NEW NEXUS ON THE WAY! suggestions?!?!?!? - Nexus 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hey all,
so i ordered my nexus 7 on friday and have been anticipating having it in my hands ever since! any suggestions on what I should put on it, how to use it? or themes? lemme know what is up people! i dont want to waste time tinkering with this, I want to have it optimized after a few hours... obviously I am going to root it!!! im so stoaked!

It's hard to say. optimized for what exactly? Out of the box the device comes with enough built in apps to enjoy most common/basic tablet use
- gmail, web browsing, ebook, map, calendar, address book, music players, etc
- then next common things are games
- news and entertainment..
most people instal social networking apps for twitter, facebook, G+, web site readers. what not... without knowing what you want to do with your tablet, best people can suggest is bunch of popular/best of apps that you may or may not find useful. so... it all depends what you find interesting. it's a general purpose computer...

How exciting!
I would look at Beautiful Widgets, and check out background wallpapers. Also check out the thread for "how would you spend your $25 play store credit", to get ideas on which $$$ apps are good to buy. I think Plex was the first app I ever purchased, and tapatalk was the second. (This was a few months ago, before Nexus 7).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Is kindle fire worth buying outside US?

All,
I am from India and seriously considering buying KF.
Only issue is that I am doubtful as to how much of the device's capability would I be able to utilize being outside US.
Also, Would I be able to purchase apps through KF?
What about books and magazines?
Would love to hear from people outside US who have bought KF.
Thanks!
You should adjust your title to ask about whether you should buy it as you live outside the US.
Your thread is right next to another thread with the EXACT same title and about something completely different.
Thanks a lot for the suggestion. Edited the title. Hoping to get a better response this time
Sent from my GT-I9001 using XDA App
Using a Kindle outside of the US is not a problem if you are happy to do a little work.
It is possible to buy apps and watch moves via Amazon prime using a vpn.
It is also relatively easy to side load apps from other sources by literally searching for the apk file and then download and install them directly to the Kindle.
Again it is not too difficult to root the device and install a different launcher and the full Android Market, you will lose the ability to stream from Amazon prime but to be honest you won’t be losing much.
Ive gone through all the above and am now running the CM7 Rom which again completely changes the device to a fully unlocked working Android tablet which is not pad for 200 dollars.
The only downside I have found is nothing to do with geological location, for me a tablet this size is just too small.
duquesa said:
Using a Kindle outside of the US is not a problem if you are happy to do a little work.
It is possible to buy apps and watch moves via Amazon prime using a vpn.
It is also relatively easy to side load apps from other sources by literally searching for the apk file and then download and install them directly to the Kindle.
Again it is not too difficult to root the device and install a different launcher and the full Android Market, you will lose the ability to stream from Amazon prime but to be honest you won’t be losing much.
Ive gone through all the above and am now running the CM7 Rom which again completely changes the device to a fully unlocked working Android tablet which is not pad for 200 dollars.
The only downside I have found is nothing to do with geological location, for me a tablet this size is just too small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. It's still a great device to use outside the U.S. If you don't plan on messing with it (rooting, installing another launcher or CM7/9) and want to keep it on stock like its meant to be used, then don't buy it.
i'm using kindle fire on europe (portugal), and with the stock rom.
I can watch movies on prime, listen to music, buy books, install apps (free on amazon store and sideloaded the other ones).
So i will keep stock room, cause i can do everything.
therethere said:
i'm using kindle fire on europe (portugal), and with the stock rom.
I can watch movies on prime, listen to music, buy books, install apps (free on amazon store and sideloaded the other ones).
So i will keep stock room, cause i can do everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here from germany, it works fine!
well am also in India and just ordered mine. will get it in 10 days. I already have amazon account with fake US address and some 200 apps collected by me. Also I plan to root it and use some other launcher and maybe install cm7 too. I have no intention of watching videos on Amazon prime and only want to use to read a few ebooks, play games and movie which I can load on the storage. At the price and for the quality it serves this purpose great in my opinion. Depending on your needs this might vary.
you can do that with the stock room.
i mean, install apps (the free ones at amazon app store) or install from unknown sources. or sideload them.
kindle fire outside us
I am living in germany. Yes, small money for a great tablet once its rooted and you side loaded whatever you are interested it. Without routing it, its a crippled and restricted amazon content using device only.
But rooting it its really easy, if you are able to read and understand a little bit.
I now can watch movies, listen music, read colored ebooks or any pdf file and play games like nova2 or other stuff. the tablet runs smooth and imho its the best bang for the buck available on the market.
I am not interested in amazon content a lot, but i can buy books or videos there if i really want to or use the amazon services while being temporarily "unrooted".
I didnt made it possible to view streamed videos and using the cloud, but to be honest, i dont like the idea to put personal data on a public server or show people what i like to read and view, i am happy to be private. I am using my pc as a streaming server or just download some videos into the storage every now and then. Its good enough for 5-6 videos plus a ****load of books and music.
But look around.. there is so much other content availabe on the internet, you will not get bored in 10 years, so who really needs amazon?
I really prefer to sideload anything via wifi or usb cable which works great and isnt that difficult. I have a lot of fun and for sure I saved a lot of money not buying an expensive high end tablet.
