Jake. said:
i dunno, everything just seems super complicated - but i think its just because its my first smartphone.
the only apps i have so far are something that makes the camera flash a torch (super useful) and juice defender (because the s2's battery sucks) - are there some other 'must have' apps?
Check out the top free apps and see whats around. Ones that I find really useful are ones for online banking, etc.
I'd also recommend:
dolphin hd for browsing
readitlater is fantastic for saving online articles
chrome to phone is awesome (Get the addon for firefox or chrome to compliment) - you might not use it regularly, but when you do its great!
Flash player 11 for flash playback in browser
Google Reader or Newsrob for RSS
Evernote for note taking/sync with computer
google docs for... docs
skype, facebook, heytell, whatsapp are all cool social apps.
Jake. said:
one thing i've noticed is typing out an sms is taking me 50 times longer with alot more mistakes than with my old phone, again probably due to this being the first time i have used a touch screen. does it just take getting used to, or should i look for a different app or something?
make sure dictionary is switched on. Go to type a message and select the gear button to go to keyboard settings and switch on XT9 predictive text. There is definitely a learning curve but you will get much faster
Otherwise try out some alternative keyboards from the market. I prefer thumb keyboard, but swiftkey x is also a really good option that learns the language you use.
Jake. said:
can you recommend a good clock/alarm app or widget? the default one just takes ages, because i have to go through the menu and then set it each morning (for some reason i can't make a shortcut on my home screen, i have no idea why?) - would like something on my home screen if possible.
You could simply put the clock app on your homescreen? (ie go to applications, long press on clock and drop on home screen). Otherwise I haven't really looked for anything like this, but a search of the market should find you some good results.
Jake. said:
also, what is the point of having 7 home screens?
You can fill the screens with applications, widgets, etc. For example, I only use 3, one for agenda (my work/uni schedule), 1 for time and weather and 1 for app folders.
To get rid of extra home screens make a pinching motion on the screen and long press the ones you dont want and drag to bin. you can always add them back if you want them.
Jake. said:
edit: what is launcherpro? i have read that everyone uses it, and looked at a few screenshots...but still have no idea what it does or what is the advantage of using it.
sorry for all the stupid questions.
In android you can replace your 'launcher' (ie home screen and application screen) with other programs. Try out launcherpro or go launcher, both are great options and provide a lot of customisability. I used to use launcherpro, but development seems to have stagnated, and go launcher has some cooler effects and features.
edit: also, if you plan on changing launchers, desk migrate is a great app that saves a lot of time and effect with reorganising everything
The best way to learn is to just download them and have a poke around!