• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Help new to transformer prime and android

M

madixxx

Newbie
Hi i have some "silly" questions as i am totally new to the world of Android
I got the transformer prime last week.
I needed light device and long lasting battery. To use for work on go and have a fun gadget.
Question is how to get started??
Any practical tips and advise will be welcome!!

Q
-is the famous update to ice cream sandwich going to happen automatically?and what main changes can i expect from it?

-What application should i have to work on my office docs (mostly word and PowerPoint some excel) something that works _no buggs!

-How does the asus cloud work (and cost) compared to boxoffice, box etc...

-What about security (any must have applications)what should i know?

-when downloading an application, what exactly does it mean when accepting the regulation it says the app has full right to access the device -is that normal or should i be careful?

- what e mail application is the best for someone that only worked on outlook so far?

-any must have applications you guys recommend?
( for ex for working photos, best calendar and task list app. , restaurant guides, smart movie critics etc)

-how can i best use my prime in terms of memory (i have 64gb, should i get additional
space on a sd card?
- any way to improve the wifi reception?

How can i watch movies on it?

How do i connect to english press although im located in france (it keeps proposing french press)

And any other advise for beginner on how to use the prime best will be highly appreciated.

Sorry for some of the questions sounding dumb.

Cheers
M
 
Hey mate I think you will find most of your answers by just doing a search..to check for updates go to settings....about tablet....check for updates.
 
cambo1 said:
Hey mate I think you will find most of your answers by just doing a search..to check for updates go to settings....about tablet....check for updates.
Click to expand...

hi , a search where in this forum you mean? i tried....... but posting this GIVE ME SOME TIPS ON GETTING STARTED type of post -obviously was meant to get some tips form people that have already been though the process (da-ah) and its not because im a girl i simply am new to the whole Android os.

anyways if anyone feels like replying dont let Mr find it yourself stop you !
i'll be gratefull!!
:rolleyes:

have a nice evening
m
 
I'd say the point of doing a search is a good one to make. Frankly, you've asked a whole slew of questions, and someone could take hours responding to you. And I'll bet that every question you have has already been answered.
 
Hi there. Welcome to Android and the Transformer Prime. You have a lot of questions, so I'll try to answer what I can. I'm sure other folks can help you as well and if you search within the forum, you may find some additional answers.

Q
-is the famous update to ice cream sandwich going to happen automatically?and what main changes can i expect from it?
If the Prime doesn't prompt you about it, you can get the update by checking under Settings>About Tablet>Firmware updates. There have been several updates, so you may want to run this more than once. The latest update (still ICS) has a firmware number ending on .14.
-What application should i have to work on my office docs (mostly word and PowerPoint some excel) something that works _no buggs!
The Prime comes with Polaris Office which lets you work with office documents. It works pretty well. There are other alternatives in the Android Market you can choose from as well. Documents to Go is a good one. I actually have both on my Prime since each have their strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes one renders Power Point presentations better than the other, for example.

-How does the asus cloud work (and cost) compared to boxoffice, box etc...
I have not used the Asus Cloud service, so I don't know. I just use DropBox for my file transfers/synchronization.

-What about security (any must have applications)what should i know?
Most folks who use security software like Lookout. It has virus scanning but also has remote wipe should your device get stolen.

-when downloading an application, what exactly does it mean when accepting the regulation it says the app has full right to access the device is that normal or should i be careful?
I'm not sure about this question. Though not every developer does this, many explain what their permissions are for. An app asking for permission over everything sounds concerning but I may be misunderstanding what you mean here. Which app asked for this level of permission?

- what e mail application is the best for someone that only worked on outlook so far?
This one is a matter of taste. I just use the stock email app that came with the Prime for my non-gmail email. It has worked well so far, so I recommend you give it a spin. If you don't like it, there are many choices on the Android Market. I would not be able to recommend one over another since I have not looked for alternative mail apps.

