It all started when Apple showed us gestures for iOS 4.3 … then took them away. I wanted gestures! Then, I read that people were able to jailbreak the 4.3 Beta to get them. So, I decided to "test" a jailbreak of my iPad's version (4.2.1) to see how hard it would be to jailbreak (and if I liked it). I figured that if I mucked it up, I could always go back to "stock." Then, if I liked the jailbreak, I would then be ready make the changes necessary to jailbreak 4.3 for the gestures.

I was a complete newbie to any of the jailbreak scene. I researched, read and agonized over the decision. Then, I decided to go for it! So, with trepidation, I started my first jailbreak and, believe you me - I was scared to death! I did not want to ruin my beautiful iPad. But, I downloaded the greenpois0n file and followed the directions. Heh. I didn't have any trouble. Within minutes, I was browsing around Cydia. Cool!

Man, jailbreaking is easy! But my main question was: What are the benefits? That answer is very difficult to find - especially when you consider that the answer is different for everyone. I found lots of reviews, lots of "you gotta do this" sites and lots of weird terms I didn't quite understand. So, I thought I'd share with you what the bennies I got from jailbreaking. For two reasons, mainly: (1) So maybe one of you can get the answer to "what are the benefits?" and (2) because no one else cares what my "new" toy (and the jailbreak) can do! My family just rolls their eyes. At least this way, when you roll your eyes, I can't see it. :-)

So, I wrote up a document, with pictures, of the various tweaks and things I've found to do to my iPad. It's here (a PDF in my Dropbox public folder):

Benefits From Jailbreaking

It ended up being pretty (okay, very!) long, so read it at your own risk.

Couple of things (a disclaimer): This is what I have on my iPad … I jailbroke my iPad at MY own risk … if you jailbreak yours, it's at YOUR own risk … Apple does not condone jailbreaking and if they "catch" you, you will void your warranty.

Bottom line: Jailbreaking an iPad running iOS version 4.2.1 will allow you to customize enough that you only need to use the sleep or home button to turn on the iPad. Everything else can be done via software/gestures. Plus, you can do a whole BUNCH of other stuff! So, I'm keeping the jailbreak… I got my gestures and I like it!

As always - YMMV.

Marilyn

Got dang Marilyn, for a newbie to jail breaking , that's one helluva impress jailbreak app list u have there in your PDF. I enjoyed reading it and seen some ones I might try. One u could try that's really cool is Gpower. Will allow u to use touchscreen gesture to power down, respring, or reboot device. I have that and with activator set to a touch gesture to sleep n bring up multitasking bar, I hardly ever use hardware buttons anymore. Isn't jail breaking cool n make the use of iPad a whole lot better?
Great post n PDF, keep up the great work modding. There's also a tweak to speed up the copy/paste. Instead of being a pause when u do it, it does it instantly.

Originally Posted by Mickey330

Bottom line: Jailbreaking an iPad running iOS version 4.2.1 will allow you to customize enough that you only need to use the sleep or home button to turn on the iPad. Everything else can be done via software/gestures. Plus, you can do a whole BUNCH of other stuff! So, I'm keeping the jailbreak… I got my gestures and I like it!

As always - YMMV.

Marilyn

You did it, woman? Good for you! Can I have some of your courage?

Originally Posted by Demandarin

Got dang Marilyn, for a newbie to jail breaking , that's one helluva impress jailbreak app list u have there in your PDF....

What can I say other than I am an app/extension/tweak addict? Both for App Store and Cydia. I just kept saying "Hmmm, that sounds cool, let's try that one." They work - they are cool - I keep 'em. As I've said - playing with my iPad has become one of my hobbies.

Originally Posted by Demandarin

Isn't jail breaking cool n make the use of iPad a whole lot better?

Abso-friggin-lutely! Now that I've done it - I'll never go back.

Originally Posted by Demandarin

...There's also a tweak to speed up the copy/paste. Instead of being a pause when u do it, it does it instantly.

Thanks for that. I went and got it and I like it. It does make it much faster/easier to cut-n-paste. 'Preciate the tip.

......................

Oh, and SweetPoison? I have to be honest - I was literally sick to my stomach with nerves as I was hitting the button to start the jailbreak process. I know, I know, [the proverbial] they say you can easily restore. But still ... you can never know for sure.

Just go for it when you feel comfortable - if ever.

Marilyn

Nniiiiiicccceeeeee!!!

THis is an awesome break down of tweaks.... i JBd a while ago but i just know that there is a lot that i am missing... thanks for this!!

Excellent job! I jalibroke my iPad when the untethered version came out for 4.2.1 but I restored and installed 4.3. It was actually a pretty painless and flawless experience so I might even do it again when the 4.3 jailbreak comes out.

Dang....nice write-up.

Where did you find smartscreen in cydia? The ones I see are for only 3.x.

Something to add:
Infinifolders ~ able to add more than the defualt 12apps to a folder.

Originally Posted by SweetPoison

Originally Posted by Mickey330

Bottom line: Jailbreaking an iPad running iOS version 4.2.1 will allow you to customize enough that you only need to use the sleep or home button to turn on the iPad. Everything else can be done via software/gestures. Plus, you can do a whole BUNCH of other stuff! So, I'm keeping the jailbreak… I got my gestures and I like it!

As always - YMMV.

Marilyn

You did it, woman? Good for you! Can I have some of your courage?

Well said SweetPoison. I'm too much of a girly-man to try it. LOL


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by OUTL4W

Dang....nice write-up.

Where did you find smartscreen in cydia? The ones I see are for only 3.x.

Nevermind found it...

Just a few q's on smartscreen:
1. How to move the widgets around on the screen?
2. How did you get the flip clock as shown in link?
3. How to change location on weather widget?
4. Transparency won't save for me...does it for you?