The kindle fire just dont have gps, vibrator, camera, microfon and bluetooth. If you really want that dont buy the kindle fire.
I personally have a small mobile phone just for that so i dont need to use a tablet as a phone and i also have a highend digital camera so wtf why i need a camera on my tablet ? (google for wifi tethering, works great). They are not good anyway even on the most expensive tablets on the market compared to a real one.
But i am pretty sure someone will find a solution for that somehow.
I have it and I love it. I live in Bosnia and have no problems with it. Great little thing for a good price.
usurpine said:
I am living in germany. Yes, small money for a great tablet once its rooted and you side loaded whatever you are interested it. Without routing it, its a crippled and restricted amazon content using device only.
But rooting it its really easy, if you are able to read and understand a little bit.
I now can watch movies, listen music, read colored ebooks or any pdf file and play games like nova2 or other stuff. the tablet runs smooth and imho its the best bang for the buck available on the market.
I am not interested in amazon content a lot, but i can buy books or videos there if i really want to or use the amazon services while being temporarily "unrooted".
I didnt made it possible to view streamed videos and using the cloud, but to be honest, i dont like the idea to put personal data on a public server or show people what i like to read and view, i am happy to be private. I am using my pc as a streaming server or just download some videos into the storage every now and then. Its good enough for 5-6 videos plus a ****load of books and music.
But look around.. there is so much other content availabe on the internet, you will not get bored in 10 years, so who really needs amazon?
I really prefer to sideload anything via wifi or usb cable which works great and isnt that difficult. I have a lot of fun and for sure I saved a lot of money not buying an expensive high end tablet.
The kindle fire just dont have gps, vibrator, camera, microfon and bluetooth. If you really want that dont buy the kindle fire.
I personally have a small mobile phone just for that so i dont need to use a tablet as a phone and i also have a highend digital camera so wtf why i need a camera on my tablet ? (google for wifi tethering, works great). They are not good anyway even on the most expensive tablets on the market compared to a real one.
But i am pretty sure someone will find a solution for that somehow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it isnt possible sideload without root?
I cant still play all the movies, music, etc i want with a unrooted kindle fire. And i really enjoy the curated amazon app store. If i need any other app i just download it on fire and install. or sideload.
So if i just want to play movies, listen music, read books watch docs, why i need to root my kindle?
@therethere. You do not need root to sideload. I upload my apks to dropbox and then download to Kindle. The only reason I might decide to root is to change lockscreen and perhaps use a different launcher.
I'd really love a thread in this forum with everything you need to know to run your Kindle Fire outside US without rooting
LilaLurch said:
Same here from germany, it works fine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How that? I can't get it to work. Is there a chance to do it without rooting?
I'd prefer to sideload what I need, but it doesn't work.
Any tips?
Thanx in Advnce..
Dirk
dmenker said:
How that? I can't get it to work. Is there a chance to do it without rooting?
I'd prefer to sideload what I need, but it doesn't work.
Any tips?
Thanx in Advnce..
Dirk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you cant follow the tipps here in this forum, try with watching this videos from here: http://www.kindlefirewire.com/2011/11/16/how-to-root-kindle-fire-video-tutorial/
Not necessary to root.
Use a usb cable to sideload android apps. Most apps work.
Usa account and credit card(sample) for free Amazon apps.
Vpn for streaming.
Go launcher makes Fire a "real"Android.
I couldn't be happier with mine. In barely a month since release, it's now overclockable, CM7 running near perfectly, and a touch recovery coming tonight.
Since I got mine at release, my grandparents are buying three as gifts, my Dad might get one and I'm getting one for my Mom for Christmas.
Kindle Fire is easily one of the best value tablets out there. It's freakin awesome.
it shouldn't matter if your in India or anywhere. get one.
Chiwaz said:
I'd really love a thread in this forum with everything you need to know to run your Kindle Fire outside US without rooting
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There aren't really a lot of steps:
-Just enable install from unknown sources in the Kindle settings
-Install a file manager from the browser: search for and download the .apk of any known android file manager
-Copy the desired apps via USB
-Install via file manager
What you can do with the Kindle outside the USA without rooting is:
-Browse the web
-Buy and read Kindle books
-Copy via USB and read documents (.DOC and PDF)
-Everything else that allows the apps installed by yourself
I just love my kindle(/s), even I'm not able to use unblock-us properly to see Prime videos.
I don't care about gps, camera or 3g (even with it, I'd never make another contract, tethering is enough for me). All things I already have on the phone.
I just miss bluetooth, because I'd like to use a keyboard with this device and that's the only way to plug one, so far.
- Reading pdf (for simple books I usually use the other kindle);
- Newspapers;
- RSS, web browsing;
- Listen some music, radio or watching some TVs when I'm cooking, shaving or taking a shower;
- And yes, play some games sometimes (Tetris is freaking me out );
All stuff I was already able to do with the phone, but way more enjoyable on a tablet, without concern about battery life, on a big and beautiful screen, and better speakers.
And finally, I love the fact I don't need to carry it in a bag or a nerdy cover. Just my freaking pocket.

What would make you get one?

Hi everyone
I haven't posted / lurked the firums here since back when I baught my original nexus one phone.
