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Advice - New to Android

K

kaka1

Lurker
Hi Peeps

I have been on iPhone Unlimited Data for 3 years. So sick of Apple am I, that I have moved over to another corporate beast in the name of Samsung, but at least I have Android to play with.

Anyways...My phone comes tomorrow (Samsung Galaxy S2). Please could you guys give me some advice on the following:

1) Tips on how to avoid using crazy amounts of data from the start (I am only on 100mb..)

2) Tips on must Have Apps that every 30 something woman should have.

NOTE: I do not Facebook or twitter. I do have Gmail. I mainly use Maps, MFP, Email, Web browsing. I never watch Vids / TV unless using Wifi.

On that note, will the phone auto switch to wifi when it finds a know signal?

Thank you "enlightened ones".
 
Hi and welcome to Android.


Data plan
First app to download is 3G Watchdog so that you monitor your data usage and don't go over unknowingly.

Turn off all "auto sync" settings which constantly hunts for updates to your email account etc and do a manual refresh only.

Don't have "use mobile network if no wifi" enabled as if your wifi signal drops at all it will auto turn to your data. Download "switches "instead for your homescreen to ease switching between the two manually.


Wifi
Yes your phone will "remember" your wifi networks and auto connect when in range.


Apps
Personal choice really... Angry Birds is addictive, PowerAmp is an excellent music player, LookOut or MyPhone Explorer (both apps run with a PC linked site) is great for backing up your text messages and finding your phone from your PC. You can also send messages etc from My Phone Explorer... but it's just a case of searching the market and see what you like.


Gg
 
kaka1 said:
Blimey look at the typos in that!
Click to expand...

Should that not be... "Blimey, look at the typo's in that!" :D

Only joking!

Welcome to Android Forums.

I agree with Goreygirl except on the subject of 3G Watchdog.

Lately I have found certain inaccuracies in its reporting of data usage when compared to my service provider. I have installed instead, free from the Android Market, My Data Manager Free. Its reporting of data usage correlates directly to that of my provider and, bearing in mind your very limited data plan, may prove more useful.

Some threads that are very useful to those new to Android are:-

http://androidforums.com/android-ap...ps-avoid-viruses-guide-those-new-android.html

http://androidforums.com/android-applications/335976-best-category-app-thread-list.html

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s2/335847-tips-n-tricks-thread.html

Of course, not forgetting the Samsung Galaxy SII part of the forum:-

http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-s2/

That little lot of reading should give you a good insight into Android and the Samsung Galaxy SII... and keep you out of mischief for awhile. :D
 
I'm going to take a different approach than the above 2, although I'm in no way disregarding what they say. It's still good advice.

In terms of Data retention, I would:
a) root your device (there are many simple guides to follow for the SGS2) and install droidwall. This is your best defense against apps using data in the background.
b) Install the MIUI rom, which comes with a built in firewall

Personally, a couple cool apps that maybe you'd like to have are:
-Pulse (one of the best news readers I have seen to date)
- Poynt (search up local events, restaurants, theatres, etc.)
- Gas Buddy (We all know the price of gas recently... $1.30 a litre here in canada which is about $5/gallon for you guys in the states. You can imagine the lineups when it drops to $1.15)
- K9 Email for push emails to your phone
- gTasks to keep you organized with what needs to be done

And just for kicks Time-Lapse cause I like making time lapse videos :D
 
kaka1 said:
Hi Peeps

I have been on iPhone Unlimited Data for 3 years. So sick of Apple am I, that I have moved over to another corporate beast in the name of Samsung, but at least I have Android to play with.

Anyways...My phone comes tomorrow (Samsung Galaxy S2). Please could you guys give me some advice on the following:

1) Tips on how to avoid using crazy amounts of data from the start (I am only on 100mb..)

2) Tips on must Have Apps that every 30 something woman should have.

NOTE: I do not Facebook or twitter. I do have Gmail. I mainly use Maps, MFP, Email, Web browsing. I never watch Vids / TV unless using Wifi.

On that note, will the phone auto switch to wifi when it finds a know signal?

Thank you "enlightened ones".
Click to expand...

Welcome to android. What type of things would you and do you use your phone for? I will say that 100 MB will be really easy to use up. Just courious, why did you give up your unlimited data?
 
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