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

[johncoxon.livejournal.com]

If you can use Wi-Fi, that's usually a much better option than going mobile. Also, now you have a smartphone, getting the LiveJournal app (and possibly the Twitter app if you're feeling adventurous) is a good plan.

[randy-byers.livejournal.com]

Thanks, John. I suppose I'll have to think about Twitter now, but I think I'll take my time thinking about it.

So if you make a wifi connection, does that automatically take precedence over the mobile connection?

[johncoxon.livejournal.com]

I presume it does, because that's how it works on my iPhone - it means you get faster speeds and use less data.

[surliminal.livejournal.com]

Yes. But increasingly in UK you get wi fi netwks that need a passwd - so it doesnt get you Net but you have meanwhile blocked 3G (phone signal) Internet. Pah. So then I have to turn off wi fi. Your phone may be cleverer than this tho. also it used to be at least that you had way more unsecured wi fi in the US than we tend to, you lucky dogs :-)

My major tip is that if you start really using a smartphone you'll find battery life TERRIBLE. So download an app called Advanced Task Killer and periodically let it kill everything - helps. Also turn off location unless you're actively using maps. And don't ever turn Blue tooth on as far as I'm concerned..

I use FB and Tweetdeck apps loads. I don't really read LJ on phone odd ly - too long form..

[randy-byers.livejournal.com]

I'd been thinking the same thing about LJ, although I may get the app just to see what it looks like.