Shortly after that the iPhone 4 and eventually the 4s came out and I have found it hard to go back to android ( I liked the simplicity of iOS)
Lately i am getting over the struggle between Apple and the hackers that allow customers do do what they want with their device. ( I always have my iPhone hacked just so I can run the tweaks apple don't provide)
The apple tv pairs quite nicely with my iPhone and I have also hacked that to run plex so I can stream from my pc.
Development for plex on apple tv is slow and usually buggy due to apples restrictions and every update means developers need to wait for a jailbreak before they can continue development..
Which brings me to the point of this post. The nexus q just might be what I need to come back to android.
These are what would convince me to come back
1. Streaming from pc not just from google play ( I believe it's already being worked on / almost done )
2. Plex / other apps like airtight working ( I believe they should eventually)
3. This would be the icing on the cake. Being able to start a movie / tv show that is on my pc over 3G. Eg. Tge girlfriend is at home and wants to watch a movie but is not too tech savvy so I load plex or a similar app on my phone while I'm at work and select a movie from my library that is on my pc at home and it starts playing on the nexus q!
Should these become a reality I would buy a galaxy s3 and a nexus q right away.
What other things would MAKE you buy a nexus q?
Well only two reasons prevent me from buying one.
Nexus Q is not available in Europe
No Music/Movie/TV Shows in the german Play store
So without the ability to stream whatever I want without the Play Store, it is quite useless at the moment. As soon as stable Custom Roms allow me to stream over WiFi and/or run XBMC I'll import one.
I like the Design, the basic Idea and well, Android. I just don't get why Google kind of messed this up by leaving it up to the Community to make this Ball of any use.
I am hoping the awesome devs have this thing cracked wide open with opportunity soon.
As for the leaving it to the community i kind of like the idea. Its like Google saying we trust the community and don't want to influence them one way or another so they gave them pretty much an empty slate to work with.
You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.
I just wish this thing wasn't $299.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
sonikot said:
You can do music. vpn into music.google then it activates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...
greyphil said:
I have activated music, however I can't order anything since checkout does not let me buy stuff with my credit card. Besides that I'd have to use a proxy 24/7 which slows down everything. That is not the kind of "experience" google wants to deliver and I don't want to have it either.
It is time that Google goes global with those things, can't be that hard...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is the problem lies with the content deals being restricted by geographic region. Blame the content owners.
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
I say a realistic price would spur my purchase. $99.
Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.
I'm sure the new nexus q will have some awesome features, I'm not sure about the ones you need but the wonderful thing about android is I'm sure one of our great developers will make that all possible. I have the q and I like it, I'm definitely going to need some more features to really love it but what I have now is great... Especially because it's free.
The new one will most likely be cheaper and have more features I think that it will be better than the Apple tv.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
sRDennyCrane said:
Frankly, with my PC connected to my TVs and audio receiver already, and my phone, tablets, etc already able to connect to my PC and/or TV, I just don't see an advantage to this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed
Sent from my Nexus One using xda premium
Samsung Phones
If you own Samsung devices, just get allshare.
I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Logomotph said:
I have a ps3 and I can stream content to it via Wi-Fi from my PC or my nexus 7.... really no reason for a Q. If I were to get it, it would be because it looks cool.
Sent from my Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I was pretty excited about the Q when I first saw it. I liked the design, the size of it etc but the reviews had me thinking I was better off with my PS3 set up.
hey
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things
Someone needs to buy/donate one of these for a capable dev for Christmas.
jrdoming said:
has anyone hacked one of these to do other things
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. The thing that I did immediately was get SqueezePlayer running on it. This allows the Q to play local music over the network in just about any format (e.g. mp3, 24-bit flac, etc.). Control is handled by an app on your phone/tablet like Orange Squeeze, Squeeze Commander, Logitech Squeezebox Controller, or by pointing your browser to the Logitech Media Server's web interface. Oh, by the way, this also works with Squeezebox apps (e.g. Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody, Slacker, MOG, etc.). Checkout the list here: http://www.mysqueezebox.com/appgallery
The Q has a ton of potential right out of the box and is easily worth what it is going for on eBay these days - if the user is savvy enough to exploit its potential.
I think the Q was the perfect device for a place like a bedroom where you'd otherwise just have a simple shelf unit (or I do at least). It's more convenient and a bit cleaner than always connecting your phone to the aux input. Plus, it's nice to be able to control it remotely.
The only thing is that it's too expensive. It's priced as a high-end device, but in most of us already have a "high-end" solution for this sort of thing (ie: a PC or similar) which can do a lot more. A device like the Q needs to be [just a bit] cheaper so that it can compete with a shelf unit. Though I realize I'm not the first one to say this.

Nexus 7 College Student

I'm a college student that owns a Galaxy S III, and will have a 16 GB Nexus 7 when it arrives tomorrow. In addition to playing games, I'd like to be productive on the tablet.
What apps, or functionality, do you think college students could benefit from greatly?
What you studying?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
ereaders such as ebookdroid
And office suit like QuickOffice
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Google Drive will be a big part of the productivity. I wouldn't be any productivity suites since Google just bought one of the most popular ones. They will probably incorporate it for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I bought the Nexus 7 specifically to use it in college classes. I got the Logitech Android Keyboard along with it and so far I'm really pleased with how well it's made, despite the Nexus 7's finicky bluetooth.
