Reviews of Android OS Apps

[scjjtt]

Application: ClipStore
Price: Free
Req: AndroidOS
Grade: A

Face it, entering data on a touchscreen is a PITA no matter what input method you use. ClipStore saves your clipboard entries and lets you reuse them. It's a clipboard manager like those on other OSs, and I regularly use one on my PC. It stores clipboard entries for later use, and I can get to several entries easily without having to go back and copy things again and again. It saves a lot of work and time.

SGosnell, great app - I finally got around to looking at it. I was frustrated that there wasn't a way to have quick texts available to choose from when sending a sms. Using this app I can simply paste in the text that I want to send without writing. Thanks!

[jigwashere]

Application: Dropsync
Price: Free
Requirements: Android OS
Grade: A

DropSync automatically syncs Dropbox folders with Android devices. I run Calibre on my desktop. Dropbox on my desktop syncs that file with the cloud. DropSync syncs the Dropbox cloud with my Nook Color. It's very easy to use.

The Pro version is $5.99 offering the following features:

* Sync multiple folders
* Sync the whole Dropbox with a folder on your phone or tablet
* Arbitrary upload file size limits, including "no limit"
* Instant upload: new files (for example photos) are uploaded to Dropbox immediately, no need to wait for the next autosync cycle
* No ads, of course

[Varjak]

Application: Dropsync
Price: Free
Requirements: Android OS
Grade: A

DropSync automatically syncs Dropbox folders with Android devices. I run Calibre on my desktop. Dropbox on my desktop syncs that file with the cloud. DropSync syncs the Dropbox cloud with my Nook Color. It's very easy to use.

The Pro version is $5.99 offering the following features:

* Sync multiple folders
* Sync the whole Dropbox with a folder on your phone or tablet
* Arbitrary upload file size limits, including "no limit"
* Instant upload: new files (for example photos) are uploaded to Dropbox immediately, no need to wait for the next autosync cycle
* No ads, of course

Okay, I find this a bit confusing. Isn't Dropbox supposed to already sync your files between your handheld and the cloud (or the PC with the desktop module)? And I thought Dropbox already handled multiple folders, say between the Android device and the cloud? Or is that not a sync; but just access to those files?

[Hook]

Okay, I find this a bit confusing. Isn't Dropbox supposed to already sync your files between your handheld and the cloud (or the PC with the desktop module)? And I thought Dropbox already handled multiple folders, say between the Android device and the cloud? Or is that not a sync; but just access to those files?

DropBox doesn't sync folders to Android, which I prefer since I mostly use wifi. You can download or upload anything whenever you want. Sounds like this program allows folks with ample data plans to restore the sync function that Dropbox chose to leave out.

[jigwashere]

Maybe this article on Lifehacker will help clarify. I did install the DropBox app, but didn't like it. I don't remember why, exactly. Anyway, some people prefer Titanium Media Sync.

Dropsync easily and cleanly does what I need, so I gave it an 'A' grade.

[Varjak]

Oh, I see. You did this mostly in place of the Dropbox app.

I guess DB on iOS DOES normally sync when you use their app, as opposed to Android?

Thanks Jig, I'll read that LH link and check into Titanium Sync; although I'd probably use it more like Hook anyway.

[Adeline]

I highly recommend ThickButtons for a virtual keyboard. For those, like me, with bigger fingers, your typing errors will significantly decrease by utilizing the ThickButtons ap. I am now even willing to send messages using my Android phone, because of the addition of ThickButtons.

[Adeline]

Just thought of one more. I do not like the idea of syncing with Google calendar via any aps. I found HTC Sync which is downloaded to my PC desktop. When I plug in my phone via the USB connection, the PC automatically finds the phone and I can sync with my Outlook calendar.

[Hook]

Just thought of one more. I do not like the idea of syncing with Google calendar via any aps. I found HTC Sync which is downloaded to my PC desktop. When I plug in my phone via the USB connection, the PC automatically finds the phone and I can sync with my Outlook calendar.

Folks should just be aware that it is only for HTC phones and not all of them. My Nexus One can't use it. I don't know if that is because it requires Sense or not, but that would be my guess.

[jigwashere]

Application: NOOK for Android
Price: Free
Requirements: Android OS
Grade: C-

Okay, maybe I'm grading while angry. The app itself is okay. In fact, it's pretty decent. But I'm very unhappy that there's no way to protect my credit card from unauthorized or accidental purchases. In order to read any books you own, you must be logged in and your credit card activated -- but there's no way to protect unauthorized purchases. On the Nook Color, I can password protect my account -- purchases require a password. But with the Nook for Android software, no password is required. You click a book and boom! You own it. There's not even a warning message. (Remember, I'm not the only one with access to my account -- my son it using my tablet). Anyway, I call B&N customer support, and they give me a hard time about it -- they'll refund my account this one time, but it better not happen again.