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New Droid User

jtlucas74
Newbie
‎05-20-2011 05:04 PM

I just got my Droid X today and haven't even taken it out of the box (it was delivered while I am still at work). I feel like there is so much to do I don' t know how and what steps to take to dive into this thing. I'm pretty good when it comes to electronics but kinda feel overwhelmed...

 

My question therefore is this....

 

What are the first few things I should look for/do when I get this thing on tonight? I have a couple apps in mind to download, but I've read tons on people who modify their phone at risk of voiding the warranty and "bricking" it. I don't want to do something like that. Do I need to put an Antivirus app on there? How do I keep things from not running in the background? All these are probably questions answered somewhere else, but I can't find them as of now.

 

 

Thanks for helping,

 

Jason

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crb79
Specialist - Level 2
‎05-20-2011 05:57 PM

First and foremost:  Let the device charge atleast 8 hours on the wallcharger before regular use.  Sure you can put it on the charger and run through the setup and etc, just make sure you give it the 8 hours minimum charge otherwise you can damage the battery.

 

I use Lookout mobile security and I like it a lot.  It's free and does a good job.  I also use ATK for froyo as many apps don't have a quit or exit option programed into them, that's how I close apps out of the background.

 

Lastly, I'd suggest you read up as much as you can about your phone so you can avoid a lot of the issues many people have.

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crb79
Specialist - Level 2
‎05-20-2011 05:57 PM

First and foremost:  Let the device charge atleast 8 hours on the wallcharger before regular use.  Sure you can put it on the charger and run through the setup and etc, just make sure you give it the 8 hours minimum charge otherwise you can damage the battery.

 

I use Lookout mobile security and I like it a lot.  It's free and does a good job.  I also use ATK for froyo as many apps don't have a quit or exit option programed into them, that's how I close apps out of the background.

 

Lastly, I'd suggest you read up as much as you can about your phone so you can avoid a lot of the issues many people have.

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jtlucas74
Newbie
In response to crb79
‎05-20-2011 06:03 PM

Cool...So, I can have it plugged in and charging while I activate and play around with it a little bit? I will have it charging over night so the 8 hour thing won't be a problem. I just would like to download some apps, upload my contacts from my old phone, things like that. I have a MicroSD card for my current phone. Would I be able to put that in and transfer the pics to the phone and then save them to the SD card that comes with the phone? What does ATK stand for? I've seen a lot of people who use Lookout and they seem pretty  happy with it. Sorry for all the basic questions, this is my first attempt at having a smartphone...

 

Thanks again

crb79 wrote:

First and foremost:  Let the device charge atleast 8 hours on the wallcharger before regular use.  Sure you can put it on the charger and run through the setup and etc, just make sure you give it the 8 hours minimum charge otherwise you can damage the battery.

 

I use Lookout mobile security and I like it a lot.  It's free and does a good job.  I also use ATK for froyo as many apps don't have a quit or exit option programed into them, that's how I close apps out of the background.

 

Lastly, I'd suggest you read up as much as you can about your phone so you can avoid a lot of the issues many people have.

 

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jtlucas74
Newbie
In response to jtlucas74
‎05-20-2011 06:11 PM

Another question... I just signed up for a Google Account... Am I able to sync the Calendar online to my phone?

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crb79
Specialist - Level 2
In response to jtlucas74
‎05-20-2011 06:23 PM

ATK is Advanced Task Killer.  With the 2.3 update getting closer and closer I'd wait on that one as 2.3 includes it's own task killer app.

 

As for the memory card:  The best thing to do is transfer all the files to a folder on your computer, then drop them onto your new card.  As a CPO it should come with a 16GB SD card, unless you get a CPO newer model which comes with a small SD card.

 

As for the Google Calender, it should transfer just fine.  Some people have problems with it, but I think that might have been issues with an older OS.

 

If this is going to be your 1st Smartphone you are going to have a large learning and adjusting curve.  Remember your device is going to need daily charging, most people charge it overnight each night.  If you use it a lot you will naturally need to charge it more often.  I can finish the night with 70% left most days, however if I am going to youtube on it, game,  or listen to the radio I always make sure to plug it in as the display will suck the battery dry rather quickly with extended use.