-any must have applications you guys recommend?
( for ex for working photos, best calendar and task list app. , restaurant guides, smart movie critics etc)
This all depends on what you need. Apps I could recommend are the Chrome browser (very nice alternate browser), AI Type Keyboard (excellent alternate keyboard), Amazon Kindle (for books), Carckle (for free movies), ezPDF Reader (probably the best pdf reader/editor on the Android Market), IMDb, Moviefone, MX Video Player (one of the best movie players for Android), New360 for tablets, Pandora, PlayerPro (top notch music player), SanDisk Memory Zone (great app to review use of both memory on the Prime and online storage), Tasks N Todos (if you use Google Calendar for tasks, this syncs smoothly), TripIt (if you travel), and Wikipedia. There are plenty of good games too!

-how can i best use my prime in terms of memory (i have 64gb, should i get additional space on a sd card?
My Prime is a 32 GB unit. I have a microSD card on it. I have between the two, I have plenty of space. You may not need an SD card. It all depends on whether you keep music/video files on the Prime or not. I keep some music on the SD card but most is in the cloud with Google Music. That eliminates the need to use up space on your Prime. So, in the end it becomes a matter of how you prefer to do things. Keep in mind that if you use the Sandisk app, that will give you a good sense of how you are using your space.

- any way to improve the wifi reception?
Do the firmware updates. Two of them have been meant to improve wifi functionality.
How can i watch movies on it?
You can use Netflix or you can convert DVD's/Blu Rays using software on your desktop computer and then just drag and drop into the Prime. I use DVD Catalyst to convert DVD's to mp4 files.

And any other advise for beginner on how to use the prime best will be highly appreciated.

Play with the Prime, get to know what it can do, configure it the way you like and make it yours. There are videos on YouTube you can watch and keep reading through the forums. Enjoy! :)
 
This goes to show that a TP 201 sticky is needed. Before one asks, I'm already compiling another sticky this week. Plus I'm not as versed in the TP to create a sticky of this kind. However I may take it on when mine arrives if one is not done by then.
 
first @ TREKNOLOGIST THANKS a Million!!! for not being a geeksnob and taking your time to reply me! you are a LOVE!!

i'm clarifying some points in the next post as want my thanks post to stand out!!! :)
 
Treknologist said:
Hi there. Welcome to Android and the Transformer Prime. You have a lot of questions, so I'll try to answer what I can. I'm sure other folks can help you as well and if you search within the forum, you may find some additional answers.
thank you!


Q
-is the famous update to ice cream sandwich going to happen automatically?and what main changes can i expect from it?
If the Prime doesn't prompt you about it, you can get the update by checking under Settings>About Tablet>Firmware updates. There have been several updates, so you may want to run this more than once. The latest update (still ICS) has a firmware number ending on .14.


--OK that was easy when guided-DONE!


-What application should i have to work on my office docs (mostly word and PowerPoint some excel) something that works _no buggs!
The Prime comes with Polaris Office which lets you work with office documents. It works pretty well. There are other alternatives in the Android Market you can choose from as well. Documents to Go is a good one. I actually have both on my Prime since each have their strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes one renders Power Point presentations better than the other, for example.


--Great i will do the same!


-How does the asus cloud work (and cost) compared to boxoffice, box etc...
I have not used the Asus Cloud service, so I don't know. I just use DropBox for my file transfers/synchronization.

--Ok i'll keep checking other posts thanks anyway!

#
-What about security (any must have applications)what should i know?
Most folks who use security software like Lookout. It has virus scanning but also has remote wipe should your device get stolen.

--Excellent will download!


-when downloading an application, what exactly does it mean when accepting the regulation it says the app has full right to access the device is that normal or should i be careful?
I'm not sure about this question. Though not every developer does this, many explain what their permissions are for. An app asking for permission over everything sounds concerning but I may be misunderstanding what you mean here. Which app asked for this level of permission?


