Android - a puzzle ...

[m3oldUn79]

I've had Linux experience on my desktop for quite a few years, currently running Linux Mint 15. On my newly-acquired Samsung Galaxy Tablet2, there sits Jellybean. I find it so UN-intuitive as to be, largely, useless. Where is the mindset that sees this system as in any way logical - please, open it up to me. I feel I'm being pushed to go for installing something like Ubuntu or Tizen - an unappetising future for this little gizmo, I think. Even if I could see how ...
I repeatedly try to make sense of it, become VERY cross, then switch it off again. I'm quite serious, I want do it to work for me. TIA, from m3oldUn79.

 

[Frisco]

I've had Linux experience on my desktop for quite a few years, currently running Linux Mint 15. On my newly-acquired Samsung Galaxy Tablet2, there sits Jellybean. I find it so UN-intuitive as to be, largely, useless. Where is the mindset that sees this system as in any way logical - please, open it up to me. I feel I'm being pushed to go for installing something like Ubuntu or Tizen - an unappetising future for this little gizmo, I think. Even if I could see how ...
I repeatedly try to make sense of it, become VERY cross, then switch it off again. I'm quite serious, I want do it to work for me. TIA, from m3oldUn79.

Welcome to Android Forums!

Well... hmmmm..... I keep re-reading your post there, m3oldUn79, in an effort to come up with something that will make you feel better about Android in general and your new Tablet specifically.

But I can't.. I give up.

"Intuitive" is what throws me.. I see that as so subjective as to flood my mind with analogies. One might be the "intuitive" nature of a bicycle as compared to a skateboard. I don't know... is that a good analogy as to your question?

My Tab 2 7" gets grabbed quickly when I am in the mood for certain activities such as texting my daughter in college; especially pics of the family, etc. Or for certain games, etc.

But you're speaking of Android in general, using concepts such as "mindset" and "logical," etc.

Again, subjective.

Are you asking something similar about Apple's OSs?

Linux is my OS of choice for computing (Netrunner is my default, but I have spare hard drives with Zorin and Sabayon), not because of anything I see as "intuitive" about the nature of Linux, but because Windows and Mac offer little in the kind of customization I like to do.

That's one reason I like Android, btw, customization to my liking, which does seem intuitive now that I think of it.

 

[m3oldUn79]

Hi - I have been wondering about reducing the clutter that seems to be around on the Tablet - hopefully, perhaps, I wonder if I could set up a G-mail-via-Chrome account (in addition to my personal one) say for my wife, using the tablet? That could only bring in data/setups from the fresh Chrome dialogue, I suppose? I'm not giving up completely yet.
I also wonder, does it make sense to "return to maker's set-up" to clear out all the mistakes I probably made initially? With Linux I'd just re-install, with no qualms.
TIA for any useful comments m3oldUn79

 

[mikedt]

Moved thread into Android Lounge from Computers. Should get more eyes on it here. Any problems PM me.

 

[chanchan05]

What is it that you want to do on your tablet that you seem unable to? Android may be built upon Linux, but it's not Linux per se. It's interface is designed for a different purpose and hardware.

 

[m3oldUn79]

Hi there - I think you're illustrating my point - I understand the different hardware use - that's obvious - but "different purpose? I want to use the tablet as a means of portable communication - say with oovoo, gmail, etc, or music - the Proms, for instance. I don't need the Pop stuff - nor the games stuff. If that helps ...
m3oldUn79

 

[chanchan05]

A tablet, whether iOS, Android or Windows RT is mostly for media consumption, for watching videos, playing games, maybe surfing a little and communication. A desktop OS like Linux, Windows and Macs is designed more for productivity use. This is evidently seen in the types of apps in the market, where you see mostly games, picture apps, social networking, and others. Windows 8 Tablets are probably the only ones that can handle true productivity.

But then with the uses you point out, you make me even more confused as to what about the tablet you find difficult to use. You need Gmail? Open the Gmail app. You need to play music? Open the music app. You need communication via a chat client, then open the app for the service you use. If you are using the browser to do these as you would with a PC, then you would be having troubles as the web versions of these services are limited for mobile devices, so that they would be able to also cater to low end devices (non-smartphones like the Nokia Asha lineup or the low end cheap smartphones with weak hardware). Think of it as legacy services. When you access the desktop versions of the websites, it presents a problem too because of the difference in hardware capabilities of the tablet and a PC. A quad core chip for a mobile device like an Android is only as powerful as a dual core atom, with more limitations because it cannot support x86 instruction threads.