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jtlucas74
Newbie
In response to crb79
‎05-20-2011 06:41 PM

 

crb79 wrote:

ATK is Advanced Task Killer.  With the 2.3 update getting closer and closer I'd wait on that one as 2.3 includes it's own task killer app.

 

As for the memory card:  The best thing to do is transfer all the files to a folder on your computer, then drop them onto your new card.  As a CPO it should come with a 16GB SD card, unless you get a CPO newer model which comes with a small SD card.

 

As for the Google Calender, it should transfer just fine.  Some people have problems with it, but I think that might have been issues with an older OS.

 

If this is going to be your 1st Smartphone you are going to have a large learning and adjusting curve.  Remember your device is going to need daily charging, most people charge it overnight each night.  If you use it a lot you will naturally need to charge it more often.  I can finish the night with 70% left most days, however if I am going to youtube on it, game,  or listen to the radio I always make sure to plug it in as the display will suck the battery dry rather quickly with extended use.

Should I just go ahead and do a Factory Reset first thing after I turn it on? I noticed that was suggested on another thread.

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crb79
Specialist - Level 2
In response to jtlucas74
‎05-20-2011 08:36 PM
jtlucas74 wrote:

 

crb79 wrote:

ATK is Advanced Task Killer.  With the 2.3 update getting closer and closer I'd wait on that one as 2.3 includes it's own task killer app.

 

As for the memory card:  The best thing to do is transfer all the files to a folder on your computer, then drop them onto your new card.  As a CPO it should come with a 16GB SD card, unless you get a CPO newer model which comes with a small SD card.

 

As for the Google Calender, it should transfer just fine.  Some people have problems with it, but I think that might have been issues with an older OS.

 

If this is going to be your 1st Smartphone you are going to have a large learning and adjusting curve.  Remember your device is going to need daily charging, most people charge it overnight each night.  If you use it a lot you will naturally need to charge it more often.  I can finish the night with 70% left most days, however if I am going to youtube on it, game,  or listen to the radio I always make sure to plug it in as the display will suck the battery dry rather quickly with extended use.

Should I just go ahead and do a Factory Reset first thing after I turn it on? I noticed that was suggested on another thread.

Yep, I'd do that straight away rather than have to fight any issues that popup later.  

 

Here are those options (thanks Wildman).

 


Hard Reset: - Removes all personal data and sets device back to the stock state when you bought device...

1. Uncheck "Back up my data" under Settings/Privacy

2. Click Factory Data Reset/Reset Phone

3. After reset is complete only Active Phone but do not input Google Email information

4. Once phone is at homepage go back into Settings/Privacy and make sure the Automatic Restore option is unchecked, even if grayed out, activate "Back up my data" and quickly disable "Automatic Restore"

5. After being sure that the Automatic Restore option is off it will be safe to log into Google and you can continue installing preferred apps and custom settings.

 

Boot in Recovery Mode Wipe: - Wipes system configuration settings and loads default settings but keeps personal data saved on system, normally used to recover from a none boot status without loosing personal data.  There is times that Personal Data gets wiped also with this process..

Power Device Off First.....


1. Hold Home Button and press power

2. Screen will show a Android with a triangle with astrick

3. Let Go of Home Button and Power

4. Press Search Button (Far Left Button)

5. A blue menu will show at top of page, scroll to Format Device

6. Select Yes to verify

7. Allow format to complete (Information at bottom of page will go through a few steps)

8. Once Format is complete Blue Menu will show at top again, select Reboot

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droidsw
Specialist - Level 1
‎05-20-2011 09:22 PM
I seem to remember my phone coming with an 80% charge already on the battery, straight out of the box. So, you may get to mess with it a while before the dreaded charge-and-wait period.

GMail syncing is easy and a smooth process. Otherwise, here are some good apps:

Lookout. You already mentioned. It is not only anti-virus and even scans apps and app updates, but it offers remote phone locating if you lose your phone and remote data wiping, or locking, to protect your data if your phone is lost/stolen.

