Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?

Subject: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 08:47 AM

Hi All!
Just got a 7" Android Tablet and am trying to decide what I can sensibly use it for.
My main reason for getting it was to use it as a diary for work purposes when on the move. I need to be able to take notes, jot down thoughts, things I would normally have had to do on a desktop when I got home. Most stuff will later be copied to the main computer.

So far I have stuff which came with the tablet which will read a PDF and some formats of e-book. It has Docs-to-go which will edit MS-Office files, so I can get by.

Beyond the essentials, I have looked at what is listed on Google Play (the latest version of their "App Store"). There are endless apps, some free, others to buy. My problem is that there are so many of them, it is difficult to decide which might be worth installing, and which would be a waste of time, or cause problems.

I am starting this thread so we can swap ideas about which applications are the useful ones, and what makes them worth having.

Any thoughts folks?

Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 09:30 AM

I've been using the Google app (Play) site for programs for my smart phone - it's the Samsung Nexus S that is purely Google, no Samsung software at all. The first question should be what software came installed on the device? It would be a good idea to explore that and build outward.

Be sure to put in an antivirus/security program. There is a free AVG program for Android that I'm using (and my son, who also has a smartphone, is using that one - I thought I'd check to see if he knew of anything better, but he didn't). You may also want to see what keyboard apps are out there - the ones that predict (accurately!) can save time as you add text to whatever program. There are productivity readers for MS Office programs so you can read them if you download files in email.

I work at a computer all day so I don't need this phone to have every bell and whistle, but I do have a couple of browsers I use and like. In addition to a standard Google browser, I use Opera mini and Dolphin. I'm not sure if the Dolphin is for more than just the phone, but you can check.

You don't have to get apps just through Google Play. You can go to the specific site and download apps, though sometimes you're redirected back to Google Play if it is in there, and sometimes I'm asked what browser I want to use for that process to download it. I've downloaded an app from my bank, for example, that I know will connect when I need to log on to check a balance or move money for one of the kids when I'm away from my computer. Simply navigating to the bank site on a phone browser doesn't necessarily let me do all of the things I might want to. One of the browsers gets a message from the bank that it isn't adequate to use for connecting to my accounts.

I have resisted getting a tablet though I see them being used productively all around me. I'd only get WiFi, not one tied to it's own phone account - that gets expensive in a hurry. Doing much web browsing in detail on the phone, even as big as it is, is like looking through a keyhole. The tablet gives you more the effect of one of the old small laptop monitors but with better and faster resolution.

Hope this helps.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tootler
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 10:06 AM

I have been thinking about an Android tablet but I am not sure what size yet.

I have an Android smart phone (HTC) and apps I find useful are a notepad. I have two, Color Note and Evernote. Color note is good for lists and you can "cross items off" as you complete them by tapping on the item. It also has a time alarm so you can use it as a scheduler. Evernote stores the data online so you can access it on other computers either on the web through your browser or by downloading an app so you can keep the info synchronised across several computers. It might be worth downloading another file manager depending how good the one that came with your tablet is. I use Astro which does what I want. An ebook reader is useful, I have a Kindle so use that one as it syncs my Kindle books so I can either read a book onthe phone if I don't have the Kindle with me.

Otherwise as SRS says.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 10:45 AM

As far as antivirus, consider AVAST.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 11:11 AM

Ihave had a smarphone for over 3 years and have never use an anti virus software. Depends wheer you go searching. Stay on safe sights.

One program I would definately recommend downloading is JuiceDefender. Tremendous app and its free. It basically saves the battery running down quickly (dependant on how much you use it of course). However, when you are not using it it stops programs sapping up the power.

The main ones I use are
Music Player, Maps, Camera, E-mail, Gmail, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Skype (with video conferencing - I have a front camera), texting, Internet.
I am using a Samsung Galaxy S3

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 03:41 PM

Google Lattitude and the CAMRA Good Beer Guide App. What more could anyone possibly need?

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 04:07 AM

Sorry about errors in previous post. First line should have been

I have had a smartphone for over 3 years and have never used anti virus software. Depends where you go searching. Stay on safe sites.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 04:44 AM

I have a Samsung Galaxy TAB and the best app I have downloaded so far, is Star Chart Solar. Not sure if you need to have GPS for it to work, but it's fascinationg.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Lynn W
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 08:08 PM

I got a new Nexus 7 last week and most useful apps so far are
Maps with Me (download detailed offline streetmaps for most countries)
Gtasks, Evernote, Dropbox, Pocket
Guardian, 1Page BBC News, Google Currents, Zite, Reader
Tunein Radio, TV Guide, SBMX(sketching app)
Bus scout, National Rail
Various ebook readers, still trying these out but have managed to borrow an ebook from the library with the OverDrive Media app, this could be very useful.
Tuner - Gstrings free (chromatic tuner, works fine for fiddle!)
I am still looking for equivalent of Apple apps Tunebook and GoodReader, haven't found anything to replace these yet,nor an easy way to download mp3s from Internet Archive.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: IvanB
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 03:42 PM

MobileSheets (no space) is a program for storing sheet music on your tablet. I have a 10" tablet and, I must admit, the jury's still out on it, but in the dulcimer forums I frequent it's highly touted as an alternative to carrying around voluminous tunebooks when attending jams.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 03:55 PM

I use my Galaxy Tab to store lyrics. It accepts MS Word docs

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 04:39 PM

Tootler, those sound like good programs, I'll take a look. I've used the notepad a bit, but mostly I use the calendar feature. I'll compare it with the list apps.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 12:39 AM

I took a look at those note organizing programs - I like the calendar I'm using now and don't want to switch over to a new one. I did decide to take a look at Chrome to Phone and have installed it to give it a try for a while. Makes it easy to send stuff from the computer to the phone. We'll see if it works both ways.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tootler
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 11:06 AM

I see the scheduler function in color note as a complement to my calendar not a replacement. I use it to remind me to do specific tasks that don't run over a set time period. So if I have to remember to update something or send an email on a particular day I can set the reminder and my phone will remind me.

