Help Hacking HTC HERO SPRINT

[ahmada]

I just dumped my iPhone 3GS for the HTC Hero and i would like to see how I can root it and install custom firmware. I would like to use fresh pre kitchen if possible. Can someone help me with this task? I was also wondering why the Hero only has the 1.5 firmware and most of the newer models have at least 1.6 - 2.1 (Most apps require that you have 1.6 like aHome). i hope I am not double posting and if I am then I apologize for that