DoubleTwist Player. Very good music player.

Astro File Manager by Metago. Lets you create folders, move files, monitor SD card usage, monitor apps and processes running and back-up apps.

Passdroid by Magnus Eriksson. Store all your user names and passwords in one place, instead of on little pieces of paper you can never find.

Folder Organizer Lite by Fabio Collini. Lets you create custom icons (folders) for apps, bookmarks, etc. I download jpgs to use as the custom icons. In other words, for my Camaro SS bookmarks, I created a folder named "Camaro SS" and assigned a saved photo as the icon placed on the homepage. I do the same thing for the photos for the bookmarks, themselves. I have similar folders for phone, news, sports, games, etc. Yes, it takes a long time to get my phone back to my customized organization, but it is sweet.

Pandora. Internet radio at Mp3 quality.

TuneIn Radio by TuneIn Inc. Your local radio stations and police/fire scanners.

Audio Manager by Smart Android Apps. Lets you monitor all your phone volume settings at one time. (Useful, trust me).

Weather Bug. Loads much faster than the Weather Channel app.

Circle Battery Widget by Cedric Depoortere. Excellent for monitoring your battery usage in 1% increments.

TV.com. TV shows, mostly CBS and requires wifi.

ESPN Score Center. All your sports scores.

The fun, bordering stupid apps:

Guitar Solo Lite by Coding Caveman. Play guitar.

TuneMe by Atonality Mobile. Create your own auto-tune clips.

Talking Tom Cat Free by Outfit7. Stupid, but fun and the first app I liked when I got a smartphone.

Google Sky Map. Amazing and educational at the same time.

This should get you started.
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jtlucas74
Newbie
In response to droidsw
‎05-21-2011 01:31 AM

Ok. I did the factory reset and now all I have is the Motorola M on the screen...even though I took out the battery, it still doesn't do anything

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hallcp1019
Contributor - Level 2
In response to jtlucas74
‎05-21-2011 10:30 AM
Hmm your stuck in a bootloop which is odd for a clean phone.... if you are still having this issue do the reset with the phone off press and hold the home key ( the little house) and then while pressing that also hold the lock key on top of the phone when the drips and triangle pop up hit the search button ( the mignifying glass button) when the menu comes up use the down volume key select reset or.factory reset not sure how its listed then use the menu key ( button with 4 sqaures on it) the phone should restart properly if not take it to a Verizon store and inform them of the situation worst case you have to wait a few days for a new phone
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Cody21
Master - Level 2
In response to droidsw
‎05-21-2011 02:26 PM

Personally I don't "get" this whole thing about having to FACTORY RESET for a brand new phone. I *never* had to do such a thing. Mine arrived (September) in the mail after ordering it online @ verizon. It was already 80% charged. I plugged it in. After fully charged (took 1 hour), I powered it up and let it "do its thing", did the Google registration, and haven't looked back.  It updated to FROYO in December along with everyone else.

 

Also, for NEW users. I personally would not advise immediately installing ATK. If the person is not a "computer type", ATK can cause more problems than it solves -- but hey, that is only my opinion ... there are clearly 2 camps out here about ATK. I do NOT use one nor have ever needed one. The Android OS does a fine job of self-managing its memory. I would suggest stating out slow. get used to the phone and only install APPS that you immediately need & want - for a REASON. You can quickly get overloaded with APPS that can start doing strange things and make you "HATE YOUR PHONE".

 

Just my 2 cents.  Good luck and enjoy.  It's a great phone.

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crb79
Specialist - Level 2
In response to Cody21
‎05-21-2011 03:54 PM

Cody, it's a CPO phone not brand new.  Most of the time a CPO has been reflashed, however there are times when a CPO comes loaded up with all the same junk the previous owner put on there.  I've known of friends who bought CPOs which still had all the previous owners apps and ringtones.

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Cody21
Master - Level 2
In response to crb79
‎05-21-2011 04:10 PM

Ah, I see that now ... I should have gone back and read the whole thread.   Smiley Happy

 

Thanks for clarifying ... and I agree, now, as far as a full wipe & reset -- including the SD Card which should be reformatted as well.

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