Entirely new to Droid! What are the must haves? Must do's?

[cowgirlmedic]

I am just learning how to use my new Charge and I get a bunch of mixed signals on this forum. What are the must have apps for max battery usage, keeping viruses out and just plain MUST HAVE'S!

Also, is there an app for a keyboard out there that is similar to how the blackberry works? For instance: hit the space bar twice and it puts a period at the end of a sentence. Oh and one with a large spacebar. I put a period between everything using the one that comes with the Charge.

Thanks!!!

 

[lv2bsilly]

I am just learning how to use my new Charge and I get a bunch of mixed signals on this forum. What are the must have apps for max battery usage, keeping viruses out and just plain MUST HAVE'S!

Also, is there an app for a keyboard out there that is similar to how the blackberry works? For instance: hit the space bar twice and it puts a period at the end of a sentence. Oh and one with a large spacebar. I put a period between everything using the one that comes with the Charge.

Thanks!!!

Smart keyboard pro.. great and lots of ways to customize it!

 

[ardchoille]

I am just learning how to use my new Charge and I get a bunch of mixed signals on this forum. What are the must have apps for max battery usage, keeping viruses out and just plain MUST HAVE'S!

Also, is there an app for a keyboard out there that is similar to how the blackberry works? For instance: hit the space bar twice and it puts a period at the end of a sentence. Oh and one with a large spacebar. I put a period between everything using the one that comes with the Charge.

Thanks!!!

Just keep in mind that every app that syncs or polls a server for information (facebook, weather, twitter, etc.) uses battery power. I turned all syncing off and manually sync when I open an app that needs it. No sense in wasting system resources syncing stuff while you sleep.

Android is Linux, there aren't any active viruses for Linux and haven't been for ages. Read this article to understand why.

Try the Swype keyboard, it's great.

I recommend the following apps:
Text Edit - text editor
Dolphin HD - web browser
Checkbook - personal finance manager
ES File Explorer - file manager

 

[ts47]

Just keep in mind that every app that syncs or polls a server for information (facebook, weather, twitter, etc.) uses battery power. I turned all syncing off and manually sync when I open an app that needs it. No sense in wasting system resources syncing stuff while you sleep.

Android is Linux, there aren't any active viruses for Linux and haven't been for ages. Read this article to understand why.

Try the Swype keyboard, it's great.

I recommend the following apps:
Text Edit - text editor
Dolphin HD - web browser
Checkbook - personal finance manager
ES File Explorer - file manager

Ok, I'm new to android as well. I went looking for your ES File Explorer on the android market. While I can easily find it on my computer, it is impossible to get it to pop up on my droid charge. I can only find the 1.5 Cupcake version. What gives??? Is Verizon blocking it or something?

 

[Kelmar]

Ok, I'm new to android as well. I went looking for your ES File Explorer on the android market. While I can easily find it on my computer, it is impossible to get it to pop up on my droid charge. I can only find the 1.5 Cupcake version. What gives??? Is Verizon blocking it or something?

Go to that one and scroll down to the bottom where it says "View More Applications" and click it. It'll pull up the one that you need.

 

[ts47]

Maybe I'm brain dead... I don't know. I searched for es file explorer (checked spelling and everything) at least 10 different times on my phone. It wouldn't pop up. Now it shows up as the first option.

 

[Kelmar]

Maybe I'm brain dead... I don't know. I searched for es file explorer (checked spelling and everything) at least 10 different times on my phone. It wouldn't pop up. Now it shows up as the first option.

FWIW, it didn't show up for me just now when I searched for it on my Charge. Glad you found it though!

 

[ts47]

FWIW, it didn't show up for me just now when I searched for it on my Charge. Glad you found it though!

Thanks Kelmar! for the very quick reply and proving that I can at least spell. Do you have any other stock recommendations for a newbie android user other than what ardchoille had to offer? This question relates to apps or any guides that might be worth reading. I do not have an interest in rooting. I am open to apps that would make the phone more useful or easier to use.

 

[Kelmar]

Pocket Permissions - Developed by a user of this site. Great little app to help new users and old users understand why apps are asking for certain permissions and what apps have been granted those permissions.

Phandroid - Official app of Phandroid.com and AndroidForums.com. Nifty and easy way to catch up on news and use the forum from your phone.

Ringdroid - Used to make ringtones, text message tones, etc from your own music on your SD card.

Screen Filter - Screen too bright at night after lowering the brightness all the way. Try this one....



There are LOTS of other use useful apps and fun games. There are sections for those apps HERE and HERE.

If you have an hour or so... try listening to THIS PODCAST.

 

[ts47]

Pocket Permissions - Developed by a user of this site. Great little app to help new users and old users understand why apps are asking for certain permissions and what apps have been granted those permissions.

Phandroid - Official app of Phandroid.com and AndroidForums.com. Nifty and easy way to catch up on news and use the forum from your phone.

Ringdroid - Used to make ringtones, text message tones, etc from your own music on your SD card.

Screen Filter - Screen too bright at night after lowering the brightness all the way. Try this one....



There are LOTS of other use useful apps and fun games. There are sections for those apps HERE and HERE.

If you have an hour or so... try listening to THIS PODCAST.

Thanks!