Dingoonity.org

If you don't mind having to reroot after each shutdown then I used kingo root. I was disappointed my GPD didn't come rooted but I only needed the root to restore my backups with titanium backup so using kingo was fine for me. Installed the apk ran it and took like 30 seconds and then restored my backups and that was the end of it. Didn't harm the device to my knowledge although I did end up returning that device due to screen bleed.

If anyone knows if kingo causes long term damage please let me know because I ordered another GPD and should be getting it next week and I am going to use kingo again unless someone has a better idea. Thanks

Thanks for the tip mate, got it done because of it.

For others that stumble onto this thread that might need a little more basic steps, go here:
http://boards.dingoonity.org/gpd-devices/lets-talk-xd-issues/msg129173/#msg129173

LordDavon has generously offered his time to keep us up to date with firmware releases. I had to update my firmware to root it, and anyone interested will likely have to as well. To do so, update one of the firmware files listed under the section: "Firmware Downloads". I chose the "FileDropper Mirror of v3.4.2 English Firmware (Non SU) Clean" as it was the most up to date and i presumed the term clean meant it doesn't have unnecessary features.
While some of the crud has been removed, it isn't exactly what i'd call clean, it still comes with several bloatware apps. If you don't know what bloatware is, it's just additional programs installed that the firmware/rom packagers thought would benefit the end user. It's up to the individual to decide if they would like the pre-installed stuff or not. An example is the emulator program that comes with the XD.

Once the firmware file is downloaded, you will have a .zip. Open the zip file and extract the file named "update.img" to the top directory of a micro sd card.
Once the file is on there, put the card into the XD and wait for a pop up to come up. It will ask you if you want to upgrade. Make sure you have lots of battery left in your XD or that it's plugged in and of course select yes.
It only took mine a minute, but i'd imagine if the device went flat half way through that minute, the results wouldn't be good.

The device will eventually reboot and you're XD will be up to date with firmware. To root the device you'll have to download another file offered up in the linked page called: "FileDropper Mirror of XDSuperSU for v3.3.9 or higher"
Here's a quick link.
http://www.filedropper.com/xdsupersu

Once the file is downloaded, the steps are the same as the upgrade ones. Open the zip file, extract the file named "update.zip"  to the top directory of a micro sd card, insert the card into your XD, and wait for the popup screen to ask you if you want to upgrade.
It'll take about a minute, reboot and Voila, you now have a rooted GPD XD.

GPD Devices should have the SO Launcher so it will have a better Home Screen. Can use the Free Version and if the User wants the Full Version then that is their choice. But at least it will be a better System

The only issue i've found is that game shortcuts made with DraStic do not show up on it.

Just the way that DRASTIC is designed I guess, not a big deal if you ask me...