First-time Android user!

[feathertail]

That's right ... my new HTC Aria is my first Android phone, and my first modern smartphone, period. My last phone was a Palm Centro, which was technically a "smartphone" but didn't have a data plan, and was basically a glorified Palm Pilot.

I bought the Aria even though I was on AT&T because I fell in love with it at the store. I love how simple and sleek it is, and I <3 how the textured back feels. Also I use Ubuntu on my PC, and iPhones don't have Tomdroid and can't sync with Banshee. (I'm tickled pink that Astrid can sync my to-dos with Getting Things GNOME! via Remember the Milk. ^.^ )

I've been having lots of fun going through the Android Market and trying out apps. I don't like the uninstallable AT&T things, but I'm thinking of putting Cyanogen on it so I can get rid of them and sideload apps.

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions for a first-time Android owner? :3

Comments

[feathertail]

I dunno! Anything, I guess ... what apps (and games) can't you live without?

[anjelabug]

Abduction! World Attack - game - a very cute one in which you tilt the phone back and forth in order to get your character (you start as a cow, but can unlock other animals, such as sheep, penguins, hippos, kangaroos, and many more) to hop up platforms, rescuing his friends from alien abduction! Has a free version with fewer features, was more than worth the $2 or so. :)

Angry Birds (beta) - game - Just released for Android, and I couldn't be happier about it. :D I can't wait for the full version! Lite version is free, paid version isn't out yet.

List Master Pro - app - best list-making app I've found, suitable for to-do lists or grocery lists or gift lists or anything, really. Also has a free version!

I also like having a barcode scanner (Barcode Scanner, I think, is the name of it) for QR codes (the funny little square bar codes you might be seeing on things these days). Oh, and the Amazon app is totally awesome; being able to scan items (all items, not just books or CDs or whatever -- and you can either scan a bar code or take a picture, and Amazon will try to find it, though a bar code is much, much faster) and pull up Amazon reviews instantly is AWESOME. (It's how I picked out my new steam cleaner. :) )

[feathertail]

Oh hey, I didn't know the Amazon app had a barcode scanner. ^.^ I'd already downloaded it, but hadn't taken a look at it. Thanks!

I've been using Status Notes to take quick notes ...