--Well i can't repeat exactly but something in the line with : takes the phone number
the serial number , can enter contacts, can store numbers you call to etc...ok i understand this is for a-phone not a pad but i just found it strange that an application would have access to such data??
Several applications had this ,ill post exactly which ones later when i download again. maybe its normal i found it a bit too 'frisky'


what e mail application is the best for someone that only worked on outlook so far?
This one is a matter of taste. I just use the stock email app that came with the Prime for my non-gmail email. It has worked well so far, so I recommend you give it a spin. If you don't like it, there are many choices on the Android Market. I would not be able to recommend one over another since I have not looked for alternative mail apps.


--Ok i will try to get use to the gmail look of it. my work mails are also based on google but i always used outlook.



-any must have applications you guys recommend?
( for ex for working photos, best calendar and task list app. , restaurant guides, smart movie critics etc)
This all depends on what you need. Apps I could recommend are the Chrome browser (very nice alternate browser), AI Type Keyboard (excellent alternate keyboard), Amazon Kindle (for books), Carckle (for free movies), ezPDF Reader (probably the best pdf reader/editor on the Android Market), IMDb, Moviefone, MX Video Player (one of the best movie players for Android), New360 for tablets, Pandora, PlayerPro (top notch music player), SanDisk Memory Zone (great app to review use of both memory on the Prime and online storage), Tasks N Todos (if you use Google Calendar for tasks, this syncs smoothly), TripIt (if you travel), and Wikipedia. There are plenty of good games too!


--THANKS!!! that what i meant just some general 'i use these and they are working tips' !!
ill surely use a lot of them!
Btw - i dont use Google calendar and would like to start but cant find it ! (sorry im new as said )!!



-how can i best use my prime in terms of memory (i have 64gb, should i get additional space on a sd card?
My Prime is a 32 GB unit. I have a microSD card on it. I have between the two, I have plenty of space. You may not need an SD card. It all depends on whether you keep music/video files on the Prime or not. I keep some music on the SD card but most is in the cloud with Google Music. That eliminates the need to use up space on your Prime. So, in the end it becomes a matter of how you prefer to do things. Keep in mind that if you use the Sandisk app, that will give you a good sense of how you are using your space.


--Perfect thank you!



- any way to improve the wifi reception?
Do the firmware updates. Two of them have been meant to improve wifi functionality.



--Done thanks again!


How can i watch movies on it?
You can use Netflix or you can convert DVD's/Blu Rays using software on your desktop computer and then just drag and drop into the Prime. I use DVD Catalyst to convert DVD's to mp4 files.


--Let me see if i got this right: the CATALYST is a program that will convert dvds on my pc to mp4s that i then can drag to the prime or (?)put in a cloud and view?
And what then is netfix ?
:confused:

And any other advise for beginner on how to use the prime best will be highly appreciated.

Play with the Prime, get to know what it can do, configure it the way you like and make it yours. There are videos on YouTube you can watch and keep reading through the forums. Enjoy! :)
Click to expand...


yes captain!
again thank you!

m
 
wynand32 said:
I'd say the point of doing a search is a good one to make. Frankly, you've asked a whole slew of questions, and someone could take hours responding to you. And I'll bet that every question you have has already been answered.
Click to expand...


you should not comment on such posts if your time is so precious darling!!

and as you can see some people didn't find it so terrible to reply me!
:)
 
madixxx said:
what e mail application is the best for someone that only worked on outlook so far?
This one is a matter of taste. I just use the stock email app that came with the Prime for my non-gmail email. It has worked well so far, so I recommend you give it a spin. If you don't like it, there are many choices on the Android Market. I would not be able to recommend one over another since I have not looked for alternative mail apps.


--Ok i will try to get use to the gmail look of it. my work mails are also based on google but i always used outlook.
Click to expand...

Let us know what you find. I'm very interested in this too. My wife is just like you on this and I need to find something to keep her happy.
 
You're most welcome. About some of your other questions...

-How does the asus cloud work (and cost) compared to boxoffice, box etc...
I have not used the Asus Cloud service, so I don't know. I just use DropBox for my file transfers/synchronization.

