My 1st "Smart" phone...Now what?

[daffy213]

Hey all; finally broke down and got myself a "smart" phone that I will actually use. I have had other smart phones in the past but never had a data plan or anything so much of their capabilities was never tapped.

I got the htc evo 3d. Although 3d is not something that I truly care about everything I have heard about the processor and other functions made it worth the buy.

I suffer from ignorance though. It is like giving someone a computer hooking it up, saying here you go, and walking away. Although I have some of the basics down I am by no means in any way advanced with the lingo, expectations, or possibilities.

Your opinions and advice are trusted so I was wondering if there were any insights, tips, must dos, must haves, cool apps, etc. that I should be aware of. Let your inner (or outer) geek tech run wild.

Thanks in advance.

[MEGO_SUPERMAN]

If you want to get a lot out of your phone...I dont know what the web address is but if you go to CrackBerry.com – The #1 Site for BlackBerry Users Abusers that is for Blackberrys but the organization that owns that site also has various Android sites...and that is Android 24/7. Probably give you more info than you ever wanted.

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

5 Ways Your Telecom Company is Screwing You | Cracked.com

Don C.

[sauce]

Must have apps:
Google Mobile
Yelp
GOrequest
Flashlight

[theressa]

I'd like to add this!

Reading this prompted me to look at the phone bill.
My Storm went down. I canceled the data and tethering until I figured out what to do.
I have the phone insurance, so went with a replacement device.
Got a new one the next day. Had all services activated.

BUT for only 2 days of not having the data and tether, my plan was degraded without notice until I read the bill!
I still have the unlimited handheld services.
The tethering has changed from 5G at $25.00 a month to 2G at $20.00 a month!
The rep told me the 5G is no longer available! So watch out!
Even though I've never used that much, its still the principal of the issue!

[raider5gt]

I have got my 1st smart phone too,a Galaxy S its like a mini PC sadly the Galaxy S2 is out over here now and i should of waited.

Must have apps.
Google Sky Map
Zombie Booth (scared the pants off me)
Ebay
Tube Mate
Sound Hound
Bit from Tron is funny

There is so much on the android market its mental

[MicromanZone]

It’s pricey and I am not too sure it’s for everyone but Apple is officially selling Unlocked iPhones.

Personally, I ditched my cell phone that I have had for so long I had a grandfathered 2002 plan price and got an iPod Touch 4G which is basically an iPhone without the phone. Installed Skype, have a Skype phone number and minutes and I am perfectly happy. It might not work for everyone but in my case I really just need once-in-a-while mobile messaging and e-mail access. The Skype covers phone needs if I need it and it works well for me so far.

Generally I think SmartPhones will just be moving into the SmartPocketPC world. Most people hate the plans which stink. And in the U.S. coverage sucks. Heck, SMS plans are a con-job if there ever was one and open/free messaging is taking over from that; I use Skype for that as well.

It depends on usage, but SmartPhones are cool. But cell providers in the U.S. are horrible. I recommend anyone nowdays seriously look at their realistic usage and see if they can ditch their plans and just go for the WiFi access if they can.

[megocrazy]

If it didn't come with apps killer or task killer you should get that app. Lets you shut down everything that's running, with the press of a button. Great for power saving.

[VintageMike]

If you're movie goer get the fandango app or something similar. Very convenient when you are on the go and want to know when/where something's playing.

[daffy213]

Thanks for the heads up and suggestions all. This thing is certainly a battery killer. I swear I need an army of hamsters and hamster wheels to ensure this thing last through a day's usage.