I was recently asked if I ever had an emergency (server crash or similar) that I had to take care of while away from the computer; fortunately the answer is no, and I hope that I never do.  Still, I have put these applications (all of which are free) to great use.  As I mentioned, I even have preferred some of them to using applications from my desktop.  I’ve also learned that there are appropriate times to work, as well as inappropriate times (again, sorry to those affected. You should have received an email by now).

While I’m a smartphone veteran, this has been a whole new adventure for me.  I came to my G1 about 9 months ago, coming from a Blackberry and Windows Mobile phones before the Blackberry.  So far, I haven’t used a smartphone which has been as versatile for my needs as Android is.  I still miss certain aspects of the previous phones, however none of them were able to cover such a range of utility.  For example, I miss the simplicity of the Blackberry the most; from composing emails to managing contacts it was/is the phone to have.

So what makes the difference from other smartphones?

First, I would have to say that it’s OpenSource. Essentially everyone who wants to create an app can, which means that if there’s a developer out there who has similar needs as you, you’re going to win. I know there’s more and more development for other mobile operating systems now, however there doesn’t seem to be a comparable development community.  When I say this to my friends, I get the iPhone iPwns all argument.. but that’s another article entirely, except for one point.  Multitasking. Multitasking is what makes the better operating system, for me. Note, I said for me and not for everyone.

Multitasking allows me a lot of flexibility I haven’t had on other phones, especially with the applications I use for communication and work.  However, it extends beyond just work to things like loading web pages while I compose an email.  So far, no smartphone operating system has supported multitasking like Android.

When has it come in handy?

Over the summer I was across the country in Walnut Creek, CA (BEAUTIFUL CITY) for a wedding and was interrupted with a lot of database issues.. aka my phone wouldn’t stop going off.  I was able to post a temporary page from the lobby of the hotel while waiting on my ride so the visitors knew what was going on.  The issue turned out to be an error I made with some code, which was easily remedied when I got back that afternoon.

Let’s say my server was throwing memory issues and I wanted to move my site to a different server, it would be as simple as using ConnectBot following these simple directions.  The only thing I’d have to do is move the database and point the domain over.

How come I’m only talking about functionality?

Well, I’m not huge on Android’s communication. I should rephrase that, I’m addicted to the simplicity of the Blackberry.  Receiving email, outside of Gmail, is nearly a hassle on the G1. It seems plagued with issues using anything but IMAP settings.  Even multimedia messaging feels more glitchy than the simple interface of Blackberry’s.

I should post a disclaimer: I’m coming from a recent wipe, after playing around with a ROM based on Blur.

ConnectBot:

Portable SSH client that just works. SSH, mobile phone, sold.  I even use it while sitting at my desk, so I can focus on other things on my computer.

AndFTP:

An FTP Client for your Android phone, and it wins.  I use AndFTP to upload pictures/Screenshots to my server, while I’ve also used it to back up a site while on the road.  While 3G is fast, it’s nowhere near optimal for any reasonably sized file.. however, when needed it’s the best FTP Client I’ve found on the Android Market.

Another use, which has been great, is using it to connect to my home server.  I’ve used it to change the music on my phone while on the road, I’ve even used it to back up and restore files on my phone and SD card while 2000 miles away.

Google Voice:

If you have a GV account, this app is a necessity. I have GV set up as voice mail for ALL my phones, meaning no matter what line I’m called on I get visual voicemail (and MP3 Voicemails).  Aside from the highpoint of Visual Voicemail, it adds a lot of great features on the handset like cheap international calling.

WPtoGO:

WordPress to go. Self explanatory.  However, the newest version (I think released in September) seems to run a LOT better and have a few more features.  For someone who uses WordPress for every project, WPtoGO is a life saver on the road.

TWIDroid:

In my opinion this is the best Twitter client for Android.   Although I’m not greatly active on Twitter, I definitely use it to keep up with the times.  Twidroid is not only simple to use, but it seems to have all the functions of desktop twitter clients.  DEFINATELY worth checking out.

Photoshop Mobile:

Umm.. I’m kind of mixed on this application, but first let me explain its benefits and I’ll write a review for it later tonight.  Often camera’s on phones can distort a picture and there’s no way to correct the picture until you get to your computer.  While Mobile Photoshop might be limited, I’ve used it on a couple of pictures and it’s really made the difference.  From overexposed weird angle to a relatively clear shot with the angle corrected in minutes.   I’ve read a couple complaints about how limited the application is, however it’s perfect for the quick fix before uploading to your favorite social network site (or blog).

I don’t know who taught you to be punctual and helpful with your customers, because I had come to believe that it was customary for airlines to cause as much stress as possible for their customers. Fortunately, this isn’t your philosophy (in most cases) and I sincerely regret flying other airlines trying to save $20-$50, because it cost me a lot more in the end.

Over the last 8 years or so, SWA has been my absolute airline of choice. This was due to price and convenience primarily, however I took for granted that most of my flights departed/arrived on time as well as when there was a problem, there was always a solution waiting with a smile at the nearest counter. Through the last couple of months, I’ve traveled on other airlines.. Experiencing nothing but apathy and inconvenience.

For someone who travels as frequently as I do, the only thing that matters to me is strong customer service. On other airlines, I’m batting 0 for 10 this year. Air Tran is like a drama queen, creating an environment where I have to sprint across Atlanta’s airport to make my connecting flight, on more than one occasion. United has treated me like a clueless teenager, attempting to abandon me in both Denver and Washington D.C, while making 0 out of 4 flight arrivals within 2 hours of stated arrival time.

The difference, SWA goes the distance. No airline is perfect, at no point will there be a flawless day. However, all but one flight with Southwest, when there was an issue it was remedied with a rapid solution and more then generous customer service.

Please keep up the good work.

(you might also want to re-stamp that tray table)

In the past, while dealing with companies like Titan Motorsports and Clutch Masters, a date was the date for John. If he ordered something or needed warranty work, these companies would come through or tell him it was impossible.  This was not the case for Tansky Toyota in Columbus, OH or Phillips Racing, also in Columbus.

After catching the first plane to Columbus, and drinking several Red Bulls, I was more amped to work on his car than ever. Initially, the plan was for me to clean up the wiring while he made the necessary arrangements so we could finish the rest of his Car for Scion Exposed.  While I’m sitting in his tC passing time by cleaning up the reckless wiring left by previous installers, he comes out in mumbling in frustration about Phillips Racing not answering his phone calls. . I assure him that the employees couldn’t have left before close, and they were possibly just busy.  If only I knew what I know now, we could have come up with a “Plan B.”  There was no word from Phillips, for the rest of the weekend. Neither were the parts received from Tansky, parts which were solely ordered because they were needed for Saturdays events.

What’s strange is that these were both simple tasks, this is not like when John broke his clutch and needed Clutch Masters’ assistance, whom showed amazing customer service during the whole process. John was in a similar situation, where time was an issue, CM Gave a date and delivered by that date.  Not to mention the time where he needed a GT35R during his turbo build, and found Titan to not only be able to fulfill the order, but also do so quickly.

After I finished with the wires, John and I decided to take a drive to Akron and work on our friend Nick’s car, in order to get some APC seats in the car before Exposed.