Related
Hello, SGS newbie here (phone not actually arrived yet, will be here Monday).
I think the phone looks amazing, only thing I'm not mad on is the iPhone look and feel Samsung have gone for with the home screens, so I'm thinking of either customising it or putting a different ROM on the device. Cyanogen, Darky's and MIUI are the ones I've read about the most.
What is Darky's? Is it more or less a stock Android with LauncherPro, or is it more than that?
Edit: also wondering - is the Samsung Gingerbread ROM worth trying, does it solve some of the performance problems of earlier versions?
Everything is worth trying! If you want to skip the usual newbie routine, then jump straight ahead to an AOSP ROM like CM7 or MIUI... You won't regret it.
Try Tweaky's AOSP
click on my signature to check out Tweaky's AOSP rom - a slim and quick Nexus S (purer Android) look-a-like rom
oh....and I expect your phone will come with GB installed any way...if not, depending on your supplier, Kies may offer you the firmware upgrade when you install it, and despite some reports (in my opinion) it represents a big improvement over 2.2 Froyo.
All the new custom roms are based on 2.3.3 gingerbread any way
Also pretty newbified here, but is it possible to get GB simply on a kernel flash and stay on stock rom, or will i have to flash a custom rom to do this. I have froyo 2.2 but speedmods kernel - pretty happy but would like to try out GB.
wangchung_sucks said:
Also pretty newbified here, but is it possible to get GB simply on a kernel flash and stay on stock rom, or will i have to flash a custom rom to do this. I have froyo 2.2 but speedmods kernel - pretty happy but would like to try out GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just flash the JVH gingerbread with bootloaders.
STOCK.
wangchung_sucks said:
Also pretty newbified here, but is it possible to get GB simply on a kernel flash and stay on stock rom, or will i have to flash a custom rom to do this. I have froyo 2.2 but speedmods kernel - pretty happy but would like to try out GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Navigate to Ramad's stock rom thread, choice of stock 2.3.3 rom there, both odexed and deodexed
Cm7 is pretty much same as nexus s rom with lots of additions( theme manager,dsp,cyanogenmod settings,etc). You can also try sammy gb roms if you wish( flash with odin,there is guides about it just google) but you have to downgrade the bootloaders before you go back to cm7 ( I bet you will)
Thanks for the info folks. I guess I'll stay on the stock rom at least for a few weeks and get used to it although I reckon I'll use launcherpro with it as I don't like the samsung launcher.
Vivasanti said:
JVH
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's something else I meant to ask, what are these three letter codes I see around - are they version numbers for the Samsung roms?
That's something else I meant to ask, what are these three letter codes I see around - are they version numbers for the Samsung roms?[/QUOTE]
ABC ABD ABG versions of firmware build 2.2.1 version ABC followed by ABD etc
samfirmware.com for build list ..
jje
I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS
There is no "best" rom. It's what's "best" for you. Read the forums and learn to flash 2.2 roms first.
I must warn you, flashing becomes very addictive.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Yea i know i have a sidekick 4g and ive tried about every rom on it
thanks for the info though
Tyler0309 said:
Yea i know i have a sidekick 4g and ive tried about every rom on it
thanks for the info though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend trying MIUI, the customization is what puts it over the top!
Here are a few different versions of MIUI:
Galnet**What I prefer**
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/twooey/v3/Twooey-V3-i897.zip
Prototypes release
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1066885
MIUI.us
http://roms.miui.us/1.8.12/MIUI.us_captivatemtd_1.8.12_Eng_Deo_ZipA_Signed.zip
Ok ill give it a try..do i have to update to a different version> im running 2.1 right now
Tyler0309 said:
Ok ill give it a try..do i have to update to a different version> im running 2.1 right now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not been on 2.1 since phone came out. I would use odin one click to goto 2.2 stock. Root it then install cwm and then follow this guide if your going to try Galnet's MIUI.
http://www.galnetmiui.co.uk/content/forum/guides/(guide)-i897-galaxy-s-captivate-gb-bootloaders/
Then just pop the MIUI.zip on root of sdcard and install from CWM.