I tried out a few different note-taking apps and honestly, the one I like the most so far is ASUS SuperNote. It seems to work out great with both typed and handwritten notes (especially when used with a stylus! )
Can.I.Haz.Jelly.Bean? said:
I'm a college student that owns a Galaxy S III, and will have a 16 GB Nexus 7 when it arrives tomorrow. In addition to playing games, I'd like to be productive on the tablet.
What apps, or functionality, do you think college students could benefit from greatly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just graduated and these tips helped me greatly. So here goes...
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got. Use onenote with your laptop to take notes & record simultaneously (search youtube for more detailed tips on onenote).
- Get familiar with google calender. (Keep a designated "personal" calender where you might wanna keep important dates, doctor appointments etc. Then another calender "school" where you will input midterms, exams, assignment dates with reminders. Google calender is awesome. .... ** I suggest "business calender" app for aggregating all your calenders eg "bills", "personal" "college" etc.
- Dropbox - Don't carry flash drive's with you to campus. Put all your assignments for school in appropriate folders (1st year > science > bio ...) on the cloud. I use dropbox. You can easily use cubby, box , skydrive, google drive/docs. Other than your usual word papers, powerpoint notes from professors..**.I suggest you keep a folder for college with your academic calender + resume + GPA calculator etc. This way you can make additions to your resume as your go along your academic career. Plus you have access to stuff like your resume at all times in case you need to email it to a professor, internship, etc.
- Evernote - Evernote is powerful. It's up to you how you use the software which consequently can confuse beginners since they feel lost. I personally use it to store important documents, passwords logins(encrypted offcourse), make checklists (what stuff to bring to your dorms), shopping lists. I have a notebook for my "college" > where my college docs are located according to course. Then for "dental school "> where all my loan information, housing leases's etc. **Check out CAMSCANNER app (buy the pro version) to take scans of important documents and send them to dropbox/evernote/email etc. ... Get in the habit of keeping everything organized right from the start!
- You wanna get stuff done? you need a to-do list app. Take your pick at any of the top ones... Remember the Milk, Astrid etc. I personally prefer Astrid. It sync across my phone, nexus 7, & computers.
- Mint - to keep your finances in order (bank accnts, credit cards, etc. ).
- Another vote for Quick Office /Pro - to open docs like word, ppt, excel etc . It also can access & sync across the major cloud services like dropbox, drive etc.
- Splashtop Remote - I think its 5 bucks but worth it if you need functionality to stream your computer to your tablet. I use it to open flash sites (noobroom) & access my hard-drive remotely.
(optional) Tasker - Google it. Buy it if automation interests you.
Hope this was helpful and not a random rant.
ateebtk said:
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I bike to campus and my laptop weighs 9 pounds, while a Nexus 7 is pretty much insubstantial. Got the tablet because it would be cheaper than buying a new laptop, and it's really comfortable to type on. Sync Google Drive using wifi on campus, and my notes are ready for me on my computer the second I get to my apartment. Easy.
As for productivity, WolframAlpha is an amazing app for math classes, just waiting for them to update it for Jelly Bean.
Sent from my SGH-I997
Yeah, I bought mine for use at college, and the essentials are a good keyboard you like, a note-taking app you will actually use, and stickmount so you can edit from flash drives on the go. Oh, and a really sturdy stand, if you don't have a stand case. Beyond that, to each their own. I spent five bucks on a screenwriting app, but that's a pretty niche buy. Go look for your textbooks on every e-reader site you can (all but one of mine is Kindle). -Ara
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
rowanparker said:
What you studying?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Communication. More specifically, I'm majoring in Organizational Communication
Lennyuk said:
And office suit like QuickOffice
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks very nice! I don't think this will come in handy too often, but it looks like on that rare occasion it will come in handy! It's very unfortunate that the Nexus 7 has no sort of HDMI output. That's my only gripe about the phone as far as I can tell before getting it. However, my Samsung Galaxy S III will be compatible with an MHL adapter, so that may come in handy for making presentations!
kangxi said:
Google Drive will be a big part of the productivity. I wouldn't be any productivity suites since Google just bought one of the most popular ones. They will probably incorporate it for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Docs is great. However, formatting can sometimes be a bit funky. I'll save a doc from Google Docs, and it will look different in Word. Formatting is VERY important to me to save documents in specific formats such as APA and MLA. If in the wrong format, it could lead to plagiarism, which would lead to academic dishonesty on my record/failing grades/waste of thousands of dollars. I need to make sure everything is perfect, and Google Docs doesn't have that at the moment. At least, I could never get everything to look the same as Microsoft Word.
farmerbb said:
I bought the Nexus 7 specifically to use it in college classes. I got the Logitech Android Keyboard along with it and so far I'm really pleased with how well it's made, despite the Nexus 7's finicky bluetooth.
I tried out a few different note-taking apps and honestly, the one I like the most so far is ASUS SuperNote. It seems to work out great with both typed and handwritten notes (especially when used with a stylus! )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to learn how to install .apk files manually. However, that app looks very cool! Between having to work with a tablet and a bluetooth keyboard, wouldn't it just be easier to use a laptop though?
ateebtk said:
I just graduated and these tips helped me greatly. So here goes...
