New toy

[randy_byers]

So I have finally leaped into the new millennium by buying a smartphone. It's an Android -- a Samsung Galaxy S II. I got it through Credo, which is a company that donates some of its profits to progressive causes. (Denys and I have had a long distance service from them for many years, going back to when they were called Working Assets.) They don't have their own network and are a reseller of Sprint's service.

I've long wanted a mobile internet connection, and we'll see if it's worth the cost. I only activated it yesterday, so I've still got a lot to learn. I'm interested in app suggestions from folks who use Androids. I'm also interested in hints and advice for a newbie. How do you use your smartphone? How do I get the best bang for the buck? (For example, how often do you use wifi rather than the phone network?)

Honestly, I'm so new at this that I don't even know what questions to ask yet.

Comments

[voidampersand.livejournal.com]

Not an Android user, but my understanding is that power management is a big challenge. Use wi-fi where it's freely available and you will save $ on data charges. But turn off wi-fi when you don't need it, otherwise it will keep scanning for wi-fi base stations just in case, and run down the battery fast. It helps to carry a charger with you and keep the battery charged up — modern phone batteries last a lot longer if you never run them down all the way.

[randy-byers.livejournal.com]

Credo/Sprint has an unlimited data plan, so $ shouldn't be a problem, but battery drain, yes. I'd wondered that about keeping the charger with me. Probably a good idea.