Tyler0309 said:
I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... so... You should probably READ a lot more before flashing anything, but I'll give you a few hints to get you going:
1) Make sure you understand what a "PBL", "SBL", "Kernel", and "Modem" are and how they are placed/installed in your phone.
2) Learn how to correctly and safely use ODIN (and/or Heimdall).
3) Learn about the various methods of recovery for "soft bricks", and if necessary for your hardware revision, possibly invest in a jig (also learn what a jig is)
4) There are 2 different types/branches of ROMs for the Captivate:
-- Samsung Branch
-- AOSP Branch
Within the "Samsung" types you have:
- i9000 ROMs (like JVP, JVR, JP8, etc)
- i897 ROMs (like JF6, KF1, etc)
Within the "AOSP" types you have:
- CM7
- MIUI
- Other AOSP-based ROMs
Which is "better" is relative. CM7 and MIUI have features that aren't present in the Samsung ROMs, and both offer a bit more customization than the Samsung ROMs. However, only the Samsung ROMs offer GPU accelerated video playback, and they tend to have significantly better battery life than the AOSP-type ROMs. Also the Samsung-type ROMs used to be much more stable than the AOSP branches, but recently, the tide may have turned in the other direction. Some of the low-level radio settings are also unavailable in any of the AOSP builds. And finally, some of the Samsung stock camera features are unavailable in CM7/MIUI.
It really all depends what you want... Do you want closer to stock "open source" Android? Or do you want Samsung's vision of what they think Android should be?
Also, the whole kernel/modem part is dependent on what branch of ROM you plan on running. When using a i9000-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i9000 kernel and modem. When using a i897-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i897 kernel and modem. The rules for CM7/MIUI are a bit more vague, but at the very least you'll need to use a CM7/MIUI (most AOSP-type kernels are interchangeable) compatible kernel.
The best advice is really to try them all out and see what you like the most. If you're currently on stock 2.1 (which it sounds like you are), at the very least you should upgrade to some variant of Gingerbread (2.3.4 preferably). You will definitely notice a big difference in terms of speed and functionality. From there, well, it's all really up to you...
OR alternatively, just start throwing stuff on your phone and see what happens. Just PLEASE don't come crying back in the Captivate General forum with a "OMG I bricked my phone!!! Plz help!!!" thread. Fair warning...
Just a suggestion, but become familiar with Odin one click. Make sure your captivate has 3 button recovery, and read, re- read, and read again the directions of every rom before you flash it. Always make a nandroid back up if possible, and read the threads.if you have questions, so did someone else and the answer is probably already out there .use search. Some People will rip your head off if you don't. as far as miui goes .....i was a flashaholic when I got phone. After switching to miui, It is very unlikely that I will ever leave. Best rom ever imho. And it updates every Friday so that satisfied the flashing urge. Usually it gets better with each release. The last couple have been a little rough though. Might want to spend the 8 bucks and have a download jig on standby. Can get it from mobiltech videos. Its worth it though
Sent from my I897 using XDA Premium App
Shammyh said:
Wow... so... You should probably READ a lot more before flashing anything, but I'll give you a few hints to get you going:
1) Make sure you understand what a "PBL", "SBL", "Kernel", and "Modem" are and how the are placed/installed in your phone.
2) Learn how to correctly and safely use ODIN (and/or Heimdall).
3) Learn about the various methods of recovery for "soft bricks", and if necessary for your hardware revision, possibly invest in a jig (also learn what a jig is)
4) There are 2 different types/branches of ROMs for the Captivate:
-- Samsung Branch
-- AOSP Branch
Within the "Samsung" types you have:
- i9000 ROMs (like JVP, JVR, JP8, etc)
- i897 ROMs (like JF6, KF1, etc)
Within the "AOSP" types you have:
- CM7
- MIUI
- Other AOSP-based ROMs
Which is "better" is relative. CM7 and MIUI have features that aren't present in the Samsung ROMs, and both offer a bit more customization than the Samsung ROMs. However, only the Samsung ROMs offer GPU accelerated video playback, and they tend to have significantly better battery life than the AOSP-type ROMs. Also the Samsung-type ROMs used to be much more stable than the AOSP branches, but recently, the tide may have turned in the other direction. Some of the low-level radio settings are also unavailable in any of the AOSP builds. And finally, some of the Samsung stock camera features are unavailable in CM7/MIUI.
