First Droid...have Q's

[Pitxitxita]

I am just starting with Android, and need some app recommendations. Some of my old favorites (WebOS) aren't available so I am looking for replacements.

Database - want to import/export to Google spreadsheet.
Reddit - soo many to choose from, what's your favorite?
PDF reader - ???
Powerpoint slide show - no editing, just playing
Wireless file manager - to transfer files over wifi with desktop

Also looking for personalizing the launcher, wall paper, etc

I've had the phone less than 24 hrs...so any ideas/hints/tips that you wish someone had told you in your first days will be very welcome!

 

[Voice-Guy]

Welcome! Here are some of my favorite apps:
Tapatalk - great for participating in forums (& worth paying for).
Unlock with Wifi - disables PIN lock when connect to trusted wifi.
Desktop VisualizeR - lets you use your own pics for app icons.
Apex Launcher - great home replacement app.
Astro - great file manager & app back-up.
Dropsync - automatically syncs folders with Dropbox.
GSbattery Monitor Pro - adds more battery options than stock.
Our Groceries - Keeps lists synced between 2 or more phones.
Call Logs Backup & Restore / SMS Backup & Restore - does what it says.
CPU Spy - helpful if you need to track down battery problems.
Coffee Pot - keep track of the coffee you like (and don't like).
Swiftkey 3 - my favorite keyboard replacement.
Tasker - allows for total phone automation. Costs around $7 and has a pretty steep learning curve but when you do figure it out you can do some amazing things.
Google Voice - I signed up for this yesterday and wish I would have done it years ago. Getting transcriptions of voicemail is great.

 

[Pitxitxita]

Thanks for the ideas.

Google Voice - transcripts of my voicemail from the phone? How does that work?

Why would someone want a replacement keyboard? does it automatically substitute for the built in one?

 

[Voice-Guy]

To learn more about Google Voice head over to Google's web page for it. They explain it better than I could with several YouTube videos.

People switch keyboards for many reasons. Some prefer Swype type keyboards where you trace through the letters instead of typing. I like Swiftkey because it learns how you type and what you say and offers next word suggestions. It's freaky how it seems like it can read your mind at times. You can have several replacement keyboards on your phone and switch between them in the settings menu. This level of customization is what's great about Android.

 

[Pitxitxita]

I wanted to pop back here and thank you. I tried a number of the apps you suggested and found some that I love as well (you are right, the swift keyboard *is* scary sometimes). I made a list of the things that I love and put it here