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Loving my Droid, too. My only complaint is that some of the tools that come with it are a little lacking, but can be replaced by others.
Here is my list of "must haves" ...
- ConnectBot (Kenny Root) - SSH client. Very nice. I think someone here mentioned the minute (small) text. It is changeable.
- Network Discovery (Aubort Jean-Baptiste) - A nmap type tool that allows you to scan your network. Recognizes ConnectBot as a compatible SSH client.
- Advanced Task Manager (Arron La) - Process management tool, IMO better than Advance Task Killer.
- ASTRO File Manager (Metago) - Excellent file manager, with other perks such as various file viewers.
- HandCent (handcent_admin) - Replacement SMS tool. Much more functionality.
- Apps Organizer (Fabio Collini) - Helps organize your shortcuts/apps much better than the default folders.
And here's a list of my "Makes my phone only that much better" apps ...
- Dolphin Browser - Based on Firefox. Very nice.
- Retro Pocket Calculator (Foak House) - I've found the default calc somewhat lacking. This one provides a little "old school" flavor.
- Volume Widget (Leep Studios) - Allows me to set 3 volume profiles. A touch on any profile auto-sets everything.
- Battery Widget (mippin.com) - Just shows current battery level with percents. Not required, but easier to read than the default battery meter in the notification bar.
- Zedge - Good ringtone/wallpaper downloader
- Quick Settings (Sergey Shafarenka) - Not reqd, but provides reasonably fast and customizable access to some android settings.
- RealCalc Scientific Calculator (Brain Overspill) - A good calculator. Not that I use it for much, but once a geek, always a geek, right?
- Note Everything (SoftXPerience) - Good notepad (pitty Android doesn't have one built in). Includes text, drawing and audio notes.
- Pandora Radio - Good music streaming.
- Shop Savvy (Big In Japan, inc.) - Barcode scanner. Shows best prices. Has saved me a few bucks so far.
- Google Sky Map - I use this with my son to view constellations. Perty dern accurate, and fun.
- DailyStrip (Fuse Free, LLC) - Allows me to read my comics.
- Tricorder - Useless, but fun way to turn your phone into a ST tricorder, using your phone's sensors.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention ... all of these are FREE.
- Advanced Task Manager (Arron La) - Process management tool, IMO better than Advance Task Killer.
This sort of program has been the subject of several flame wars, but as far as I can tell, killing tasks is pretty much not needed on Android. These sorts of programs seem to be a holdover from other OSes that do need them and/or bits of Windows-think. I did have TasKiller on mine and recently dumped it because I wasn't using it and it was sucking down batteries and CPU cycles. I haven't missed it at all.
These sorts of programs seem to be a holdover from other OSes that do need them and/or bits of Windows-think.
Something funny about the Droid is that every time I turn it on (from dead off), _everything_ is running. Apps, games, dumb little widgets I'd quit using, etc. So whenever I first turn it on, and maybe once or twice a week, I go through and kill everything. I like to think it's because I run a tight ship but more likely due to paranoia listed above.
A task killer did save my day at least once however. A machine at work went nuts and sent me some 30k emails. Droid's Corporate Email lost it's mind trying to sync up and ran the 3G until the phone was hot to the touch. I had no idea what was going on and task-killed until the activity dropped.
This sort of program has been the subject of several flame wars, but as far as I can tell, killing tasks is pretty much not needed on Android. These sorts of programs seem to be a holdover from other OSes that do need them and/or bits of Windows-think. I did have TasKiller on mine and recently dumped it because I wasn't using it and it was sucking down batteries and CPU cycles. I haven't missed it at all.
Fair enough. Advanced Task Manager, unlike Advanced Task Killer, has automated task termination scheduling in the free version. So every 30 minutes, all apps that are running in background, except those I tell it not to, are terminated. Since I've downloaded it, I have noticed an increase in phone performance, and a slight battery life increase. In my case, the overhead of this program is worth the positive effect it has on my phone's overall performance.
I am due for an upgrade on my phone and really want a droid. How is the battery life on it?
The battery life is excellent. However, it's possible to wear it down,
depending on how many processors you have running or turned on in the background. For example, using the GPS Satellite app will burn into your battery time. Wifi as well, to name a few..
The rule should be, if you're not using it..turn it off. There's an excellent app out there for monitoring and..managing the apps. Advanced Task Manager (Arron La), WORKS EXTREMELY WELL~
I find, because of my use, I recharge the battery 2 to 3 times in any given day.
I may actually consider getting another battery for backup.
On the subject of updating installed app? I have not seen any problem with the timeliness of updates.
As far as I am concern, I'll wait till it shows up.
ciao
Now for a question of my own..