For note-taking, stick to a laptop. Yea, you can download various apps, buy bluetooth/wireless keyboards for your nexus 7 but why?? stick with what you got. Use onenote with your laptop to take notes & record simultaneously (search youtube for more detailed tips on onenote).
- Get familiar with google calender. (Keep a designated "personal" calender where you might wanna keep important dates, doctor appointments etc. Then another calender "school" where you will input midterms, exams, assignment dates with reminders. Google calender is awesome. .... ** I suggest "business calender" app for aggregating all your calenders eg "bills", "personal" "college" etc.
- Dropbox - Don't carry flash drive's with you to campus. Put all your assignments for school in appropriate folders (1st year > science > bio ...) on the cloud. I use dropbox. You can easily use cubby, box , skydrive, google drive/docs. Other than your usual word papers, powerpoint notes from professors..**.I suggest you keep a folder for college with your academic calender + resume + GPA calculator etc. This way you can make additions to your resume as your go along your academic career. Plus you have access to stuff like your resume at all times in case you need to email it to a professor, internship, etc.
- Evernote - Evernote is powerful. It's up to you how you use the software which consequently can confuse beginners since they feel lost. I personally use it to store important documents, passwords logins(encrypted offcourse), make checklists (what stuff to bring to your dorms), shopping lists. I have a notebook for my "college" > where my college docs are located according to course. Then for "dental school "> where all my loan information, housing leases's etc. **Check out CAMSCANNER app (buy the pro version) to take scans of important documents and send them to dropbox/evernote/email etc. ... Get in the habit of keeping everything organized right from the start!
- You wanna get stuff done? you need a to-do list app. Take your pick at any of the top ones... Remember the Milk, Astrid etc. I personally prefer Astrid. It sync across my phone, nexus 7, & computers.
- Mint - to keep your finances in order (bank accnts, credit cards, etc. ).
- Another vote for Quick Office /Pro - to open docs like word, ppt, excel etc . It also can access & sync across the major cloud services like dropbox, drive etc.
- Splashtop Remote - I think its 5 bucks but worth it if you need functionality to stream your computer to your tablet. I use it to open flash sites (noobroom) & access my hard-drive remotely.
(optional) Tasker - Google it. Buy it if automation interests you.
Hope this was helpful and not a random rant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GREAT post! Thanks for the suggestions! I will utilize a lot of these apps. I already use Google Calendar. I have my personal calendar, and calendars for different organizations on campus that I'm involved in. It's nice to have everything work automatically between my phone, computer, and (as of tomorrow) tablet. Considering Google Calendar is compatible with almost every device out there, everyone should be using it.
Dropbox is great. I just wish that AT&T did their deal with Samsung to get AT&T users the free 50 GB of online storage. I have a feeling I'll be using Dropbox for some things and Google Drive for some things to make sure I have plenty of cloud storage.
I've never bothered to look into Evernote. I've heard only great things about it though. I guess it will be worth looking into.
Astrid looks good. I used to just use the notes app on my iPhone to get things done. As I got things done, I'd delete them. I'll look into this app though. Might as well give it a try.
Tasker... I can't even tell what this app is!
Anyway, thanks for the suggestions.
My goal herei s NOT to replace my laptop. I feel many people are eager to replace their laptops with tablets, and it ends up making their lives more complicated with all the services and accessories they need. I'm looking to make my tablet COMPLIMENT my life right now. The Nexus 7 is not at all a laptop replacement. Right now my life involves me making a daily commute to an internship, taking lots of classes, and working with different organizations around campus. This tablet I hope will enhance everything that I do, boost my productivity, and.... be good for playing some games! A goal I have this year is to go 100% paperless. I don't think I'll be able to do it, but it would be darn awesome if I could do that between using note taking apps, cloud storage, and other services. I want everything digital. If it gets too complicated though, then my Nexus 7 will just become a fun entertainment device for when I want a break.
This is normal.
If you can download the apk's on your laptop, use AirDroid to throw them to your nexus 7. Great thing about AirDroid is that you don't need to download and install it on a computer, its all Web Based.
Also thank you all for these great tips, its going to be my last year in highschool and I'd like to be very prepared for college/uni(for those folks in Europe).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Shamushand said:
Because I bike to campus and my laptop weighs 9 pounds, while a Nexus 7 is pretty much insubstantial. Got the tablet because it would be cheaper than buying a new laptop, and it's really comfortable to type on. Sync Google Drive using wifi on campus, and my notes are ready for me on my computer the second I get to my apartment. Easy.
As for productivity, WolframAlpha is an amazing app for math classes, just waiting for them to update it for Jelly Bean.
Sent from my SGH-I997
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I obviously don't know what your school is or your major. But what do you do when you take a real math class that actually requires you to use Matlab or Maple IN CLASS as part of a lab or any number of extensive math programs? Or requires you to use any number of specialty programs (CAD, Labview, etc...)?