It really all depends what you want... Do you want closer to stock "open source" Android? Or do you want Samsung's vision of what they think Android should be?
Also, the whole kernel/modem part is dependent on what branch of ROM you plan on running. When using a i9000-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i9000 kernel and modem. When using a i897-Samsung ROM, you pretty much have to use an i897 kernel and modem. The rules for CM7/MIUI are a bit more vague, but at the very least you'll need to use a CM7/MIUI (most AOSP-type kernels are interchangeable) compatible kernel.
The best advice is really to try them all out and see what you like the most. If you're currently on stock 2.1 (which it sounds like you are), at the very least you should upgrade to some variant of Gingerbread (2.3.4 preferably). You will definitely notice a big difference in terms of speed and functionality. From there, well, it's all really up to you...
OR alternatively, just start throwing stuff on your phone and see what happens. Just PLEASE don't come crying back in the Captivate General forum with a "OMG I bricked my phone!!! Plz help!!!" thread. Fair warning...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA Premium App
Tyler0309 said:
I just got a captivate last night and i have unlocked and and rooted it
it has a firmware of 2.1 - update 1
idk if thats the most recent update
i was told i can not update the phone with a t-mobile sim card in it so can anyone post a thread on updated versions and what do you all think is the best rom?
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
a very simple and easy way to start with...
2.1 is eclair..
2.2 froyo
2.3 gingerbread..
means 2.1 is oldest and 2.3 is latest in case of official roms..
so obviously new version will hav more features and faster in speed...
so now u can take baby step and install 2.2 ..and use it for few days..and get the feel of it..then again after sometime u can install 2.3...
or else u can directly jump to 2.3....which is gingerbread....u can install stock kf1 on ur phone..its leaked official gb...if u search a bit..u will get it..
then u can use it for a lil while and get the feel of gb stock rom..in the meanwhile u can read xda abt available custom roms..and then install any of them...
coz every memeber here in xda will suggest the custom rom they r using..coz they r lovin the rom then only they r using....like for me..since the time i started flashin..i always used APEX ROM..so i will say its the best....
but again thats just me..
so decision is always urs...
I have a question about kernels and roms regarding the competability. I believed I'm still considered new in the android sector though I have used 2.1, 2.2 and now 2.3.
Over the years, I have been using stock ROMs because and putting in my own kernel to get a good balance of performance and battery life. Recently I've have tried getting into custom ROMs as I felt that some stability issues I have read might be some user experience instead of a real stability issue. So I decided to give a go. I looked at certain ROMs but decided to go with more popular ROMs like DarkyRom, they until then I somehow bricked my phone (not ROM issue) and manage to save it back, I decided to go for a newer ROM, which might be as popular as my previous ROM. I decided to go for Doctorz Rom, since all these custom ROMs usually come with another kernel already, is it perfectly Okay to flash any other kernel (Kernel are competitable with the version of the firmware, of course) on the ROM, irregardless of whether the ROM is customized by a developer or not. Example, DarkyRom comes with darkcore kernel (I flashed it to speedmod because I saw that you can do it), Doctorz Rom come with semaphore kernel.
My question in simpler terms, is whether can I flash Doctorz Rom with say, darkcore or speedmod kernel?
simple question for which I am afraid there is no one, simple answer. Some roms play nice with most, if not all kernels, some don't. Similarly, some kernels seem to work with just about every rom, many do not. Hardcore's kernel is one of the more robust ones and usually works with most roms.
Part of the issue is the scripts used in many roms and kernels and what is left behind when you copy a new program to conflict with the new stuff.
(1) Always read the directions on any new kernel or rom.
(2) A clean phone will decrease the chances of having issues with any newly flashed kernel or rom. If your phone is cleansed correctly, any issues are solely a problem of the newly flashed firmware. Bits of legacy program can and do cause issues, which is why a system clean is important.
