Android Tablets for Dummies

by Dan Gookin

Get the most out of your Android tablet with this full-color reference

Whether you are one of the millions who already have an Android tablet, or you are interested in joining the masses with a first-time purchase, this friendly guide is perfect for you! Written by the ultimate For Dummies author Dan Gookin, this funny-but-informative book introduces you to the features of all Android tablets and details the nuances of what makes a tablet more than a smartphone yet different than a computer. You'll discover how to browse the web on your tablet, get organized with a digital calendar, enjoy music and books, use the camera, access social networks, watch video, and more.


Helps you choose the right apps for all your interests out of the thousands of apps that are available for the Android platform Covers all Android tablets, from popular favorites like the Kindle Fire HD, NOOK HD, and Google Nexus to devices from other manufacturers like Samsung, Asus, Motorola, and others Walks you through maintenance and common troubleshooting tips Packed with invaluable information on everything from typing and editing text to customizing and personalizing your tablet, Android Tablets For Dummies gets you off the ground running with your Android tablet!

Genres: Nonfiction, Computers, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2013

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read this cover to cover, I just checked sections out as I had questions. It was quite helpful. I need to check this out from the library again!

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book I read to research this post was Android Tablets For Dummies by Dan Gookin which is a very good book which I bought on kindle. This book looks at the manner different types of Android tablet and describes some of the differences. Android is the most popular operating system for tablet or smart-phone. Google bought a company called Android that more or less had developed this operating system although they have since added to it. It is based around Linux which many think is superior in many ways to Windows. Like Linux there is a whole community developing software and apps for these often free of charge. At the time this book came out there was a social media app that was included and was integral to the operating system but with apps like Twitter & Facebook they were free downloads but they could be included in later versions. Some Android tablets require you to set up a Google account in the initial set up, others require you to download the latest version of Android and others merely require that you connect to a wireless network. There has been some controversy over very cheap Android tablets with limited features and I think you are better off getting a decent model if only so most apps are compatible with it. Some apps only work with certain models like the Nexus 7 and I think if there is a specific for dummies book on your model of Android tablet you are probably better off getting that. I think Dan has authored quite a few similar for dummies books to this on various Android devices among others. I really enjoyed reading this book and think it might even be of interest if you want something to keep you abreast of the latest technology which is mainly why I read it. The documentation that comes with Android tablets is generally poor and this book also fulfills a need there. Generally speaking I find the for dummies books helpful and they do present information in a light-hearted and easy to understand manner.

[Janet Rexroth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with details on how to use your Android tablet. I learned a few new tricks.

[Lewis Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good and useful book, but doesn't cover my Amazon "Fire" tablet.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite useful for an old technophobe like me.

[Otherwyrld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this one out of the library as I have just bought my first Android Tablet and wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything obvious. The short answer is, not very much, as most of what this book was saying was stuff I had managed to work out for myself by just playing with it. There were a few tips I picked up though, in the sections I read (I skipped over some of the bits that either were not available on my tablet or were stuff that I wasn't likely to use).

However, like all Dummies books, it is written in an amusing and informal way that makes you feel like you've been entertained as well as educated.

[May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really basic. Intended for those who don't know much about Android tablets. I have had my tablet for almost a month now and so far, this book hasn't told me anything new that I haven't discovered yet, especially when it comes to the most essential free apps. I find their top 10 list a little too basic for my needs.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not read straight through--just went through certain areas I was unfamiliar with. Information was OK, but I opted to invest instead in the Teach Yourself Visually series--Android Phones and Tablets. I prefer more visuals, even if they aren't exactly the same as what I am using.

[Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew, usually get a lot out of these books. There is not much more here that you could not get by poking around a little. Not sure if it is the simplicity of tablets in general but I would skip this one if you know a little about your smart phone. If you have a specific question look it up online.

[Hom Sack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction for beginners. Highly recommended.

[Kay Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most "For Dummies" books have good humor.
Not this one. I found the 328 pages to contain about 100 pages of data. The rest was filler.

[Steeped · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be great for a complete beginner to Android technology, but it just didn't really teach me anything I didn't already know. ^_^;

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better then the Android book for Seniors, more usable information.