Help Do I need a Gmail account for contacts?

[Smileyguy3000]

Do I need a gmail account to use contacts "offline" on this phone? I just want to be able to use contacts on my phone.

 

[Matenrou]

I don't think so, but to be able to restore them after a factory data reset or if you buy another android phone. You need to have had them synced to your gmail account.

 

[Andronix]

not true. there are apps that can import and export contacts w/o gmail sync. vcard io.

 

[inFECT]

but to use the market you need a gmail account ;-)

anyways.. an android phone without a google account is like riding a quad with two wheels.

 

[atbeyi]

inFect: there are two types of android phones one is Google Based the other one is OHA based.

but you are right an android phone without a google account and internet access is worthless

 

[wallysh]

but to use the market you need a gmail account ;-)

anyways.. an android phone without a google account is like riding a quad with two wheels.

That's very true. Google is the bread and butter for android.

 

[angeamon]

but to use the market you need a gmail account ;-)

yeah, its true that v need gmail acnt to use market. However there are different ways by which we can download apps.

For eg one way to do so is:
download the .apk file from net onto pc, transfer onto phone's sdcard n install it.

I just want to be able to use contacts on my phone.

If you just wanted to do tat, then u should have just bought a non android phone

btw, i totally agree with this :

an android phone without a google account is like riding a quad with two wheels.

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Yes I see the point of the net being vital to the experience of an Adnroid phone. I sort of bought it by accident - well not knowing what was involved.

I've learnt to set things up and turn off auto synching and stuff, as my only objection was the cost of data on my plan.

I'll have lots of trips to McDonald's for free wifi in the meantime!!!

 

[atbeyi]

if you are curious about your data plan you may disable your apn settings so no data can be used.

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Yeh I use Quicksettings for that

and disable auto synching too.

At the end of my phone bill month I will synch and get 100 apps if I am under my cap!

 

[atbeyi]

what is you quota for a month?

 

[Smileyguy3000]

$300 worth of calls, sms and data for $20 but data costs 5c for 10kb. That's $5 for 1 MB! with TPG

My calls cary from time to time.

 

[atbeyi]

300 us $ ?

if so why don't you use a voip account?

its too much..

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Sorry it's Australian dollars.

I also have a fixed home line and internet connections are not the best in my area (unless you are paying bigger$$$) so I don't trust VOIP yet.

I think Australia is a bit of a world laughing stock when it comes to broadband access . . .

 

[atbeyi]

do you have internet access at home?

wired or wireless?

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Have wired but setting up a wlan at homes soon. i actually just bought a wireless router/modem to do this but it won't detect my dsl line signal!!! My other 2 routers do!

 

[atbeyi]

how many routers do you have

well can you use that wireless modem as an access point? if yes, you can use your phone at home with wifi too

 

[Smileyguy3000]

I have 2 old modem routers (one was borrowed for testing and never returned!)

Bought the new one to have wifi access at home for laptop and phone

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Where abouts on the sd card do I need to save apk files?

Do I need to install Android SDK? if NO then How do I install apk's?

 

[angeamon]

the apk files can be saved anywhere on the sdcard. usually for ease, its better to create a newfolder called apps and place all the apk files there , but thats just me. . .

Then you will have to use a file explorer to explore the sdcard and finally just click on the apk file , use the option "open with app manager" and install the apk file

 

[Smileyguy3000]

Thanks. Can you recommend a free "adequate" file explorer?

 

[informale]

Astro

 

[Smileyguy3000]

just installed it and it looks great!

only 3 days left on beta though! anyone know what's gonna happen after 3 days?

 

[Smileyguy3000]

AND do most all or file managers give you the options top open apt files with the right installer? Ths is like Fila Association in Windows I am guessing.

 

[angeamon]

yeah, almost all the file explorers out there allow u to open the .apk files with the installer. . . .

Btw,

only 3 days left on beta

Astro did give me this warning when i opened it .. . dunno wat ll happen after 3 days but no worries, there are other file explorers out there !!!!