Thank you, that was the answer I needed
If you were happy with stock ROMs, you should be looking at slightly tweaked stock ROM. I was using Darky with all its bells and whistles for quite a long time. But recently I started to look for something more closer to stock versions and found Simplicity which does pretty good job for me so far.
The choice of ROMs and kernels is so wide that it's hard to decide and it depends if we want to achieve speed or stability. But you can mix ROMs and kernels definitely. I was using Darky ROM JVR with Semaphore kernel completely fine.
stiwipl said:
If you were happy with stock ROMs, you should be looking at slightly tweaked stock ROM. I was using Darky with all its bells and whistles for quite a long time. But recently I started to look for something more closer to stock versions and found Simplicity which does pretty good job for me so far.
The choice of ROMs and kernels is so wide that it's hard to decide and it depends if we want to achieve speed or stability. But you can mix ROMs and kernels definitely. I was using Darky ROM JVR with Semaphore kernel completely fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided to use custom rom because of the features, since i had nv used one before. I cant deny that stock ROM gives a very neat and clean rom which sometimes leads to more speed/battery life, but lets give these developers some.chance as well
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Right, ive had a i9000 for 5 months or so, and ever since i got it, ive found it to be slow, at times laggy. And hate alot of the crap samsung put on it.Which ive not even used.
I reckon its about time i start to make the most of my phone, but dont really know where to start, with these custom roms and rooting and what not.
I basically want it to run smoothly and possibly add a tweaks/features to it which could possibly improve it. However i remember reading somewhere, that ill lose the camera features if i install a custom rom. :l (i could be talking from my arse here)
Also i read that android 4.0 is coming or has come out. Would i be able to upgrade my phone to it ? and should i ?? If not what is the best rom to flash which will make my phone faster and smoother.
Is there anything at all to make it significantly faster, or is it limited by hardware :/
Im currently on:
kernal version 2.6.29
firmware 2.1 -update1
Which i havnt messed with since i got the phone.
Thanks, and sorry for the daft questions.
Oh dear! did you wrote 2.1? Please read basic root steps and install custom rom. I recommend you to start with Cf-root
go here :- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788108
As far as 4.0, please wait.
innovat0r said:
Oh dear! did you wrote 2.1? Please read basic root steps and install custom rom. I recommend you to start with Cf-root
go here :- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=788108
As far as 4.0, please wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol Is 2.1 bad ? hahaha
Sorry for sounding dim, but what have you pointed me to ?? rooting ? installing a rom ? updating kernal ?
And what is the difference between these ? are all 3 needed to get the phone working as i want it to ?
Im totally new to everything andriod so can you please be as clear as possible.
Thank you for your reply.
And sorry again for all the questions.
skweezer said:
Lol Is 2.1 bad ? hahaha
Sorry for sounding dim, but what have you pointed me to ?? rooting ? installing a rom ? updating kernal ?
And what is the difference between these ? are all 3 needed to get the phone working as i want it to ?
Im totally new to everything andriod so can you please be as clear as possible.
Thank you for your reply.
And sorry again for all the questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, here we go...
1. First of all you need to root your device to install a custom rom or kernel. So first root your device with the above thread (cf-root).
2. Choose any rom from so many roms available all over xda. Choose only from the topic which is under your device's category, not from other device's rom,lol.
To do this you need Odin(use search)
3. Once done you will have custom rom and also custom kernel if you wish.
After these you can go for lagfix, like changing from rfs to ext4.
Best of luck.
Thanks, so after ive rooted with cf-root. do i have to install a custom rom and custom kernel, both ?
And which is considered the best rom and kernel ?
thanks
regards
Hey Skweezer,
Recommend you start with these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=939752
and:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=723596
They will tell you about how to connect your phone to your PC (Samsung USB drivers + adb), 3 button mode (how to avoid bricking your phone), backing up important/unrecoverable data (like your EFS block!), and what (in general) needs to be done to flash custom firmware.
