[Q] Picking up a refurb Xoom (Wifi) - how best to update, unlock, install ROM?

[Venable]

Hi all,

I am receiving a factory refurbished Wifi-only Xoom next week. I am guessing that it will be on 3.0, and I'd like to bring it up to the latest JB and install a custom rom (probably EOS 3 for the moment, then EOS 4 at the next MR).

What's the best procedure for this? Should I take OTA updates up to 4.1.2, then unlock, root and install a ROM? Or should I just unlock, root and flash a ROM from the start, i.e. skipping the OTA updates? Or does it not really matter?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Grege50]

Hi all,

I am receiving a factory refurbished Wifi-only Xoom next week. I am guessing that it will be on 3.0, and I'd like to bring it up to the latest JB and install a custom rom (probably EOS 3 for the moment, then EOS 4 at the next MR).

What's the best procedure for this? Should I take OTA updates up to 4.1.2, then unlock, root and install a ROM? Or should I just unlock, root and flash a ROM from the start, i.e. skipping the OTA updates? Or does it not really matter?

Thanks in advance.

Not really answering your question, just an opinion .....

Why not just leave it on OTA 4.1.2? Unless you have a real need to unlock or some pressing need for 4.2. In my experience the difference between 4.1.2 and 4.2 is insignificant. EOS 3 is conceivably a back step on the OTA updates. Continually updating for updating's sake is fine if that is your hobby (and that is why you are here in these forums), but it might not achieve much. And you could replace a smooth stable 4.1.2 with a buggy and laggy 4.2 - for what?

If there is some app or function you need that requires root or a custom rom then that is a different story.

I am awaiting a refub MZ604 myself so I share you impulse, but I am taking a wait and see approach and giving it some thought.

 

[Venable]

Not really answering your question, just an opinion .....

Why not just leave it on OTA 4.1.2? Unless you have a real need to unlock or some pressing need for 4.2. In my experience the difference between 4.1.2 and 4.2 is insignificant. EOS 3 is conceivably a back step on the OTA updates. Continually updating for updating's sake is fine if that is your hobby (and that is why you are here in these forums), but it might not achieve much. And you could replace a smooth stable 4.1.2 with a buggy and laggy 4.2 - for what?

If there is some app or function you need that requires root or a custom rom then that is a different story.

I am awaiting a refub MZ604 myself so I share you impulse, but I am taking a wait and see approach and giving it some thought.

Hey, thanks a lot for your advice. I wasn't so much counting on jumping ahead to 4.2 just yet, so I'm with you there.

Regarding a 4.1.1 ROM vs the 4.1.2 OTA, I had thought (just based on my personal experience with other Android devices, my Razr in particular) that a nice 4.1.1 ROM like EOS 3 would outperform stock, even a version that is one minor update ahead, since the ROM would (presumably) be optimized, free of bloatware, etc. Perhaps that's not a big issue with the Xoom?

Again, thanks. I'll probably take your advice and see how things go with 4.1.2 OTA for a while.

 

[Venable]

Interestingly, the refurbished Xoom came with 4.1.2 pre-loaded. I wasn't expecting that. Seems to be running fine.

 

[Grege50]

Mine arrived today. It only took 11 days to cross the world. An MZ604 GED device. Came with 4.04 then promptly updated itself to 4.1.1 then a few minutes later it upgraded itself to 4.1.2. It is pure Android and runs fast and smoothly.

More than happy with this refurb - it looks brand new and 4.1.2 is new enough.