Exploring the bigger picture on why we use computers
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Workflow on the Android
Work-flow management is about getting my stuff done better and faster. I seem to have more to do than I can possibly handle. I write, code, and love to learn, and that is how I choose my tools.
- Dropbox – I take a file centric approach to managing work-flow. All my core text files live here and are available on all my computers and smart-phones.
- Got To Do – Work-flow starts with keeping tabs on what I have to do. GTD methodology works best for me with this app. Why? Got To Do syncs to ToodleDo.
- mNote – Things start with simple reliable text and mNote, which syncs with http://simplenoteapp.com/ and exports to E-mail and Got To Do, works reliable in an uncomplicated fashion.
- Memento Database – Keeping track of things that require more structure/formality than a simple text list provides suggests a simple to use database with an easy interface is the next step up to keeping track of things or implementing a process. Memento has several ready to go templates or you can create your own (easy to do). The program optionally backups up to Google Docs and interacts with E-mail or Got To Do. Easy import and export, via a simple CSV file format makes moving data to and from Excel, mySQL a breeze.
- K-9 Mail – I hate E-mail. Work- flow gets drowned out by a huge amount of noise from idle chat, marketing notices, newsletters, and spam. I have three E-mail apps on my Droid. I use all three. Each E-mail app has their strengths and weaknesses. Yes, I can survive on the default Gmail app but it’s not sexy and the configuration options doesn’t really allow me to get to the significance of the content quickly. Gmail is fast, simple, and has a light footprint. K-9 Mail has more options — some say too many. K-9 has a small footprint, many display settings, and a content sharing ability that I use heavily. Once the initial setup is satisfactory, it is the preferred work-flow app. MailDroid has a sexy look about it, and the spell checker is appreciated. Nevertheless, it has the biggest foot print of the three packages, and does not share its contents easily with my work-flow. Note that I’m always stressed for space on my phone. And I hate ads. Until something significantly better comes along, K-9 Mail gets my best E-mail app vote.
Favourite Android Programs
Now that I’ve had a couple of months to play with my Palm Tungsten C PDA replacement, the Android is proving to a be a perfect replacement. Here is what I’m recommending currently as suitable software replacement for my Palm.
Best useful programs:
Note that all these programs are all free or have free versions — I have identified which programs merit the paid version.
- GotToDo best to do management program I have found and it links to www.toodledo.com so you have on line backup EXCELLENT!!
- mNote for keeping notes on just about anything. It links to www.simplenoteapp.com as backup and you can use it on-line as well EXCELLENT!
- WeatherBug the best weather program I have found so far
- ShoutOUT voice to text program if you are too lazy to type
- RecordDroid a better voice recording program that is fast to use especially when you want to remind yourself to do something
- Skype works really well and the next version will have video support
- Dropbox best program to keep your files synchronized on all the computers you use
- ExchangeRates to keep tabs on currency
- Aldiko a good e-book reader
- StopWatch good for timing how long it takes things to do or as a kitchen timer
- RunKeeper keeps track of your walks with the GPS. Links to a RunKeeper website allows you to see your walk on a map and keeps track of calories burned etc.
- IMDb if you like to research potential movies to watch
- RealCalc best calculator program and does conversions
Games
These are all free.
- AngryBirds (the free version) excellent time wasting program!
- Jewels another free excellent time wasting game.
- RealBlackJack a good Blackjack card game
- AAASolitair same as the game on Windows
Best Paid Programs
These are useful AND are worth paying for.
- DocumentsToGo for access to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint – works well with Dropbox
- Memento for more advanced information tracking. Try the free version first to see if it is likely to be used by you
- Camera360 as a better replacement of the default camera program. I find the paid version worth it.
- BCRacer best sailing race tactical software and worth the money
Geeky Software
- WiFinder does a great job of revealing what Wifi spots are around me.
- AndFTP does the job of moving files to my computers over the air
- AnkiDroid wins as a flash card program that works with Linux
- Blood Alcohol gives a good update on how much fun I am having
- BP Log for blood pressure and weight tracking
- ConnectBot as a terminal to my PDA or another computer
- ThinkingSpace for mind mapping
- WifiAnalyzer give a nice picture of whats in the neighborhood
- wardrive gives a neat plot of what Wifi networks are found when you go for a walk in the neighborhood
Finding New Software
- www.androidzoom.com has the latest software listed – does French too!
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