Make sure kies is not running n all anti virus is off
Reinstall samsung usb phone driverz ( just google for this) or reinstall kies

Download official rom from sammobile.com
Use odin in pc n flash the extracted tar file as pda
This process will not void warranty
Simple n not complicated

From my box

https://www.box.com/shared/e5p0kaqneu1rfqs4x8eb

Simple explanation here about rom and kernel

http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index...e=ROM-VS-Kernel

If your phone is not being used in the 3 hours than the drain is high
Mine with 3G always on and background FB notifications, email updates and tweeter updates , average drain is most 1%/hour and average is 0.5%/hour
I am now on Monx DLL7 /Perseus 29 kernel
Infact , my battery drain quite similar trend across most roms i have tested to date
Install betterbatterystats to see what apps is waking up your phone

Both methods will increase flash counter
Just use app triangleaway to clean it if it disturbs you
Flashing official stock rom through mobile odin or using in pc will clean it too

Yes only with stock official rom irrespective of country

It should work
I have use his in nexus n nexus 7. Simple straightforward
You want more assurance use chenglu method referred my blog or post 4 in this thread

First always keep a nandroid backup. Do it from recovery mode. Restore this from recovery in such situations
If fail boot to download mode n flash stock official rom with odin in PC to revive phone
If fail only send in service center
If you worry so much don't root n flash

This post has been edited by benny888: Jan 11 2013, 08:43 AM

The chance you hard brick during flashing is I would say is 1 in a million
Hard brick usually due to user carelessness
- flashing with very low battery charge
- flashing wrong phone file
- disconnecting cable while phone not fully reboot n no patience to wait

Right
One is definitely not poor to afford a rm2k phone
If one buy it n end up poor blame yourself for lack of budget planning
Worse are those who pay installment up to 2 years just to buy it. Such monthly payment better used for more useful matters than getting a phone
Stretching to 2 years for a very fast depreciation stuff is senseless

This post has been edited by benny888: Jan 11 2013, 09:03 AM

Search topic charger hissing sound n you will see many various comments
There is no correct answer
If you feel uncomfortable go claim replacement for for it

Triangleaway only clean flash counter
It will not remove root
If rooted , no matter what you do you cannot have OTA update

Easiest and fastest way to update firmware for rooted phones : download the latest rom from sammobile.com/firmware
Flash the extracted tar file as PDA in PC : your root n CWM will be gone after flash
You need to root it again and have CWM installed thereafter

OR Flash the extracted tar file using Mobile Odin Pro in phone ( select keep everroot and just select wipe caches will do). PHone will remain rooted but you need to install CWM again

If you plan to keep root/CWM it is better to flash it in PC using Odin. After bootup just flash Chenglu root/CWM file in PC using Odin

NO need to root to use Odin in PC to flash
Infact if your phone is rooted, using Odin in PC will remove root/CWM
Refer post #4 on how to use Odin ( illustrated guide)

This post has been edited by benny888: Jan 11 2013, 11:35 AM

I have yet to come across a safety issue doing a backup
You are really paranoid
Just be patient n wait possibly a minute to two for md5 checking to complete before final reboot

Disabled these apps in settings/applications

Read yesterday posts by fruitie. Was amazed at the99.9% physical similarity of fake note2
You will need a original side by side to confirm the difference
Giveaway signs eg is different type of samsung sticker under battery

Suggest buy only from authorized Samsung shops
Avoid any kiosks sellers at shopping malls eg lowyat, sg Wang, pertama etc as some of them are notorious fake resellers
The fake is really incredible close
Call samsung 1800889999 to verify genuineness through phone imei. Genuine sellers will allow you to do it
If is cheap too good to be genuine

Fruitie posting is amazing n unbelievable.. Need close eyes to see difference
The last fake note2 I have personally seen in Batu Pahat mall also quite similar. Bootup samsung too but different animation n giveaway was rear camera not centered but to the left. Box no Samsung name just galaxy note2 n quoted price only rm1200. UI same as original but jerky. The seller being a honest guy told me is clone version. Anyway if you are looking to buy his quoted price is already a giveaway sign

That is even easier. Just change build . prop file properties. You can even give it your name