After that, you should be able to pretty much recover from any error (like unplugging your phone mid flash). Now you can go ahead and root your phone and start exploring the wonderful word of custom roms! As for which one is the best, that's like asking "how long is a piece of string?" Some people prefer speed and cutting edge, others value battery life and stability, some aim for the middle of the road.
Personally I've tried tegrak kernel and was really impressed with the speed improvement! However, the limited app space finally turned me back to other kernels. I found the rest to be pretty much six in one, half dozen in the other (ie all about the same)... so pick one you like and just go for it... use it for a while and if it's not to your liking, flash again
Just a quick rundown on android for you... firmware 2.1 = Eclair, 2.2 = Frozen Yoghurt, 2.3 = Gingerbread, 3.0 = Honeycomb (tablet only version of android) and 4.0 = Ice Cream Sandwich (unify android for phone/tablet/tv again). There is a HUGE performance increase from going stock 2.1 to 2.3! so even if you just upgrade to Samsung's Gingerbread release (2.3.3 I believe?) you will notice better performance. Doing lagfix, kernel tweaks, etc is just icing on top of the cake. However, you'll find once you start tweaking, you won't go back to stock
Well, easiest way of starting is installing KIES and letting it update your phone. That's the official way and you won't have to bother with details like kernels, roms, bootloaders, etc and won't void your warranty (if that's the case).
You'll probably be left with with some 2.3.x version. Might as well make a backup from your stuff before upgrading, kies sucks in a general way, but may help you with that.
From that point on, if you still want to press further into customization goodness, there are PLENTY to chose from.
There are mainly 2 kinds of roms:
- Samsung based (someone picks up a sock samsung rom and modifies it with scripts, kernels, themes, apps, etc). These are most of the ones you'll find in the development section of this forum.
- not samsung based (like Cyanogen e MIUI). These are built from Google's sources directly and totally skip samsung. Therefore, samsung apps most likely won't work here. Everything else does.
Personally i'd recommend Cyanogen 7.1 stable as your next rom. It's an extremely optimized and wildly popular rom, with plenty of options that you won't find in any stock rom. They have their own forum i recommend you to look up if you're going their way.
Whatever you do, GET AWAY FROM THAT 2.1
Cheers for alll the replies guys. Im first going to just update via kies. To an official 2.3
If im not happy with that then ill try a custom rom and rooting.
If only it was as simple as jailbreaking and iphone. lool
Right, ust updated to latest version via kies. And instantly alot better, smoother. Has some of those things bulit into the system which i always though were missing.
Ill try it for a week, and see if theres anything i need, or think is missing. Then i might go custom. But right now im happy with it on the latest official version.
Thank you guys, i think you've made me sort of like android a bit more.
Hi doods
I'm A new G noter
I want to ask about a perfect ROM based on official.
I had Xperia Neo before this one and theres a very very good ROM for xperias
by the name of SE.Tweaked.
it's absolutly the official ROM that excess app and sys app are removed on it.
is there any thing like that for note that deliver a speed and costumization ability beside that every thing working perfectly on it(pen and ...)
Thanks a lot
Rocket & Litening ftw!
Arasl-l said:
Hi doods
I'm A new G noter
I want to ask about a perfect ROM based on official.
I had Xperia Neo before this one and theres a very very good ROM for xperias
by the name of SE.Tweaked.
it's absolutly the official ROM that excess app and sys app are removed on it.
is there any thing like that for note that deliver a speed and costumization ability beside that every thing working perfectly on it(pen and ...)
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For custom GB roms, I have tried Rocket rom and the newer Litening rom. In my opinion, both are great and definitely worth considering.
For the GB, I have tried DarkyRom, ChrackRom, CheckRom, Cassie's XtraLiteRom, and Litening Rom. I found them very comparable in performance and battery life. For ChrackRom you have option to install a full, small, and extra small rom. I am using Litening Rom right now. I might go back to ICS Stunner rom, I like the Stunner rom except that it is not as stable as the GB roms in my SGN.
tknguyencsu said:
For the GB, I have tried DarkyRom, ChrackRom, CheckRom, Cassie's XtraLiteRom, and Litening Rom. I found them very comparable in performance and battery life. For ChrackRom you have option to install a full, small, and extra small rom. I am using Litening Rom right now. I might go back to ICS Stunner rom, I like the Stunner rom except that it is not as stable as the GB roms in my SGN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like ICS Stunner too, but you might want to exercise caution using that or any other ICS LP5/LP6 leak based ROMS until an issue with potentially hardbricking your phone during flashing is resolved.
