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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

What Android Apps Should I Have?

Overview
Lots of people are seeking the "top 10" or "best ever" Android apps. However, the old saying "one man's meat is another man's poison" really applies when seeking an answer.

In this article I list the apps I use on my Motorola Milestone, with a brief explanation of why I have selected them. Unfortunately, I haven't kept track of the apps I've tried and removed...

Email
There are quite a few email apps for the Android. I use K9 for a few reasons:
- it allows me to have as many email sources as I like
- it provides a Unified Inbox feature that has all of your emails accessible in one list
- it is very easy to use and quite intuitive
- it has never Force Closed on me - so it's pretty reliable

SMS
ChompSMS is my choice here.
- it is very configurable
- has the conversion bubble UI like the iPhone
- and once again, is pretty reliable

Weather
I have the Accuweather widget installed. This gives me enough information by simply viewing the widget, but allows me to click on the widget for more information, and ultimately launch the browser with my location pre-selected in the Accuweather web site.

Task Manager
I've just recently installed this app. My main reason for selecting it was to have an easy-to-use Task Killer. I have tried other task killers and found minor irritations with them. It's a bit too early to say this is a "keeper", but it's doing it for me right now.

Astro
My file manager. Easy to use, reliable, functional - what more do you need?

Evernote
Just recently installed this as another app can sync with the Evernote web environment. Also installed Nevernote on my Linux laptop (Ubuntu). This means I can work with whatever device is at hand and access it on any other device I use - nice.

Cadre Bible
This is quite a good resource, with 3 translations available in the base install. It can sync information with Evernote and provides an easy-to-read white on black display.

eBay
If you are an eBay user, then this app is great. You can do most eBay functions with this app and it can keep you informed as to how your actions are progressing.


Aldiko
This eReader is quite good. I have read a few books using it. I'm running the free version but you can upgrade to a premium version with more content. My advice? Use the free version, read a few books, then YOU decide whether this is a medium through which you want to read more books. I think I'll be waiting for an Android tablet for that.

Adobe Reader
What else? View PDF files.

AndroidVNC
I've already written an article on this excellent VNC client. You can jump straight to the article here.

Apps Installer
Lets you install apps from your storage card.

Barcode Scanner
Allows you to scan barcodes on products then look up prices and reviews. You can also scan Data Matrix and QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, etc.

Facebook
Access your Facebook using this app.

Got Sydney
Provides timetable for Cityrail services

ICE Bot
Essential if you receive calendar invitations via email. Open the .ics attachment and ICS Bot will create/update your calendar.

NubiNews
A simple and easy to use news reader/aggregator.

Remote RDP Lite
RDP into your Windows machine.

Swype
Great text entry app. I've written an article previously on it here.