I recently rooted my Android G1 one, with wonderful results, using the following online guides:

• Guide: Rooting Your G1
• Partitioning Your SD Card for Apps2SD
• Installing Cyanogen

If you decide to do this yourself, be warned that doing so is at your own risk. It is possible, if steps are not followed exactly, to “brick” your phone. Essentially, breaking it beyond repair. You also void any warranty you may have with the phone, and will loose any data you have not backed up.

Why Rooting Rocks!

1. Speed
   I can’t speak highly enough about how much faster your G1 will run after you root it, and all your applications are moved to your SD card. Scrolling is smoother, your applications load faster, no more “wait” errors, etc. It makes the experience of using your Android phone nearly as snappy as the iPhone.




2. Power Control Widget
   If you manage your WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS status a lot like I do, you will love this widget. Single touch all your power settings right from the home screen, without pouring through the cumbersome settings lists.




3. Storage
   With all your applications moved to your SD card, you basically have an unlimited amount of storage space. Download to your hearts content without worrying about filling up your phone, or sacrificing performance.




4. Camera
   If you decide to run Cyanogen’s ROM, and I do recommend it, you will notice a much improved camera. It takes pictures faster, provides better quality photos with automatic brightness correction, and adds extra functionality like digital zoom and timed shutter.




5. Applications
   Do you miss Dark Keys? Well, with root access it works again! Also, while tethering is available for non-rooted phones, there are many many more tethering options for rooted phones, including: Bluetooth DUN, WiFi access point, and wired communications.




6. Extras
   There are some extras that you get as well that I don’t use, but are worth mentioning: pinch zoom in the browser, VPN network configuration, five home screens, and MS Exchange email access.




7. Faster Charging
   As of Cyanogen v3.9.3, they added an improved kernel which charges your batter much faster. What used to take 3-4 hours, now only takes two! It’s a noticeable, and much appreciated improvement.

For me, having a faster phone was reason enough for me to take the plunge. I’m very happy with my choice, and hope this article helps in making your decision to root.