Tech Notes from the Field

We decided to deploy some tablets for work.  Testing stage as we call it.  IT guru JR chose these ASUS Transformers, so I get to test one, too.  This led me to think about the applications I use for work.  There are a couple that I just like and use on multiple devices.  There is one that is the main reason we are testing the ASUS. 

We use Google Apps, so the GMAIL app is the major winner.  Email is the app of daily use, multiple times a day.  We all know that.  How much of you email is done on a computer today?  We all seem to have smartphones, tablets, and i-Somethings. 

The Messages App for text messaging is used too.  How else can you get info in a a timely manor and in 160 characters or less and not disturb them with a phone call.  Say what you will, but I find text messaging efficient over the phone call formality, especially if what you need is not need it now moment.  That’s when the phone comes in the best. 

Speaking of social media apps, I use TweetCaster for tweeting on Twitter.  It allows me to post to Facebook simultaneously.  Even though I do not use FB much anymore, it is there.  The interface is nice.  It is easy to use.  I’ve tried HootSuite, but grew tired of it.  I may try again because the first company that incorporates Google+ into the mix will win my business, at least to start.  Google+, or G+, is my first choice of social media over FB, now.  The G+ app is on all my devices.  Rounding off social I have Foursquare which is just fun to use sometimes and I do have LinkedIn.  This one is a good connection site and some of the groups do have interesting topics under discussion. 

Productivity leads me to Evernote.  How does anyone in the connected world not get by with this one.  Sure I have Google Drive for documents and the like, but Evernote seems to be there for everything.  Hmmm?  Thus the “Ever?”  With the desktop app and a web interface my notes are synced to all devices in a jiffy.  I mentioned Google Drive.  That is now getting more use as we expand to our mobile world.  For me, I upload and sync important manuals since they all seem to be in PDF format today.  That way if I’m at a transmitter site I have the latest information with me. 

Now for a very big one that comes with the ASUS and I find almost indispensable now.  It is called SplashTop.  With the VPN connection, and soon to be a Flash version (yes we are beta testing), you can connect to your desktop from anywhere and operate it as if you were there.  Very similar to Remote Desktop.  Full control.  All you do is install the desktop app to run in the background.  Very cool, very useful.  As for the VPN, as we use “legacy” Cisco concentrator JR discovered the one VPN app that actually seems to work properly called VPNcilla.  It works.  It’s easy.  As we upgrade to Pix or other more modern devices, then the phones will get access too.

Now for a list of other apps I use:
DolphinHD browser.  I find this one has worked the best in the smartphone and tablet world.  I can even connect directly, yes, directly to my Nautel NV transmitters.  I use this to connect to the web interfaces of my Burk ARCPlus remote controls.  The new version 3 has a cleaner look and looks to be promising.  I plan a write-up on the Burk soon.

Maps by Google is very useful, too.  Locating sites and getting to where you need to go. 

Under a folder I made named Utilities I have Ulysse Gizmos the BEST GPS compass ever.  Used this many times and it is pretty accurate.  Satellite AR for when I need to quickly spot a satellite for rough dish alignment.  Intel’s CPU Decoder if you ever need to get specs on Intel CPUs.  ElectroDroid when I need to cheat on some electrical thing be it simple calculation because my old brain doesn’t work any longer or need a quick pin-out on a connector.  IP Calculator quick subnetting if necessary.  RealCalc is a full featured scientific calculator.  It even does RPN, so it feels like my HP calculator.  I even have FuncGen, an audio function generator if I need quick audio for tests, sweeps, and various waveforms. 

Any geek would not be complete without WolframAlpha.  This one is pretty fun to use.  I live in earthquake country so I have Earthquake Alert.  My optional field of work would have been geology.  Also we need our coffee, so yes, I have the Starbucks app.  I use Pulse as a news reader. 

I can go on.  What useful apps do you have?  I obviously have WordPress as I am writing on my ASUS right now using the app.  Please share your discoveries.

As for this ASUS, I’ve had it 5 days.  I have grown very attached to it this weekend.  The optional keyboard that doubles as it’s case is great.  The tablet itself is smooth and does what I need.  You might say I’m digging it. 

Device list:
HTC Thunderbold Smartphone
ASUS Transformer
B&N Nook Color, hacked with CM7 android so it works as a tablet.
Amazon Fire for books.
Apple iPad for the child and games.

Cheers!