Android veterans, please add your valued opinions.
I am finally getting set free from the tyranny that is Apple. I am ditching my prehistoric iPhone and its CaveOS. The Galaxy note is light years ahead of all that is Apple.
I am not a newbie though, I have been researching android apps for months, and setting them up on my son's SGS2, and wife's Droid Razr as I waited for the GNote. Let's help each other. Here are some of my findings:
Live Wallpapers: Alien Shapes ( so configurable it is = to hundreds of live wallpapers); 3D fireflies Pro; Ice galaxy; Shadow galaxy; Vortex galaxy; Rays of light.
Productivity: Documents To Go Full. InfoWorld's Office Suite face-off says it is clearly superior to view, edit, and manage files. Sorry Samsung, but this program is much better than Quick Office Pro.
GMote for control of Powerpoint and other media.
Bible: Olive Tree programs are top notch and do not require internet connection. They have more apps on their web site than on the Market. They will even let you switch from Apple to Android without re-purchasing if you register with them first. I wish more programs would do this.
Holy Bible - the You Version is a great free app with dozens of translations and many languages.
Launchers: People should quit badmouthing the Samsung's new Touch wiz. It is a great default launcher. Other than that, we are using Go Launcher Ex. Great customizability and themes.
However this is a subjective matter, and you can have as many different ones as you want, but only 1 at a time. Launcher Pro is my third choice. I like Regina, but it doesn't use live wallpapers, so forget it. SPB looks great, but it is not customizable, and is a rip-off at $15.00.
Weather: Weather Bug Elite, and Accuweather that comes with -->
Beautiful Widgets - a great all-round widget.
Security: Currently using Lookout, the best version without paying for the subscription.
Gotcha is also great and offers many things Lookout doesn't.
Keep an eye out for Norton's new program, in beta now, unless they charge too much for it.
Google Authenticator makes for a 2 step process to get at your Google account. Useful since the stupid 4 number pin code provides little security. Google should fix this and allow passwords, not just pins.
Permissions: If your phone is rooted, (mine's not . . . yet) Permissions Denied is rated highly, but if not rooted App Sheild works well. Google removed it from the Market because some programmers cried about it and claimed a security problem which is a lie. It has never been proven and the program is secure.
Users need to inform Google that we insist on being able to control permissions. This whole permission thing sucks - it can compromise security, waste data, use battery power, and slow your phone down while everyone and their brother utilize permission access for whatever they want.
Flashlight HD LED Among the best of the flashlights and can be set up in Widget Locker on the lock screen making it instantly accessible before unlocking your phone.
Widget locker- customize your lock screen. Make it super clean or stack it with Apps you want instant access to like a camera, or flashlight, or silent mode. It has numerous themes as well - check the dev forum, and you can use any wallpaper, including Live ones with it.
Astrid task manager. Good to-do list program but it wants too many permissions.
Swift Key X Keyboard. Once you get used to it, it is a time saver.
Juice Defender Ultimate A must have app to stretch battery life (the Droid Razr comes with a Smart program like this).
Google has a slew of apps that are great. Anyone want to comment? I'm only using Google Earth.
Mobo Player -- a highly rated Media/video player. I don't have it, but finished researching and plan to get it soon.
PS: Please do not pirate software. Devs deserve the small fee they charge.
Always read reviews before downloading or even updating an App. You'll be glad you did.
** Please add your suggestions or comments below to help anyone new to Android and the Galaxy Note - which I expect will bee a lot of people.
I am finally getting set free from the tyranny that is Apple. I am ditching my prehistoric iPhone and its CaveOS. The Galaxy note is light years ahead of all that is Apple.
I am not a newbie though, I have been researching android apps for months, and setting them up on my son's SGS2, and wife's Droid Razr as I waited for the GNote. Let's help each other. Here are some of my findings:
Live Wallpapers: Alien Shapes ( so configurable it is = to hundreds of live wallpapers); 3D fireflies Pro; Ice galaxy; Shadow galaxy; Vortex galaxy; Rays of light.
Productivity: Documents To Go Full. InfoWorld's Office Suite face-off says it is clearly superior to view, edit, and manage files. Sorry Samsung, but this program is much better than Quick Office Pro.
GMote for control of Powerpoint and other media.
Bible: Olive Tree programs are top notch and do not require internet connection. They have more apps on their web site than on the Market. They will even let you switch from Apple to Android without re-purchasing if you register with them first. I wish more programs would do this.
Holy Bible - the You Version is a great free app with dozens of translations and many languages.
Launchers: People should quit badmouthing the Samsung's new Touch wiz. It is a great default launcher. Other than that, we are using Go Launcher Ex. Great customizability and themes.
However this is a subjective matter, and you can have as many different ones as you want, but only 1 at a time. Launcher Pro is my third choice. I like Regina, but it doesn't use live wallpapers, so forget it. SPB looks great, but it is not customizable, and is a rip-off at $15.00.
Weather: Weather Bug Elite, and Accuweather that comes with -->
Beautiful Widgets - a great all-round widget.
Security: Currently using Lookout, the best version without paying for the subscription.
Gotcha is also great and offers many things Lookout doesn't.
Keep an eye out for Norton's new program, in beta now, unless they charge too much for it.
Google Authenticator makes for a 2 step process to get at your Google account. Useful since the stupid 4 number pin code provides little security. Google should fix this and allow passwords, not just pins.
Permissions: If your phone is rooted, (mine's not . . . yet) Permissions Denied is rated highly, but if not rooted App Sheild works well. Google removed it from the Market because some programmers cried about it and claimed a security problem which is a lie. It has never been proven and the program is secure.
Users need to inform Google that we insist on being able to control permissions. This whole permission thing sucks - it can compromise security, waste data, use battery power, and slow your phone down while everyone and their brother utilize permission access for whatever they want.
Flashlight HD LED Among the best of the flashlights and can be set up in Widget Locker on the lock screen making it instantly accessible before unlocking your phone.
Widget locker- customize your lock screen. Make it super clean or stack it with Apps you want instant access to like a camera, or flashlight, or silent mode. It has numerous themes as well - check the dev forum, and you can use any wallpaper, including Live ones with it.
Astrid task manager. Good to-do list program but it wants too many permissions.
Swift Key X Keyboard. Once you get used to it, it is a time saver.
Juice Defender Ultimate A must have app to stretch battery life (the Droid Razr comes with a Smart program like this).
Google has a slew of apps that are great. Anyone want to comment? I'm only using Google Earth.
Mobo Player -- a highly rated Media/video player. I don't have it, but finished researching and plan to get it soon.
PS: Please do not pirate software. Devs deserve the small fee they charge.
Always read reviews before downloading or even updating an App. You'll be glad you did.
** Please add your suggestions or comments below to help anyone new to Android and the Galaxy Note - which I expect will bee a lot of people.