The T-Mobile Smartphone Community
15 Must Have Android Apps for the Road Warrior
Lately I have been doing quite a bit of traveling. During these travels I have found these apps to be immensely helpful when I need to get things done. Each of these has saved me from a headache in one way or another. In these times our cell phones have become more than just a way to communicate by voice, they have become our home away from home…Keep reading
Most utility and communication type apps have a widget that you can add to the home screen. Above are five that I use frequently, not pictured are the Twidgit (for Twitter) and Facebook widgets. Top left is a small AndWeather widget, it comes in 1×1, 1×2, 2×2 sizes. Below that is the Voice Recorder widget, a quick tap and you can record. To the right is the PDANet widget for a quick connect when using your Android phone as a modem for your laptop/netbook.
Next is the Voice Text widget which can actually save your life. Use it to voice text when driving or to just save time. At the bottom is the Pandora widget which launches Pandora and provides easy to use controls when music is playing.
‘Here I am’ is a quick and easy way to let friends, family, co-workers know where you are. When taking a road trip it’s good to let people know how you are progressing. It can also auto-send a link to the Google Map of where you are.
Everyone needs a compass, one of the best available is aptly named ‘Compass’. More importantly everyone should know how to use one. This is helpful anywhere you need to know in what direction you are heading. The outer dial can be spun so you can set your azimuth. You can change between four different compass styles as well as several backgrounds. Once a GPS lock has been obtained it will look up your address. Tapping on ‘note this location’ will add the note if you have ‘3Banana’ installed.
Here is a screenshot of what happens when you tap on the ‘AndWeather’ widget. ‘’AndWeather’ automatically looks up the weather for your current location if you set it to. This is great for the frequent traveler if you are unfamiliar with the weather patterns in the area you are visiting.
‘Astro’ is one of the more comprehensive File Managers on the Android Market. There are so many features to this that it would require it’s own post. Needless to say you should have this installed by now.
‘Documents To Go’ fills in where Android left off when it comes to Office documents. Being able to View, Edit and Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF when you need to can be crucial tasks to any professional or student. It is best to shell out the dough for the full version. Oh you forgot that report did you?
Paper has its uses, but most of the time when you want to capture a thought you won’t have it handy. ‘Evernote’ takes this one step further by enabling you to not only capture text but Pictures, Audio and even upload files to your Evernote account. This is no small time application either. It is joined by a browser interface, a desktop client and even apps for other mobile operating systems like Windows Mobile. Get it now!
We all know what Facebook is. This app also has a nice looking widget for your home screen. While it isn’t as polished as the browser version you can still do most of your social networking through this app.
Simply named ‘Flashlight’, there are several on the Android Market with many options such as strobing and colors. I prefer the simple one. I put a shortcut to this on my home screen. When you open it your screen brightness is turned to full and the screen is made completely white. It is very handy and is much better than stumbling around in the dark like a blindfolded horse in a Grandfather Clock store at Midnight.
Very simple, plug your laptop/netbook in and use your Android phones internet connection. There are two versions, Free and Paid. The Free version will only allow HTTP connections while the Paid version will act like any good internet connection. You will need the desktop client on your computer to use it. It’s worth having if you travel with your laptop/netbook at all.
Sherpa has been gaining popularity lately. It quite simply finds what’s around you. You can view by categories; bars, restaurants, shopping, etc. This is a great addition to any traveler’s phone. New in town? Need a place to eat?
Simple recording app with just enough features. This also has a widget for your home screen with one simple button, record. Sometimes you just have to record a conversation or sound. Voice Recorder does have the option to set a timer for it to start and stop recording at certain times. There are add on apps that are available with a donation, one of which is the ability to record phone calls (it will require you to be on speaker phone though to record the call)
If you have Wordpress blog then you need ‘WP to Go’. You can create posts on the go and even attach items. Yes it’s free so have at it.
If you have an app that helps you while you’re on the go and think it should be part of this list let us know in the comments. Enjoy!
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about 6 months ago
I use Evernote, but didn’t know of the app til now, will check it out, thanks! I have been aware of Geodelic, since I got my first smartphone the MyTouch, Geodelic is known as Sherpa on Tmobile handsets. I will say that for avid travelers Geodelic is one of a kind. It has aided me on numerous occasions when I’ve felt lost and didn’t know where to go, literally. I definitely recommend Geodelic app download.
about 6 months ago
what about places directory by google? and also phonemypc Phone my pc is a super simple and remote control app and places directory is like having information on roids in your pocket.
about 6 months ago
Yeah I have tried out places directory by Google. I find it to have a nice database, but the UI is just a list view. I like Geodelic’s interface. It is creative in it’s design and also engaging for the user. Helpful, animated and on point with location.
about 2 months ago
Thank you very much for suggesting PDANET it works awesome! I’ve been struggling to get good internet connection and now its super fast. You are awesome!