If you're interested, there's a still experimental (but as far as hardbricking safer) ICS CM9 build that's really cool over here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1627854
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
is it safe to flash GB-based roms ?
Hawklan_D said:
I really like ICS Stunner too, but you might want to exercise caution using that or any other ICS LP5/LP6 leak based ROMS until an issue with potentially hardbricking your phone during flashing is resolved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hiya there ! I'll seize this opportunity to avoid creating a post of my own then ! I'm like Arasl, though i bought my GNote in february and i'm still running a non-root, stock ROM because i'm sort of "afraid of flashing".
First, i've never done it before, and since i'm a Linux user i've been searching for ways to do it through linux instead of the Odin/windows method but i'm now pretty much resigned to use Odin (seems simpler, methods actually do exist and there's more feedback, though any hint towards linux-oriented methods would be great).
I've restrained myself from flashing ever since i saw the brick-related posts from ICS Stunner ROM and i do NOT want to flash that ROM.
My questions are then following :
1) Is it possible to ROOT the phone without flashing on Kernel version 2.6.35.7 - N7000XXLC1 ?
2) If it is unsafe to flash ICS-based ROMs, is it 100% safe to flash gingerbread-based custom ROMs or is there still an important risk of bricking the phone?
I can imagine most people will answer yes to the previous question and in that case, which ROM would you advise that is both light (and smooth, since the stock ROM is a little laggy on the edges) and the most battery-saving?
Thanks for any hints to existing posts, i've been looking around but i just don't have the time to read the hundreds of pages of custom stock roms to compare them all by myself ;-)
Just use the latest cm9. Very safe and beautiful. If you need the spen functionality then use gb..
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
bunch88 said:
Hiya there ! I'll seize this opportunity to avoid creating a post of my own then ! I'm like Arasl, though i bought my GNote in february and i'm still running a non-root, stock ROM because i'm sort of "afraid of flashing".
First, i've never done it before, and since i'm a Linux user i've been searching for ways to do it through linux instead of the Odin/windows method but i'm now pretty much resigned to use Odin (seems simpler, methods actually do exist and there's more feedback, though any hint towards linux-oriented methods would be great).
I've restrained myself from flashing ever since i saw the brick-related posts from ICS Stunner ROM and i do NOT want to flash that ROM.
My questions are then following :
1) Is it possible to ROOT the phone without flashing on Kernel version 2.6.35.7 - N7000XXLC1 ?
2) If it is unsafe to flash ICS-based ROMs, is it 100% safe to flash gingerbread-based custom ROMs or is there still an important risk of bricking the phone?
I can imagine most people will answer yes to the previous question and in that case, which ROM would you advise that is both light (and smooth, since the stock ROM is a little laggy on the edges) and the most battery-saving?
Thanks for any hints to existing posts, i've been looking around but i just don't have the time to read the hundreds of pages of custom stock roms to compare them all by myself ;-)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If by any means you are ready to work on windows, i would gladly help you in all these...although in a RISK on anything happens on completely you only.
I, too as being flasholhoic, flashed almost every ROM here in the development section both GB and ICS, every kernel, so i will try my best to avoid any risk but god-only-knows-the-best. As per your question,
1. Yes you can root your stock rom without flashing on Kernel version 2.6.35.7 - N7000XXLC1, Go here and select the right kernel and follow the procedure.
2. Official CM9 is the only (yet most) safest ICS build here, the rest being suffered by the ultimate phenomenal hardbrick bug. And yes its safe to flash any GB rom until you are switching it from GB to GB rom only.
The most important thing, take enough time to read read and read (even query) the instruction before flashing anything, or else you can have ample amount to time to read anything with coffee placed on your new bricked note. Choice is yours.