My daughter found that you can set up a note in Evernote as a "to do" list.

I've just ordered myself an Android tablet. I went for a 8" tablet (4:3 format) as I felt the 7" tablets weren't quite big enough. While looking round the net I noticed quite a few complimentary comments about the Android version of the Opera browser. I've just downloaded Opera for my Linux netbook as Flash had been disabled in Chrome (It said it was out of date) and it is certainly much quicker than Firefox, so is worth a look.

Someone mentioned Juice defender above. I'd forgotten about that, very useful and also setting sync to manual. Both useful battery saving methods. Reducing display brightness is also a good idea. You can display a breakdown of battery usage, at least you can on my phone, and display comes out as the largest user of power.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 06:03 PM

I'm old fashioned with my shopping and to-do list. It's a piece of paper on the kitchen counter and I add things as I think about them. I fold it up and tuck it in my back pocket and refer to it as I shop and plan the next place I'm going. And on more than one occasion I've examined this small piece of paper with the marks on it and realized that paper is one of man's greatest inventions.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tyke
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 06:32 PM

Hi Geof I'm getting to grips with one at the moment I got it from Maplin. I found an App called Drop Box got a link to it on my Facebook Page. Basicaly it alows you to store files (your Callender on the internet, Photos, Music, Banjo Chords whatever) So you can up date your Appointments (Say) upload them to Drop Box which then keeps you up to date on your PC and or Laptop or vicea versa. The one I got has it own modem and you can if you fit it with a sim card use it as a phone. I just need to decide with whom to take out a sim card only deal with as the ViewPad7 is not locked to any provider. I happy with my Tmobile coverage but giffgaff have a good deal for sim only at £10 month with unlimited internet (it working off the O2 network).

My viewpad is loaded with Maps for satnav and thier are lots of free apps from Google. You could I think down load a book to read whilst waiting for your net pupil and the just have to have a copy of the Highway Code.

But when Jane asks you for a Newspaper and you pass her your View Pad instead that spider is not going to know what hit it!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Bert
Date: 28 Jul 12 - 01:02 PM

Android Tablets - I thought thems what you took for bad breath.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 05:33 PM

Haven't been on mudcat for a week.
I will look at suggestions.
There are a couple of apps I am trying, so will report back!
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tootler
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 08:12 PM

I've just bought an 8" Android Tablet. I've converted all my song sheets into PDF and uploaded them and that works fine.

I have done the same with my tune books and the music notation is quite readable.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 08:49 PM

Keeping track of these devices.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 06 Aug 12 - 06:11 PM

This one seems quite good - Android Jota Text Editor (Review).
It will edit .txt files from a PC.
There is also an add-on which takes a voice input and does a pretty good job at converting my accent into English (although as soon as you leave a second of silence, it decides you have finished and does its conversion).
Quack!
Geoff.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tyke
Date: 07 Aug 12 - 12:16 AM

Check out the ViewPad7 at Maplin £119 on Offer at the moment. Comes with voice input, Maps, Google Street View, Sat Nav, Wifi, Blue Tooth and if you insert a simcard it's a phone, it sends texts messages, Skype, Vidio and Still Camra Front and Back Shots (no flash) more free apps than a Morris Dancer Can Shake a stick at! Its a radio player on if you have a Wifi connection you can install the BBC Iplayer.It has YouTube installed I have downloaded a Free App that alows the use of MS Office Word,Power Point,Exell and PDF Files. MP3 player and vidio player. Books to download both to read or Talking Books

I have it tethered to my PC now (with a USB cable) and I am using it to connect to Broadband with my Tmobile Sim Card which is a monthly contract unlimited internet with a fair usage policy. I have just ordered a Giff Gaff Free sim Card to use with it 250mins free 0800 type numbers unlimited internet. Giff Gaff use O2 the coverage I don't expext to be a good as Tmoble who's linked to use Orange Coverage when it has the best reception. But the Giff Gaff deal is £10 a month and is not a fixed term contract.

The ViewPad is a bit different to my Nokia 5800 Music Express that I have been using for over Two Years. Things are in different places but the advantage of a 7inch 3 1/2inch Amoled Screen is a plus. But apart from Morris Dancing and not being able to light the gas ring in the Caravan or open bottles of and slice bread there is not a lot it won't do.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Tyke
Date: 07 Aug 12 - 03:30 PM

I've sent you a photo of the latest Eyepad on Facebook.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 07 Aug 12 - 04:06 PM

Geoff - get Kingsoft Office for all MS Office type jobs. It's fer nowt, tha knaws.

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: GUEST,crazy little woman
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 10:07 AM

Androids are human-like robots such as R2D2 and C3PO from the movie Star Wars. Androids don't take the same vitamin tablets we do, because they do not have flesh and blood.

If you know an android which seems tired and can't follow directions, wrap a blob of Plasti-tak (Blu-tak) in aluminum foil and let the android swallow it along with a glassful of lightweight motor oil. Your android will be right in no time!

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 10:44 AM

Bravesmart is a free, and addictive game they tell me. Scottish too ;)

Android, is she related to Mitt Droid?

Subject: RE: Tech: Android Tablets 2012 - What's Useful?
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 16 Aug 12 - 07:49 PM

That MobileSheets app sounds interesting if I go the Android tablet route at some point. But what I *really* need for myself is something that can auto-scroll a document with just lyrics and chords. I know there are such apps for the iPad.

-- Gary