Can.I.Haz.Jelly.Bean? said:
My goal herei s NOT to replace my laptop. I feel many people are eager to replace their laptops with tablets, and it ends up making their lives more complicated with all the services and accessories they need. I'm looking to make my tablet COMPLIMENT my life right now. The Nexus 7 is not at all a laptop replacement. Right now my life involves me making a daily commute to an internship, taking lots of classes, and working with different organizations around campus. This tablet I hope will enhance everything that I do, boost my productivity, and.... be good for playing some games! A goal I have this year is to go 100% paperless. I don't think I'll be able to do it, but it would be darn awesome if I could do that between using note taking apps, cloud storage, and other services. I want everything digital. If it gets too complicated though, then my Nexus 7 will just become a fun entertainment device for when I want a break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're looking at this the right way. Every device is suited well for certain things and not so well for others. I've found my N7 to be awesome for kicking back and playing games, poking around online, and doing a few lightweight tasks here and there. Most serious productivity, however, is best left to laptops, just like most serious gaming is best left to consoles or PCs.
There have been a lot of great app recommendations and I can't add many; I've been out of college for three years and a lot has changed since then. All I can suggest is what I did when I first got mine: copy over everything you have on your phone that you think you'd use, and slowly start adding things you think you'd like better on the tablet. Also, keep an eye on some of the blogs (RSS is good for this), as most of them post app recommendations now and then. It'll never replace your phone or laptop, but over time you'll find things that you like doing best on the tablet and it will end up complementing both quite nicely.
On another note, I can at least help with manually installing .apk files. Just go into Settings -> Security and check the "unknown sources" box. After that, all you have to do is open the file you've downloaded and follow the prompts.
rman726 said:
I obviously don't know what your school is or your major. But what do you do when you take a real math class that actually requires you to use Matlab or Maple IN CLASS as part of a lab or any number of extensive math programs? Or requires you to use any number of specialty programs (CAD, Labview, etc...)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He could always use a VPN and RDP solution.
If your college provide specific, it will be a must install
Also you may download some sort of study management apps, like istudiez/ihomework on iOS or Yesterday on Palm. I am not sure if android have similar apps in market
Evernote
Sent from my oc'd cm10 nexus 7
mi7chy said:
He could always use a VPN and RDP solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend that. I've tried remotely operating Matlab with my Transformer Prime, and coding with lag is not so hot. Even with a mouse the interface is a bit too wonky for heavy duty work.
Take notes? Certainly a tablet can handle the basics. I'd recommend Handy Notes for written (or hybrid written/typed) notes...waaaay better than SuperNote (but costs 0.99 cents). I've tried ALL of them and that's the only one that I think has an intuitive interface for handwriting and isn't laggy (I'm looking at you FreeNote). Plus it allows lots of formatting options.
If you just want to type, any of the word processors will do. I'm perfectly fine working with Google Drive's word processor. Presentations are fine as well--just stay the heck away from spreadsheets.
Three_Bob said:
If you can download the apk's on your laptop, use AirDroid to throw them to your nexus 7. Great thing about AirDroid is that you don't need to download and install it on a computer, its all Web Based.
Also thank you all for these great tips, its going to be my last year in highschool and I'd like to be very prepared for college/uni(for those folks in Europe).
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, ok. I didn't know that .apk files are the apps themselves. Still learning some things. =P I'll give Asus's program a try then! I think that taking notes on a tablet will be a lot tougher than handwritten notes. I'll give it a try though! Couldn't hurt. It's part of my goal of going 100% paperless. If my notes are digital though, I'd like to be able to upload in the cloud to access them on my phone and laptop. (Not sure if Supernote lets you do that. I didn't check.)
bushpilotwannabe said:
You're looking at this the right way. Every device is suited well for certain things and not so well for others. I've found my N7 to be awesome for kicking back and playing games, poking around online, and doing a few lightweight tasks here and there. Most serious productivity, however, is best left to laptops, just like most serious gaming is best left to consoles or PCs.
There have been a lot of great app recommendations and I can't add many; I've been out of college for three years and a lot has changed since then. All I can suggest is what I did when I first got mine: copy over everything you have on your phone that you think you'd use, and slowly start adding things you think you'd like better on the tablet. Also, keep an eye on some of the blogs (RSS is good for this), as most of them post app recommendations now and then. It'll never replace your phone or laptop, but over time you'll find things that you like doing best on the tablet and it will end up complementing both quite nicely.
On another note, I can at least help with manually installing .apk files. Just go into Settings -> Security and check the "unknown sources" box. After that, all you have to do is open the file you've downloaded and follow the prompts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
x-magic said:
If your college provide specific, it will be a must install
Also you may download some sort of study management apps, like istudiez/ihomework on iOS or Yesterday on Palm. I am not sure if android have similar apps in market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the way I make myself study is through procrastination. I'm a horrible procrastinator, so I learned to use it to my advantage. I start off every homework/study session by watching an episode of a show I like. Then I make a short goal for myself (like memorize 5 terms if it's memorizing, or get a certain amount of sources for a research paper), and then I watch another episode. Then I make another short goal. I just use my horrible procrastination to an advantage. By the end of everything, I watched a whole lot of TV, and I got a ton done. Thank you Netflix.
Buy a BT keyboard that works for you: that means it should be portable and comfortable to use. If it's too big you'll never pack it in your bag, and if you don't enjoy typing on it it'll never make it out of the bag. Don't go for one of the cramped, squishy rubber key ones you see on eBay or Amazon third party sellers, or a gimmicky keyboard case. Unless you have baby hands no 7" tablet keyboard case will be practical for tapping out more than a couple of emails. Read reviews, buy from a place that makes returns easy, and try a few out. I like the HP Touchpad keyboard, but there are many others out there too.