 

[Ssith]

Hi - I have been wondering about reducing the clutter that seems to be around on the Tablet - hopefully, perhaps, I wonder if I could set up a G-mail-via-Chrome account (in addition to my personal one) say for my wife, using the tablet? That could only bring in data/setups from the fresh Chrome dialogue, I suppose? I'm not giving up completely yet.
I also wonder, does it make sense to "return to maker's set-up" to clear out all the mistakes I probably made initially? With Linux I'd just re-install, with no qualms.
TIA for any useful comments m3oldUn79

from this post, it sounds like you'd be better served by rooting and installing a custom ROM. it sounds like you're having issues with the bloatware that manufacturers are installing before selling the device. a custom ROM will run much more like your linux experience, and if you're a linux man, you're probably into the tinkering aspect, which rooting allows you to do. granted, it's not going to be exactly the same, and i don't think you expect it to be, but it will be fun. rooting is basically granting yourself administrator privileges

you can attach a second email account to the default gmail app, and you can turn off notifications for both of them so you have to manually refresh them when either-or wants to check their email. there's also separate apps if you really want to keep things separate. hell, even if you don't it's fun to check things and see if you like them better.

you could do a factory reset, it would help to remove the clutter that you no doubt threw on there simply because "oh it's shiny! i can do <fillintheblank> with it!!"

i'd suggest perusing the sub-forum for you specific device for thread on solutions to your specific needs. there will be more peopel there that know what they're talking about.

i've made a few assumptions here, sorry if i got them wrong =)

 

[Hadron]

You can hide the clutter by going into the apps menu and disabling those you don't need. There may be some you can't disable (should be limited to stuff that's actually important, but may include stuff that Samsung decided was important even though nothing depends on it?), but most you can. Then you never see them unless you look in the apps menu itself.

 

[Davdi]

Yes, I'd agree with rooting it, and then either:
a) remove bloatware or b) install a custom ROM, the nearest to vanilla Android you can find.

Then you can play around with overclocking and all manner of tweaks.

 

[ouch1976]

I'm struggling to understand the confusion. If you want to play on the internet, tap the icon that says Browser. If you want to look at your Gmail, tap the icon that says Gmail. If you want watch video clips, tap the icon that says Youtube. If you want to change something, then long-press it and move it. Touch and go. Seems pretty intuitive to me.

 

[Stuntman]

I want to use the tablet as a means of portable communication - say with oovoo, gmail, etc,

Have you tried using the Gmail app? If you don't like it there are other mail apps you can install. What exactly is the issue you are having trying to access Gmail?

I don't know what oovoo is.

[/quote]or music - the Proms, for instance. [/quote]

There's a music player app that will play the music on your tablet. There are also some music streaming apps you can download from Google Play.

I don't need the Pop stuff - nor the games stuff. If that helps ...
m3oldUn79

You can always remove the icons you don't need from your home screen. Some preinstalled apps cannot be removed, but you can hide them.

 

[Frisco]

I don't know what oovoo is.

ooVoo Free video chat and instant Messaging

Mac, Android... etc..

 

[m3oldUn79]

Hi there - I feel that, after reading the contributions of chanchan05 and Hadron, I'm getting somewhere. I'd already thought of that "hiding" aspect, but the overview is mainly what I needed. I'm going to try these (and the others quoted) ideas out and hope for a fun weekend - and a possibly productive one! I shall report back to you guys - with pleasure. m3oldun79

 

[m3oldUn79]

Hi there - well, sense is slowly appearing. OK, I can now treat this tablet as a toy - OK? But that IS OK, perhaps because I needed one! But seriously, a few back-to-manufacturers' settings, hiding of apps and a somewhat daring (I thought) successful attempt to get a second gmail address (for the tablet) - and I'm making progress! This is primarily through you guys and guyesses throwing up a usable overview - for which, many thanks.
Now - how do I get gmail to sort out getting my desktop pc contacts onto the tablet? Yup, I've done the "synchro things" both ends, without any success - as the usb lead wasn't in the box when purchased I can't export/import a file that way. (Where are these leads available, anyway? )
Good bits so far? Actually choosing to do something AND DOING IT! Also, showing my SWMBO some video clips. I do progress, however - thank you ...

 

[chanchan05]

Connect the tablet to a wifi connection. It syncs via internet, and not via any sort of PC programs. As long as the tablet is connected and you have not disabled background sync, it synchronizes in near real time as possible.

 

[m3oldUn79]

Hi there - in the heat-soaked night I had this thought. This pip emma, I acted on it. This USB thingy. I checked out the charging lead - AND IT HAS A USB END! Oh dear - as they say, "collapse of stout party!"
I shall, by the way, check out your point about web-synching, chanchan5, but so far it hasn't happened even though the tablet connects to my wifi shortly after start-up - but thanks. m3oldun79