Nexus S

I just did the basic setup of my Nexus S (i0923 with SCLD). What should I say? It totally rocks. The pre-installed Android 2.3.3 is a pure revelation compared to the older versions running on my Motorola Milestone. All those small but annoying bugs seem to be gone. And most important: no more PITA regarding Android Updates.¹⁾ The phone comes with a micro-USB connector as my Milestone and most other new non-Apple phones do. Therefore there is no need to buy new USB-A→micro-USB-B cables.²⁾

BTW: You'll find some app hints for new Android users below… .³⁾

Must-have apps for common tasks and daily usage:

• Barcode Scanner – By Google/ZXing. Perfect for QR Codes, including support for your camera LED flashlight to work in dark environments (configurable).
• Adobe Reader
• Astro File Manager – Good file manager. Some other apps are using it as default file manager, therefore you should install it to get a better user experience.
• Rockplayer Lite – Plays nearly everything, no more trouble with DivX and stuff (→ FFmpeg). “Lite” means: with ads but all features.
• OSMonitor – For the geeks… including Network interface and detailed connection monitor (this is by far more than a simple task manager!). Attention: you have to use the built in “Options→Exit” button, otherwise it will suck your battery in the background!
• SMS Backup & Restore – Dumps your SMS messages as simple XML file.
• Timeriffic – See Timeriffic: Klingeln, Vibrieren und mehr nach Zeitplan for a small review.
• Wifi Analyzer – find less crowded WLAN channels

Email:

• K-9 Mail – There is simply no better Mail client out there.⁴⁾ Don't forget to disable the native GMail-Sync⁵⁾ if your are using K-9 Mail with Gmail… otherwise, every new-mail-alert and stuff appears twice.
• APG – GnuPG for Android, including K-9 Mail integration. I wrote a small HowTo some weeks ago.

Nice to have:

• Andro Radio
• Battery Watcher
• ConvertPad - Unit Converter
• NetCounter
• Pingdroid – Ping.fm client. There is room for improvements but it works.
• Post mobil
• DB Navigator