What to use $25 credit on

Trying to figure out what to use my $25 credit on that I got yesterday.
Have a Gnex and Nexus 7. So I can use apps on both.
I have looked around and to be honest, have no clue what the heck they all are and what they do haha.
I like downloading movies, games, etc.
I'm also a college student so any note taking, reminders, etc.
Appreciate all your help!
abelgarpendant
Nobody? Really? I've looked on here at some suggestions but not sure what to get.
First time tablet user. Protection? Games? Etc?
computingwarren said:
Nobody? Really? I've looked on here at some suggestions but not sure what to get.
First time tablet user. Protection? Games? Etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suggestions are VERY subjective. I have a feeling if people responded, they would tell you to use the search bar.
My advice is not to blow it all at once and save it for sales. I bought my tablet back in august and I only spent about $11 worth of my play money.
Splashtop is excellent. Splashtop 2 is free on your network. I bought Splashtop THD for better game support. It is a remote desktop program.
That is all you really need. Office programs are largely useless because of a lack of windows compatibility. Layouts and such are messed up.
Edit:
For note taking. Just take a test drive. I would avoid writing papers using android office apps.
Search on google for gizmos freeware. They have decent reccomendations for free software though.
Hyrax said:
Suggestions are VERY subjective. I have a feeling if people responded, they would tell you to use the search bar.
My advice is not to blow it all at once and save it for sales. I bought my tablet back in august and I only spent about $11 worth of my play money.
Splashtop is excellent. Splashtop 2 is free on your network. I bought Splashtop THD for better game support. It is a remote desktop program.
That is all you really need. Office programs are largely useless because of a lack of windows compatibility. Layouts and such are messed up.
Edit:
For note taking. Just take a test drive. I would avoid writing papers using android office apps.
Search on google for gizmos freeware. They have decent reccomendations for free software though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google drive is the best, it auto syncs with the network, since you're in college you should have an internet connection through out campus.

Ouya vs google play store

I was following ouya development but I have to say its a surprise for me that I will not be allowed to play already bought games.
For me ouya was a nice looking google tv with pads, probably it will end up that way since devs will hack the living **** out of it Anyway the freemium/microtransaction model might be in conflict with the whole sourcy openness.
Who prefer cm based ouya rather than stock ouya market thingy?
I'm not to worried about it. The Kindle Fire have a closed system, but was able to get Play Store sideloaded. The Ouya is most likely going to get CM ported to it.
Sent from XDA app
yeah but the whole issue is to tweak pads controls so it will be useful on touch controlled apps. not sure if it will worm
It has sideloading, you just install Play like any other app. It's probably the 2nd or 3rd thing I plan on doing when I eventually get mine in
noted for future reference on my Note 2
This is going to be a great device to tinker with :victory:
Would just sideloading the play store .apk work?
From what I remember, the OUYA will only be running on Android - it won't have the Google apps framework. If that's the case, I think the Play Store by itself won't work unless gapps are installed as well. I'm sure that won't be hard to overcome (simply flash gapps.zip from recovery or something) but it's worth thinking about.
And on that note, if it's possible and/or necessary to flash gapps, do you think that will open up (easy) access to all Google apps on the OUYA? I'd love to see some kind of in-game chat through Babel or something. (Of course, that could be what's coming with the android games code found in the MyGlass app...)
GAPPS is just Google apps you can't download.
It may be possible to load the Play stare. Just depends all what it required to it to work. I don't know if there is something that has to be installed within the framework or not.
The bigger problem I see is that Google Play may not have listing for the Ouya and thus not a lot of apps will show up or be downloadable within Google Play if it did install.
lovekeiiy said:
GAPPS is just Google apps you can't download.
It may be possible to load the Play stare. Just depends all what it required to it to work. I don't know if there is something that has to be installed within the framework or not.
The bigger problem I see is that Google Play may not have listing for the Ouya and thus not a lot of apps will show up or be downloadable within Google Play if it did install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the other problem is that the controller may not play well with most of the apps on the market.
madmofo145 said:
I think the other problem is that the controller may not play well with most of the apps on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that may be an issue for anything not delivered through the Ouya Store. I think if you want an idea what may happen, if you have another android device, rooted, and have Sixaxais App installed and Playstation3 synced, try running the app with it turned on.
.
Just get an mk908 Android mini pc, run all of the emulators, XBMC, Play Store, and Bluetooth PS3 controller. Oh, an air mouse also.
I have to say I am very underwhelmed and disappointed by my OUYA. Besides the fact that I had to look online to see how to even install the batteries in the controller because there was ZERO instructions in what's laughably called a manual, I had completely forgotten about the touch pad and spent a while trying to figure out why I couldn't play Saturday Morning RPG on it. I was really hoping to better the experience by either grabbing apps from GPS or worse case sideload them, but after reading the comments here and elsewhere I think I'm best off just using my phone and tablet for Google gaming and sell this so I can put the $ towards an Xbox One....now THAT is a "smart device" if I've EVER seen one!! :good:
sternrulez said:
I have to say I am very underwhelmed and disappointed by my OUYA. Besides the fact that I had to look online to see how to even install the batteries in the controller because there was ZERO instructions in what's laughably called a manual, I had completely forgotten about the touch pad and spent a while trying to figure out why I couldn't play Saturday Morning RPG on it. I was really hoping to better the experience by either grabbing apps from GPS or worse case sideload them, but after reading the comments here and elsewhere I think I'm best off just using my phone and tablet for Google gaming and sell this so I can put the $ towards an Xbox One....now THAT is a "smart device" if I've EVER seen one!! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
misfit410 said:
I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ha yeah, i hope he was being sarcastic. Xbox One is a joke....to gamers anyway
it looks good on the surface until you get to the details they didnt share at the conference
a few thoughts
- when i'm gaming, i'm gaming. i'm not switching to TV or Movies or IE every few minutes.
