Well this week I was very pleasantly surprised.  A coworker, who also has the same android tablet I have, saw an advertisement for a "wired" keyboard for our Toshiba Thrives.  The price is $11.88.  Are you kidding me?!  As you know from my previous articles, in my opinion real inexpensive cheap is the next best thing to free.

Of course, I didn’t really use my Thrive for typing lengthy documents like this column, but for that price it was worth a try.  So my coworker and I both ordered one.  More details about that fun later.

The keyboard is built into a well-constructed case that also holds the tablet which is extremely handy.  When you open it up the tablet sits at a great viewing angle for typing.  It is a full keyboard, meaning not all of all the keys you find on your desktop/notebook keyboard are there; however, all of the functionality you will need from the keyboard is available.  Some of the keys have dual uses when combined with the Function or Control keys.

The keyboard works well and I really enjoy using it.  This column (and many more to come) was written with this keyboard.  The only drawback I see is that it has a wire on it which has to be connected to the USB port on the tablet.  Many tablets do not have this port, so be warned it cannot be used on all tablets. 

Most all tablets have the Bluetooth function which allows a wireless connection to many different accessories.  You know me…after I got my wired device, I looked around for wireless.  These start at around $20 and go up from there.  Of course, I have never been able to figure out why you would pay three times more for something that does the same thing, but apparently many people do. 

If you are a tablet (yes, and even an iPad user) I highly recommend looking into one of these if you would like to be able to do a lot of typing on your tablet.

Now, I will explain the funny thing about the orders, which I mentioned previously.  My coworker ordered his from Amazon.com about three hours before I did.  No problem there, he was faster to act.  The fun comes from me getting mine the next day before I left my office.  I walked over to his area to see if he got his.  As the color drained from his face he told me that he had just received an email saying that his new keyboard would be delivered in four to six weeks.  I laughed, he did not. 

The reason given was that mine was the last one in stock delivered from the store in Maryland.  His was not available locally since they were out of stock.  His was being shipped from China most likely on the proverbial "slow boat."

So I guess that just goes to show you that procrastination is sometimes a good thing.

Tags: amazon, bluetooth, control keys, coworker, Double Clicks, drawback, keyboard, keyboards, lengthy document, notebook keyboard, Ron Doyle, target, thrive, toshiba, usb port

I always receive emails from Android users asking what apps I like to run on my phone and tablet.  I always have to insert when I mention phones that I work for NTELOS Wireless, so there you go.

Anyway, I thought instead of writing each person individually for a while I would tell you all here.  I know many in world like iPhones and all they offer, but I am an Android lover so I won’t mention them much.  However, NTELOS started carrying iPhones just last week so when I get a hold of one my opinion may change slightly… nah.

I wrote an article about some apps back in January of this year but these are always changing.  For instance, then it was called the Android Market;s now it is named Google Play and found at a different URL: play.google.com.  I guess one of the reasons the name changed is now you can purchase more than just Android apps.

OK, here is my list of apps I use and like most.  There are others that may do the same things but I like these or have not heard of the others yet. So if you have suggestions please shoot me an email and let me know.

All of these can be found on Google play if you search for them.

Nook for Android – if you are a Barnes and Noble e-book reader you can use this app to read on your phone or tablet PC instead of your nook.

Barcode Scanner – Scan barcodes on products and look up prices and reviews. Also QR for websites, information, contact, etc.

Bible – (by LifeChurch) great bible app with many versions.  You can study; use an annual reading plan and more.

Evernote – this app lets you take notes, photos, create to-do lists, record voice reminders, etc.  You can then make them searchable and sync them across most platforms so you can find them anywhere.

Facebook -I cringe recommending this since I am not a fan, but lots of people use it, even me on rare occasions. 

Fox News – I am not much into news but this app works well and that’s the news for now.

Moon+ Reader Pro – You know me; I don’t like to pay for apps, but pay for this one I did. It reads all non-DRM e-books.  There is also a free version to try out.

Office Suite Pro – OK, here’s another I like so well I actually pay for the full version. This replaces Microsoft Office on your Android devices. It does a better than average job of it, too.

See you next week with a few more.  Remember let me know if you have some favorites!

Tags: barnes and noble, bible, e-book, ebook, Email, ereader, fox news, google, information, iphones, lifechurch, ntelos, platforms, rare occasions, reader, reading plan, record voice, reminders, Ron Doyle, scan barcodes, scanner, sync, tablet PC, thrive, thsiba