You only need root so you can R/W system files. But if you root check out our BadBoyz rom its stock with some mods and options for if you want. We also have stock rooted roms to.Is that straight root or with a custom ROM? I've rooted other phones in the past, but haven't rooted the One. When I've rooted in the past, I had a real hard time finding any custom rom that didn't have some kind of issue or function that didn't work. So if I do decide to root the One, I'd probably stick with the stock rom. The ability to play with ART on a stock rom might be what pushes me over the edge.