By Juan D. Perez –
Hey NJCU, I have another app article for you; and this time, it is an Android. Many of the apps on Android are also available on iPad. So, here are a few apps for your nice, shiny Android tablet.
“Kobo,” “Kindle,” “Barnes & Noble,” “Google Books” – These book apps are similar to their iPad counterparts but with expanded functionality such as buying books from within the app. They are all free, but, as far as book apps, the selection is slim on Android.
“Quick Office Pro HD” ($14.99), “Documents to Go” ($9.99), Google Docs (free)
All of these apps are the Microsoft Office of the tablet market both “Quick Office” and “Documents” that go connect to Google Docs and Dropbox. Google Docs connects directly to your Google account across all Android devices, giving full access to your documents on any computer or smart phone with an internet connection.
They also have the highest compatibility with Microsoft office documents, Excel and Power Point documents in 2007 – 2010 format and they can open Word 2007-2010 documents with little problems. All three have spell check and “Quickoffice” also has the option of voice playback on Android. The best part of these Android versions is they have higher functionality than their iPad counter parts meaning modern power points without any loss of quality.
EZ PDF Reader ($2.99) – This is a great App for PDF reading can read most PDF’s secure and non-secure. You can highlight, make annotated notes, and fill out those fill in PDF documents you find online. It’s a great PDF app for any college student.
ASTRO File Manager (free and $3.99) – This is a file app that allows you to move any saved files on Android. You can try it free and have access to basic functions, but if you buy the full version, you can move your files anywhere. It’s perfect for maximizing your memory cards and internal storage on all Android Tablets. Great for creating folders to store different class notes and file types.
Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary ($24.99) – the best dictionary app for any college student you can either say or type a word to find it. This is a must have for English majors the basic dictionary app is free but this app has double the words.
Onlive Desktop (Free) – This app is a great one for any student with a strong Wifi connection. This app turns your Android 4.0 tablet to a cloud based Windows 7 net-book. Translation you get to have Windows 7 with Word 2010, Power Point 2010, and Excel 2010 for free and 2 Gigabytes of storage while connected to the internet just like iPad. (Android 4.0 only)
Google Voice (Free) – This is an internet phone app that can link to a Google account. With this app you can turn your Android tablet to make calls, text message, and check voice messages right on you Android tablet. Great if you want a virtual office on your Android Tablet.
Google Translate (Free) – This is one the best translation app’s available. Type or say a word and it will translate it for you great for any Language class. The only down side you need a Wifi connection.
These are some of the best Android Tablet apps available for any college students. Unlike iPad, every Android tablet is different and have pre-installed apps, but these are the best to install in any Android Tablet.
Right now all the really great college apps are on iPad but more are on the way for Android so consider this a taste for better apps to come. So get on that Android Market and try these out. There are free versions and paid versions, so try the free first and if you like them as much as I do then spend the money and enjoy.