ROM Recommendations? Please help

[linds0r]

So I've finally decided to take the plunge and get a new ROM. The problem is, there appear to be a dozen out there, and I'd like some recommendations.

Because I use my phone for work (lock screen required), it's very important that the ROM is very stable and that all features (outlook email, WIFI, LTE, etc.) work properly. I'd prefer a fast Jelly Bean ROM that comes with gapps and provides fantastic battery life. And I don't want to deal with a nightly build. Maybe I'm asking for too much?

With those requirements in mind, does anyone have any recommendations in mind? My (AT&T) phone is already rooted.

Thanks!

PS - On a separate note, does anyone know how to do install roms from a mac? My home computers are a macbook pro and air, and I don't want to have to rely on my work computer if something were to go wrong.

[bsbabcock]

I feel your pain (delimna). I can say though I've been rockin' CleanRom 2.1 and it's very close to the look of stock except it just plain works. Smooth, stable, functional. Great toggle management. Not overly themed away from stock. My recommendation if you'd like a stock feel except better. I should clarify that it's a verizon rom so carrier depending. I'd check and see if Scott (the developer) does a GSM version.

[Aypeeootrek]

For stability synergy nightly 73 was running great for me. I have also heard great things about clean rom. But they're both ics in case you wanted to take the plunge into jb. As far as jb, I tried paranoid android 2.12 and just flashed codefire x today. Both have been stable so far and I personally haven't had any issues.

[rocer]

I just flashed Ariel earlier today on my AT&T phone. So far I like it. It's based off stock so it should be stable. Jellybean ROMs will be much more stable after S3 gets the update with the proper drivers.

I can't help with the MAC portion, but here's the link I followed to ROOT and flash ClockWorkMod Recovery(for custom ROMs)
[HOW TO] [ROOT] No tripping Flash Counter [AT&T / Bell / Telus / Rogers / Sastel]
I assume the only different is that you would need a Mac version of Odin to flash ROOT

[linds0r]

Thanks guys. I can't seem to find a CleanRom for the SGH-I747.

Peeoo, where did you get the codefire x for GS3? I can only find the rom for the One X. And why did you get rid of Paranoid Android?

[Jeffrey]

Rooting on your MAC made easy check this out

http://galaxys3root.com/galaxy-s3-ro...s3-on-mac-osx/

You may want to check Paranoid JB Rom. It's awesome

[ROM][JB][4.1.1]PARANOIDANDROID v2.13.2 [CM10Hybrid][19/09/2012] - xda-developers

[TheFred55]

I'm in the same boat you are. I got hooked on rooting when I bought my Nexus. If you can, duel boot windows on a computer in case you screw up your phone (I have once). You can use windows to flash ODIN. That saved me. Other than that, Jeffrey's link worked perfectly for me. I also downloaded the app to unlock your bootloader. As far as roms I think you should stick with ICS roms. Cleanrom would be perfect for you. I'm messing around with a few JB roms but they aren't fully stable. Enough for a daily driver but they tend to randomly reset and a few features are quirky.

I kind of hate to say it but I like some of the features touchwiz has created. I hope the next AOKP GS3 rom incorporates my favorites.

[Jeffrey]

When all is decided, you may want to Pimp Your Rom as well. Works on stock or custom

[Add-on][Tweaks/Mods/Apps]█ Pΐʍp ʍӳ Röʍ v1.4 █{working on any Device !}[AROMA][WIP] - xda-developers

[linds0r]

Awesome. Thanks guys.

I made a nandroid and downloaded Ultimatum and PA last night, but didn't pull the trigger. I'm a little confused by my phone's SDcard directory, considering I don't have a physical SD card. So I figured I'd wait until I get one of those before making the move. (It arrives tomorrow.)

Couple more questions: what happens to all the data, apps, and music that are on my phone when I flash a new ROM? All that stuff is deleted and I have to reinstall the things I want??

As for PA, how's the battery life with that ROM? Does the GPS work well?

[spodoc]

Most roms require a data wipe. You will get back apps either automatically through the play store or via titanium backup if you go that route. Emails, text, contacts, and occasionally internal SD card contents will be gone. Most things you just re sync and it comes back (e.g. email).