I would like to run Google Earth on my Motorola Android. When I try, it says I need a plug in to enable it. Even the browser website version flags the same. I want this to be able to use the AT.KML app on Google Earth for tracking my progress on the Appalachian Trail. Anyone have ideas on just how to get a plug-in to enable Google Earth on the Android??
NO, I don't want, nor suggest I get a NEXUS fone~
Thanks..
RDP
How are you trying to run Google Earth? My impression was that the Maps app was as close as the Droid gets to running Google Earth.
Now that said, have you looked at the MyTracks app? It uses GPS to follow your progress and you can upload to Google Maps and see how you're doing. I haven't played with it much, but it also allows you to set waypoints so that things like changes in elevation can be calculated.
This sort of program has been the subject of several flame wars, but as far as I can tell, killing tasks is pretty much not needed on Android. These sorts of programs seem to be a holdover from other OSes that do need them and/or bits of Windows-think.
I rescind my earlier doubts of having a task killer. Task killing is not a Windows thing, it's a computer thing; sometimes some apps just need to die. Especially when you are in Meridian but somehow Player got started and they're both fighting for control of the Bluetooth headphones.
I rescind my earlier doubts of having a task killer. Task killing is not a Windows thing, it's a computer thing; sometimes some apps just need to die. Especially when you are in Meridian but somehow Player got started and they're both fighting for control of the Bluetooth headphones.
Fortunately the Astro file manager has a task killer built in that doesn't run independently of Astro so I guess I'm not completely without one. I must not be pushing my phone hard enough yet because I just haven't run into a problem where I need a task killer.
How are you trying to run Google Earth? My impression was that the Maps app was as close as the Droid gets to running Google Earth.
Now that said, have you looked at the MyTracks app? It uses GPS to follow your progress and you can upload to Google Maps and see how you're doing. I haven't played with it much, but it also allows you to set waypoints so that things like changes in elevation can be calculated.
Hangdog42,
I agree,the Maps app seem to be as close to Google Earth, from what I've been able to ascertain from actual use.
After searching the Android Market, I was unable to find Google Earth, listed. I decided to try to open the browser on the Android, and then to open Google Earth, this way on the Android. It worked up to a point using the browser,but only for a fraction of a second before it flashed a message saying a plug-in was needed in order to continue.
Recalling from my desktop and laptop experiences with Google Earth,and downloading the AT.KML to overlay the ATC route from Ga to Maine, I decided to try to see if there existed a Google Earth app in it's "native form" that would work on the Android, and drop the AT.KML into it for my purpose.
I have MyTracker app now on the Android(downloaded last night). Like you, I haven't yet had the chance to play around with it as..I just today got the power supply replaced on my desktop puter, spending nearly the entire day checking out the 3 removable hard drives separately .(each with different O/S,programs..Linux being one.)
It just seems that it should be possible to have this appon the Android since so many other versions of a Map or Tracker type apps exist.
My trail name is RedDogPatch
Thanks for your inputs.
RDP
Now for a question of my own..
I would like to run Google Earth on my Motorola Android. When I try, it says I need a plug in to enable it. Even the browser website version flags the same. I want this to be able to use the AT.KML app on Google Earth for tracking my progress on the Appalachian Trail. Anyone have ideas on just how to get a plug-in to enable Google Earth on the Android??
NO, I don't want, nor suggest I get a NEXUS fone~
Thanks..
RDP
Looks like Google Earth is out for Android 2.1. Just gotta get Verzion/Motorola on the ball to get that update out.
Went to Google Earth as it was waving it's Banner..:
Good News, download Google Earth for your Android.
First, I believe the best policy is to stick with downloading apps from the "market" on your Motorola Android. This is the safest way.
However, being one who likes to live dangerously, at times.
This time, I went to m.google.com/earth to try and spoof it..
And got this message flagged both on my laptop, and the Motorola Android.
"Device Not Supported
Sorry, Google Earth is not supported on your device.
Please visit http://m.google.com for other Google products supported by your device.
Change Language"
Apparently, it does work on Google's NEXUS..
Something needs to be done to get this working now on the Motorola Android.
(That being the Verizon version of Android)
RDP
It isn't official, but it is Google Earth on a non-rooted 2.01 phone. From what I've read over at androidforums, this does run on the Droid. Haven't installed it myself yet as I don't want to get sucked into a black hole for time.
It isn't official, but it is Google Earth on a non-rooted 2.01 phone. From what I've read over at androidforums, this does run on the Droid. Haven't installed it myself yet as I don't want to get sucked into a black hole for time.
Just an update, Android 2.1 on Droid X comes with Google Earth as well as Google Maps. Seems to work well.
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