Question(s) by grass green Android newbie

[CompuDino]

OK, I'm a relic from all the ghosts of computers past. I bought a N7 because I do want the mobility it can give me and my files. Going paper free sounds marvelous and fun BUT I am finding that I'm more like a 19th century person who is trying to figure a television remote. I bought a 8GB because I am sure that it will be a while before I updated AND I was encouraged by reviews that led me to believe I could probably pretty much do what I wanted and thought I needed in the way of usage.

I want to 'expand' my access via flash drives that are mounted via an OTG adapter cable. I understood that I would need to 'root' my N7 and thanks to this forum, I've did that. (even though it took me the better part of a day instead of the 1/2 hour others usually take). I loaded the Stick Mount app onto my N7, hooked up a new 8 GB flash drive via adapter cable and nothing. So obviously I need to do something to either the Stick Mount app and/or files in my N7? I have loaded an Android File Manager so can look at files.

When (if?) I get the flash connected (and recognized) by the N7, my plan is to load the flash drive with music files (MP3 only? will .wma play on music player?) so that I can enjoy these while on the N7, when mobile etc. Sort of a back woods iPod thing ;-)

I also would like to transfer files via the flash drive to my N7 so that I can add data to things like Memento Database without retyping several 1000 records. I admit that I am a bit stuck in Windows Explorer mentality on this, so please be kind with your responses and know that I am just coming up to speed with touch and swipe type of input.

THANKS from the ComputerDino!

 

[a1kemist]

Exploring files on Android is very similar to windows Explorer. Not much difference there.

I don't use stick mount but when I attach my otg cable and memory, it shows up as storage/usbdisk. You can create new folders, and etc., instructions would vary by program, but for example, I use root explorer. I can click on settings in the form of the three bars in the upper right corner and click "create new folder". Again, similar to windows Explorer. You can connect your drive to your pc also and drop in files.

I have yet to run music or to associate programs to look for files from the otg drive system so I have no comments there. Otherwise I can go to the drive directly from root explorer and open the file.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[CompuDino]

Exploring files on Android is very similar to windows Explorer. Not much difference there.

I don't use stick mount but when I attach my otg cable and memory, it shows up as storage/usbdisk. You can create new folders, and etc., instructions would vary by program, but for example, I use root explorer. I can click on settings in the form of the three bars in the upper right corner and click "create new folder". Again, similar to windows Explorer. You can connect your drive to your pc also and drop in files.

I have yet to run music or to associate programs to look for files from the otg drive system so I have no comments there. Otherwise I can go to the drive directly from root explorer and open the file.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

Thanks for pointing me in an alternative direction. I will look into root explorer to see if it will work for me. Have you rooted your N7 or does root explorer work without having to do the rooting routine? Your and other hints and replies are GOLD for us newbies.

 

[Lazer1]

Nexus Media Importer enables you to access a thumb drive without rooting.

 

[CompuDino]

I would have loved to have known this (Nexus Media Importer) before I did the root thing. Guess it can't hurt? And I would still need some type of explorer to view the files too?
I did watch the Basics videos in the tips and tricks thread and was happily surprised to be able to simply attach a USB keyboard via adapters to the N7 and type away. It appears that there are more attach-and-use options than are made 'public'.

 

[a1kemist]

Yes, my device is rooted and I run custom rom and kernel, however root explorer and other file browsers work without root. You just can't access certain parts of the OS. You can view system/app but the files are protected unless you root. You will not have access to the data folder (where downloaded apps are stored) however you have free roam of your "sdcard".

ES file explorer is free and highly popular but I don't like all it's extra fluff. I still prefer root explorer, which is a paid app.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[dparrothead1]

You said you tried a new flash drive. It has to be formated as FFAT for Stickmount to work. It works just great for music and movies.

 

[a1kemist]

N7 works with blue tooth devices too. I can link my touchpad keyboard and type away without any physical connections.

Don't be afraid of rooting, it's NOT a bad thing. I like to have complete access to my device.

I looked at the Media importer. It's OK but then the reason to have music on the thumb drive is not to use space on the internal memory, which appears to be counter productive since you have to "import" the music to the internal memory. Streaming videos looks OK. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is what I picked up from reading it on play and watching the video.

I did find a free music app called MixZing which allows you to play music directly from the external drive.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[CompuDino]

N7 works with blue tooth devices too. I can link my touchpad keyboard and type away without any physical connections.

Don't be afraid of rooting, it's NOT a bad thing. I like to have complete access to my device.

I looked at the Media importer. It's OK but then the reason to have music on the thumb drive is not to use space on the internal memory, which appears to be counter productive since you have to "import" the music to the internal memory. Streaming videos looks OK. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is what I picked up from reading it on play and watching the video.

I did find a free music app called MixZing which allows you to play music directly from the external drive.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

I did buy Nexus Media Importer, added a few music files to a new flash drive, connected to the Nexus via adapter and was able to play the music by pressing the Stream button. Fabulous!

I also added a .csv file that I wanted to import to my N7 so that I can give a go at importing data into Memento Database to see if I can build my databases there without having to type in records. I was able to see the .csv file unsing Media Importer, but dang if I could find a way to either open an 'explorer' type lay out OR how to copy-paste that file onto the N7. OK gang, what am I not seeing or doing?

 

[CompuDino]

Another thought/question - if I have Stick Mount AND Nexus Media Importer on my N7, could they conflict with each other? I connected the USB drive and opened it with Media Explorer but when I disconnected it a small Stick Mount box appeared. I have Android File Manager on my N7 so was able to look at the sdcard and saw that the .csv file did make it onto there. How I don't know, but at least its there! Guess stumbling around can have its pay offs?!?
Thanks to all for your replies and next step is to see if I can import those data files.

 

[a1kemist]

OK, thanks for letting me know that streaming music works. I am surprised that is not mentioned in their video or info page.

I am not familiar with your database app, but I would look in the app first to see if there is an import function.

Plug your drive into the PC/laptop and transfer files that way. The same you would do between windows systems.

If the nexus media importer mounts/unmounts for you, I would uninstall stick mount. It would do the same thing and possibly conflict.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[CompuDino]

OK, thanks for letting me know that streaming music works. I am surprised that is not mentioned in their video or info page.

I am not familiar with your database app, but I would look in the app first to see if there is an import function.

Plug your drive into the PC/laptop and transfer files that way. The same you would do between windows systems.

If the nexus media importer mounts/unmounts for you, I would uninstall stick mount. It would do the same thing and possibly conflict.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

I do see how I was getting the files I wanted transferred - Nexus Media Importer allowed me to see what files were on the flash drive which I then touched to select and next touched the Save button at the top of the screen to copy that file into the sdcard. Using Android File Manager I was able to move that file into the proper folder (for database app) within the sdcard to make it available for the database. After playing around with this app - Memento Database - I was able to make my N7 a clone of my db files on my computer - success!
I did uninstall Stick Mount and don't think it ever functioned for me, nor do I need it with Media Importer.

I am now 'training' my husband (who is no spring chicken either) to use the N7 instead of the paper lists we used to have around the house. I'm slowly training myself to use a note app instead of paper notes. Loving my N7 more each day :-*