built into that software by Samsung. While many users can deal without them on regular phones, you bought a sidekick. That in itself means you're not a regular user and WANTED those special features. Many niche phones like that (and the Xperia Play) lose their unique features if you use a custom ROM.