--Ok i'll keep checking other posts thanks anyway!
There is one thread just on this and there is a link to pricing. Check it out here:
http://androidforums.com/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime/500441-who-uses-asus-cloud-service.html

--Well i can't repeat exactly but something in the line with : takes the phone number
the serial number , can enter contacts, can store numbers you call to etc...
Many apps will want to know your phone number and serial number so they know the device they are installed in. Only some apps would need access to your contacts (like Facebook, Twitter) or may store numbers, etc. So, it all depends on the app you're talking about and your level of comfort letting them have access to this info.

--Ok i will try to get use to the gmail look of it. my work mails are also based on google but i always used outlook.
Remember that there are 2 different email apps on your Prime, the Gmail app and another Email app that let's you set POP email. Like I said, though, there are plenty of options in the Android Market. Just run a search for email apps and see if you find something you like.

--Btw - i dont use Google calendar and would like to start but cant find it ! (sorry im new as said )!!
You can't find it on the Prime or just Google calendar? The web page is calendar.google.com. As for the app, just look for "Calendar" in the app tray. There is also a free Google Calendar Sync program that let's you sync your Outlook calendar (on your computer) with Google Calendar.

--Let me see if i got this right: the CATALYST is a program that will convert dvds on my pc to mp4s that i then can drag to the prime or (?)put in a cloud and view?
And what then is netfix ?
DVD Catalyst is a program you install on your computer to convert DVD's into mp4 files. You can connect the Prime to your computer using the USB cable that came with the Prime to then copy the file into the Prime. You could put them in the cloud as well (say, using DropBox). Netflix is a subscription service for DVD rental and move streaming. They have an app for Android that lets you stream movies on the tablet.

Hope this helps!
 
Treknologist said:
You're most welcome. About some of your other questions...

-How does the asus cloud work (and cost) compared to boxoffice, box etc...
I have not used the Asus Cloud service, so I don't know. I just use DropBox for my file transfers/synchronization.

--Ok i'll keep checking other posts thanks anyway!
There is one thread just on this and there is a link to pricing. Check it out here:
http://androidforums.com/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime/500441-who-uses-asus-cloud-service.html

--Well i can't repeat exactly but something in the line with : takes the phone number
the serial number , can enter contacts, can store numbers you call to etc...
Many apps will want to know your phone number and serial number so they know the device they are installed in. Only some apps would need access to your contacts (like Facebook, Twitter) or may store numbers, etc. So, it all depends on the app you're talking about and your level of comfort letting them have access to this info.

--Ok i will try to get use to the gmail look of it. my work mails are also based on google but i always used outlook.
Remember that there are 2 different email apps on your Prime, the Gmail app and another Email app that let's you set POP email. Like I said, though, there are plenty of options in the Android Market. Just run a search for email apps and see if you find something you like.

--Btw - i dont use Google calendar and would like to start but cant find it ! (sorry im new as said )!!
You can't find it on the Prime or just Google calendar? The web page is calendar.google.com. As for the app, just look for "Calendar" in the app tray. There is also a free Google Calendar Sync program that let's you sync your Outlook calendar (on your computer) with Google Calendar.

--Let me see if i got this right: the CATALYST is a program that will convert dvds on my pc to mp4s that i then can drag to the prime or (?)put in a cloud and view?
And what then is netfix ?
DVD Catalyst is a program you install on your computer to convert DVD's into mp4 files. You can connect the Prime to your computer using the USB cable that came with the Prime to then copy the file into the Prime. You could put them in the cloud as well (say, using DropBox). Netflix is a subscription service for DVD rental and move streaming. They have an app for Android that lets you stream movies on the tablet.

Hope this helps!
Click to expand...



yes it does !! thank you once more all is clear now!!!

i'll try to be more self learning now i promise :)

xxx
 
madixxx said:
first @ TREKNOLOGIST THANKS a Million!!! for not being a geeksnob and taking your time to reply me! you are a LOVE!!

i'm clarifying some points in the next post as want my thanks post to stand out!!! :)
Click to expand...

