Yes, you can ... but you will need to tick home -> menu -> settings -> applications -> unknown sources. This will allow the browser to accept any .apk file and install it.

Whether you can legally find apps on websites is another issue though. Most developers couldn't be bothered and just pulish their software on the android market only. There are loads of pirated stuff online that can be found online though ...

Actually, I wonder why the local hero doesn't have market on it too, when the UK hero does. Is it because it is HTC branded and not "telco branded". It does have all the other "google experience" apps on it such as google maps, although it does not carry the Google Experience logo on the back, which are not part of Android Open Source Project. So how come the rest and not Market?

Anyway, for those who have a local hero/magic, your choices are either to (1) live with SlideMe and other alternative markets (2) root your phone and install an OS (warranty/legal issues) or (3) stick to whatever pirated apps you can get (legal issues) ...

A strange play by google.

aker,

Have you looked at the other posts in the forum? My post here:

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...post&p=29384871

Seemed detail enough, if you're on a celcom hero.

But if you're not too confident with this kind of thing, try and get someone to help. I don't know if any of the shops are willing to do it for you, especially since they will not support warranty on other ROMs.

Maybe someone needs to organize a "hero rootfest" teh-tarik gathering ... 8-)

Regards,
.sha