There are basically 3 different beta ROMS for X51v that you can choose from. I have tested all three and will give an overview on them.
My Axim x51v is due for an annual hard reset. I will get a chance to test some of these new ROMs/ Kitchens!
First off, this is a warning:
If you decide to flash your ROM to any of the below listed ROMs, you will void your warranty (if you still have any) with Dell. Meaning if something goes awry, you have $300+ paperweight. Dell will not fix it. Also, I am not liable if the Axim decides to blow itself up rather than be flashed.
On the lighter note, here it is:
Football's ROM:
Site:
Dell Axim x51v WM6.1 Football Edition - xda-developers
Newest Version: A07
Sub-editions: None
Pros for A07: Simplicity, Battery life, less hangs/crashes, and No crapware
Cons for A07: Boot speed, Overall speed, no utilities, and no graphical goodies.
Overview and Rating for A07: Football was basically who started all the experimental ROMs with X51v. His ROM is extremely simple with no additional software.
4 Stars
*Note*
Football's ROM- A08
His A08 ROM seemed to have disappeared. I will revert the newest version to A07
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LennySh's ROM:
Site:
http://forum.htcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=1089
Newest Version: L12- Alpha 2 (Lenny 12, Build 21139)
Sub-editions: Lenny Edition
Pros: Will be flashing and testing soon
Cons: Will be flashing and testing soon
Overview and Rating: Will be flashing and testing soon
*Note: Lenny's L14 is coming with a brand new interface and awesome speed. Can't wait!
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Makuu's ROM
Site:
[X51V] ROM WM6.1 VOIP Professional (WWE/GER/ITA/ESN/FRA) - xda-developers
Newest edition: A09
Sub-editions: None
Pros: VOIP. Sound quality is great, really depends on your connection. A bunch of utilities and programs pre-installed for easier usage and such. Battery life beats both Lenny's and Football's. Great for multimedia usage with TCPMP and Youtube "add-on" to Pocket IE. Boot times are a hair bit faster than Lenny's. Extremely fast response when browsing files.
Cons: Menus are not really responsive. Takes about a second extra to close and open. Confusing Wi-Fi manager (As soon as I click "Wi-Fi", it disappears). Cannot uninstall unneeded programs as it is within the ROM. Memory-intensive games sometimes lag. VOIP is extremely confusing to set up...
Overview and Rating: For a speed demon like me, the unnecessary programs that are embedded are a hindrance. Of course, my other side enjoys multimedia. While Makuu's ROM is great for watch video, movies, and listening to music, it sacrifices the compactness of Lenny's ROM. The Wi-Fi manager feels a bit odd to my likings. The plethora of programs installed are beyond my imagination. Of course, are they really useful? That depends on you. Makuu provides us with a unique ROM that allows VOIP and also long battery life, but only if you are willing to sacrifice responsiveness.
4.5 stars
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Flasher's Guide:
Football's ROM: Flash if you want simplicity+battery efficiency at the cost of speed.
Lenny's ROM: Flash if you want speed+utilities at the cost of battery drain
Makuu's Rom: Flash if you want VOIP+a boatload of utilities+battery life at the cost of responsiveness.
For Newbies!
For those who do not know how to flash/upgrade to new ROMs: (Thanks
Virkelie!)
Step by step instructions by me:
Here
Video (A video is worth 1000*1000 words
):
YouTube - Dell AXIM X51V/X50V WM6 Update Guide NOT FOR X50 OR X51! (Thanks Drakey83)
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Did not think this post would get over 4000 views. Thanks to all that have read this!!