Did you just call me, among others, a "geeksnob"?? Not that i mind so much, i just never heard the term and I actually like it haha!

I did not answer because I scrolled down and saw someone had already tackled the answers.

I do agree you should learn to search, but I also find theres nothing wrong with asking on here. We are all human, and have all pretty much gone through the same learning curve. And if one doesnt want to help out, they can just bypass the thread.

Its like a coworker asking me how long of a lunch break we get, and i reply "come on man learn how to read the employee handbook"
 
enthuz said:
Let us know what you find. I'm very interested in this too. My wife is just like you on this and I need to find something to keep her happy.
Click to expand...


hi ,

as treknologist (gigle gigle to the name) suggested
i have set up my mails in the main e mail program (which took like 1 min from the frontpage/desktop on the prime) since both my company mails are set up over gmail (imap) somehow -not sure how as my ITguy set this up, anyway this seems to be working just fine i just need to get use to the look of it i guess.

then the other accounts i have are private gmail acc. and as treknologist wrote they are served by a separate application (gmail logo) this all works fine i just couldn't find the calendar as i was used to see it at the bottom of my outlook and now have to figure this out...
slowly but surely,,,,in the meanwhile im still peeking at stuff on my old laptop ;)

AH! and say to your wife she is lucky to have you do this for her !! because it takes loads of time and as you see not everyone is super happy to help a poor beginner with dumb questions ;)
 
FYI i was a diehard Outlook user back in the day. I got a new job and they forced me onto gmail. I kicked, screamed, made a fuss, etc. But they won and I had to do it.

best decision ever ... i cant imagine ever using outlook again.

Get over the initial shock, and its all roses going forward. Forget folders, you dont need them in gmail! The search is really THAT good!

Anything you really need to keep bunched together, use flags and they act as folders on the left side.
 
ps another p i t b question:

does anyone know if there is a way to import the saved folders and favorites from a Firefox bar into lets say a google bar, in the android os that is?
 
rsarno said:
FYI i was a diehard Outlook user back in the day. I got a new job and they forced me onto gmail. I kicked, screamed, made a fuss, etc. But they won and I had to do it.

best decision ever ... i cant imagine ever using outlook again.

Get over the initial shock, and its all roses going forward. Forget folders, you dont need them in gmail! The search is really THAT good!

Anything you really need to keep bunched together, use flags and they act as folders on the left side.
Click to expand...

thanks - im totally a diehard outlook user as well so i admit its like switching from a bike to a horse (or something like that ) but im determined to make it! :-)
 
rsarno said:
Did you just call me, among others, a "geeksnob"?? Not that i mind so much, i just never heard the term and I actually like it haha!


Its like a coworker asking me how long of a lunch break we get, and i reply "come on man learn how to read the employee handbook"
Click to expand...

==uhh i just referred to those that bother to put me down instead of answering i dont mind that people cant be BOTHERED to answer -that's fair enough!

=and yes i invented the expression as this is my FIRST forum EVER -always thought it was for geeks ;)


=exactly!

:)
 
madixxx said:
ps another p i t b question:

does anyone know if there is a way to import the saved folders and favorites from a Firefox bar into lets say a google bar, in the android os that is?
Click to expand...
You could get Firefox for Android and sync between the two. Their Android browser is a bit slow though...
 
reg the dvd to mp4 issue

i did not GET a USB cable - should i have? (bought here in france)

and i cant find the app MOVIEFONE = i searched on the market
maybe misspelled?
 
madixxx said:
reg the dvd to mp4 issue

i did not GET a USB cable - should i have? (bought here in france)

and i cant find the app MOVIEFONE = i searched on the market
maybe misspelled?
Click to expand...

here in US our charger is same as usb. It is a usb cable that plugs into an adapter. You have different?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom