Some questions about 4G Evo and upgrading.

[JacobMiW]

1) I am Deaf, so I am currently on the Sprint Relay plan for my phone, which is $30 a month, unlimited everything with the exception of phone calls. I had to sign up using Sprint Relay Store. Do you think I can upgrade through Best Buy and still keep the plan? Sprint Relay offers the data plan for the 4G Evo with an additional $10 charge (as expected), but I am not sure if ordering through Best Buy would make things complicated, as I do not want to go through the rebate hassle. Sprint Relay rep said I need a video phone to complete the purchase of the phone, which I do not have, and wouldn't get back to me as to whether Skype is an acceptable alternative. Additionally, Sprint's website seems to let me upgrade to 4G Evo without any issue regarding the plan, but before I could get into it any further, the 4G Evo was out of stock.

2) I am by no means an idiot or a "n00bie", but I am very well new to the Android scene. I have hacked, modified my Curve 8330 many times, so I am very experienced when it comes to that kind of stuff (with instructions/advice, of course). So in other words, exactly, in layman terms, what is Froyo, and what makes it important? Is it something I want to get into it?

3) Speaking of hacking and stuff, what's the point of rooting an Android, and exactly what does that mean? Is it really necessary?

3) I currently have wireless in my home, Wireless-G. I have noticed some people are having issues with being charged money for wireless. I am not experienced when it comes to networking because once I set it up, I never have a problem. However, if I use my wireless-G network with my 4G Evo, will I get charged extra? This is very confusing!

Thanks,
Jacob

 

[azkevman]

1) I am Deaf, so I am currently on the Sprint Relay plan for my phone, which is $30 a month, unlimited everything with the exception of phone calls. I had to sign up using Sprint Relay Store. Do you think I can upgrade through Best Buy and still keep the plan? Sprint Relay offers the data plan for the 4G Evo with an additional $10 charge (as expected), but I am not sure if ordering through Best Buy would make things complicated, as I do not want to go through the rebate hassle. Sprint Relay rep said I need a video phone to complete the purchase of the phone, which I do not have, and wouldn't get back to me as to whether Skype is an acceptable alternative. Additionally, Sprint's website seems to let me upgrade to 4G Evo without any issue regarding the plan, but before I could get into it any further, the 4G Evo was out of stock.

2) I am by no means an idiot or a "n00bie", but I am very well new to the Android scene. I have hacked, modified my Curve 8330 many times, so I am very experienced when it comes to that kind of stuff (with instructions/advice, of course). So in other words, exactly, in layman terms, what is Froyo, and what makes it important? Is it something I want to get into it?

3) Speaking of hacking and stuff, what's the point of rooting an Android, and exactly what does that mean? Is it really necessary?

3) I currently have wireless in my home, Wireless-G. I have noticed some people are having issues with being charged money for wireless. I am not experienced when it comes to networking because once I set it up, I never have a problem. However, if I use my wireless-G network with my 4G Evo, will I get charged extra? This is very confusing!

Thanks,
Jacob

1. I believe You should be able to upgrade through best buy without any issues. When they do the upgrade they select an option to keep your current plan. If for some reason their system would not let them perform the upgrade you would know right then. So I would suggest giving it a try.

2. Froyo is the next version of Andriod. The OS upgrade. In the same way the iphone just received an update to iOS4, android OS has a new update coming out named Froyo. (Each release is code named after a desert..ie. Frozen Yogurt..etc.)

3. Certain functions of the phone and certain apps require root access to the phone in order to function, as they provide functionality that does not exist in the stock OS. You will need to research for yourself to determine if this is something you desire or need. As it does void the warranty of the phone while rooted. **One note I will make here is that I have noticed that many of the things users root for can be done with an app in the market. Yet there are many valid reasons/needs that one may have to indeed root the device. Just do the research, because often the first reply to question will be "you have to be rooted to do that". Sometimes it is true. Sometimes it is not.

4. When using the device over wifi (Wireless A, B, G, or N) there is no data charge, as the data is being supplied by your broadband provider through your wireless router, and not through the Sprint network.

 

[JacobMiW]

Thanks man, that really helped a lot. I am now very interested in Froyo and I am curious as to what it can do that the Android can't do. Will be doing some research now!

 

[azkevman]

Thanks man, that really helped a lot. I am now very interested in Froyo and I am curious as to what it can do that the Android can't do. Will be doing some research now!

No problem. The official nomenclature of 'FroYo' is Android 2.2
The EVO currently runs Android 2.1 aka 'Eclair'

Sprint has confirmed that the EVO will get 2.2 in 2nd half of this year.

 

[scoobdude]

Next up date is called gingerbread I believe.

Root is a Linux term for basically becoming admin. Another term that might help you understand is suspension or Su. These are both command that are used to provide admin or super user privileges. You will need to decide if you need to root it or not.

Last but not least is the being charged for WiFi. I think what you have been reading is about being charged for the WiFi hotspot. This is an additional charge for making your phone a WiFi router. So laptop connects to phone via WiFi and then phone connect to the interwebs. This has a charge of 30 a month. But if your phone connect to your home router you will not be charged.

Hope that helps

 

[deaofly]

You should buy from the store. Then when the activation comes up, have the rep call Sprint to have your account transferred over to work with the Evo. If u need any other verification u can always email Sprint from there site to get a complete run down from them. If other people can still use there company discounts with the Evo then why can't you can't keep the same service.