- not always online....but it has to check every 24 hrs (according to one report). what if u have no internetz or are in the military or my bro in law who cant get internet at his house (without paying thousands to have lines run)?
- pay a fee on top of the price you paid for a used game (need to hear gamefly & gamestops reaction)
- kinect always has to be connected. (also what if someone comes in the room & says "turn that XBOX OFF" there goes your progress.
- the exclusives are probably kinect titles for kids
- non-removable HDD (should be just in case of failure)
- indie developers cant self publish
- for our fellow earthlings, a lot of this wont work outside of US
- it's GINORMOUS!
- the XBOX ONE is so forward-thinking, it's not even backwards compatible with gamers.
anyway, finally got my distribution center email for my OUYA today.
reading up on all this stuff while bored at work.
I've shown a lot of people the Ouya, most of them actually wanted one after seeing all of the things it would do. I've had a few who just don't get it and I understand it's not for everyone, but what does kill me are the ones who are like "ok so it plays movies at 1080P and XBMC is nice and all, but why would I pay $99 for something to watch movies and play a few phone games".. .the facepalm comes in when I find out they say this while owning an AppleTV.
misfit410 said:
I've shown a lot of people the Ouya, most of them actually wanted one after seeing all of the things it would do. I've had a few who just don't get it and I understand it's not for everyone, but what does kill me are the ones who are like "ok so it plays movies at 1080P and XBMC is nice and all, but why would I pay $99 for something to watch movies and play a few phone games".. .the facepalm comes in when I find out they say this while owning an AppleTV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hah, thats hilarious.
i actually asked for a refund last friday, but heard nothing until the distribution center email today. ha. oh well.
we'll see if i actually have any time to mess with it.
I'm of the tinkering type so it was a no brainer for me, but I found I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would, there are so many games out there I don't even want to throw down $2 for because they just don't look good... but here everything can be played for free, so I find myself trying every single game out there, I've gotten so many gaming time for nothing... and i found I loved some of these games I would have otherwise passed over.
misfit410 said:
I'm of the tinkering type so it was a no brainer for me, but I found I'm enjoying it even more than I thought I would, there are so many games out there I don't even want to throw down $2 for because they just don't look good... but here everything can be played for free, so I find myself trying every single game out there, I've gotten so many gaming time for nothing... and i found I loved some of these games I would have otherwise passed over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cool.
so what all have you tinkered with so far, just trying games or some other more complicated things.
basically i want to know where to start when i get mine. should i try some games or sideload some other stuff on it, etc
Sideloaded Emulators, Web Browsers, Onlive, etc..
put the Amazon app store on so I could load up Opera Mobile, Dolphin and Maxthon browser, as well as file explorer..
you can sideload apps without any external tools if you just use the built in browser to download then go to the settings menu, storage, downloads and you can launch an APK from there.
the one thing to know is that all sideloaded apps go to the developers MAKE section.. but most stuff I've loaded runs well, still hoping to get my hands on a generation 2 googletv netflix apk.
misfit410 said:
Sideloaded Emulators, Web Browsers, Onlive, etc..
put the Amazon app store on so I could load up Opera Mobile, Dolphin and Maxthon browser, as well as file explorer..
you can sideload apps without any external tools if you just use the built in browser to download then go to the settings menu, storage, downloads and you can launch an APK from there.
the one thing to know is that all sideloaded apps go to the developers MAKE section.. but most stuff I've loaded runs well, still hoping to get my hands on a generation 2 googletv netflix apk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweet, thanks yo.
i'll be reading up on everything on these forums for the next 2 weeks.
thanks for the head start
misfit410 said:
I'd suggest you're the only person on earth who thought that the Xbox one looked like a smart device, it's been the laughing stock of the internet.
Ouya has it's own store, having the google play store would bankrupt the company being they would make no money and google would make it all...
I'm sorry you had so much trouble, but I can't say anyone else had issues figuring out these basics, what you have is not a retail product, you got an early version that is not ready for prime time on a software/manual level, so it's rather silly to expect a retail quality manual when it does not ship for another month to retail... we are beta testers, and I thought the fact that we were paying to BUILD it clued everyone in on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree 100% in that the op will be indicative of most general consumers that buy this at retail stores. That said, common sense suggests the retail units will have clear and concise guides as soon as you open the box. None the less, most retail buyers are going to balk at a proprietary market.
Their model depends on it, but most consumers will not care about that and will expect a simple, easy to start experience.
The bubble of this forum is not the best sample of tech knowledge level for mass market game systems. Lower the bar. If Ouya assumes otherwise, they may see good sales followed by a lot more returns than expected.

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