The act of monitoring and uninstalling apps on Android is a bit of a clumsy process, to be honest, with numerous sub-screens to navigate - and yet more yes/no/are-you-sure dialogue boxes to get through once you've found the 'bin it' page. So get a decent app manager such as AppMonster, which also offers one-click backup of all your apps to an SD card, if you're the type of person who worries about having copies of everything.
12. AppSaver
The Android 2.2 update known as 'FroYo' will let users save their Android Market purchases to their phone's SD card, freeing up valuable in-phone memory. But if you're using an older, less fancy version of the OS, an app like AppSaver does at least let you save your app install files to the SD card.
13. Skyfire 2.0
The USP of the Skyfire browser is that it supports Flash content, popping up a little window when it detects an embedded YouTube video or something similar. The actual Flash business is handled by Skyfire's server, which does all the computery stuff, then sends the file to your handset. A bit clunky on slower Android phones, but it works like a dream on models with faster processors.
UPDATE: This has been superseded by SkyFire 3.0. You can't fight evolution. Despite the arrival of Flash with Andriod 2.2, this is still relevant for those on phones and Android versions not able to support Adobe's Flash Player.
14. Task Manager
If you come from a bit of a hardcore PC background, you'll find Android's lack of a red X to close apps a bit of a worry, what with the OS handling app closures itself. Which is why you need a good manual override tool to shut any persistent apps. It may help you save battery life, but most important is the feeling of control and empowerment you get from one-click closing apps.
UPDATE: Popular thinking is now that task killers are a waste of time on modern versions of Android, as our phones use more power relaunching apps than keeping them suspended in memory. If you still insist on taking manual control, Advanced Task Killer is the current most popular option.
15. RAC Traffic
An official production of the motoring organisation, RAC Traffic is dead simple - it guesstimates your location via the mobile signal, then pops up the current traffic alerts for your area. It's much better than having to listen to the radio for the odd update about arterial blockages.
16. Swype
The odd line-drawing alternate keyboard Swype is a love-it or hate-it kind of thing, with the significant amount of re-learning required to make the most of it quite offputting to some users. Once you're familiar with the idea, though, it's genius - with advanced prediction options further speeding your line-typing. Swype is not available through the Android Market - the only way to install is is via a direct download from the maker.
17. Evernote
After the Android version of Dropbox, the next best solution for keeping all your 'business' in one place is Evernote - which lets you stash and sync all your text notes, voice memos and files on your phone and access them through a desktop computer.
18. beebPlayer
This does one thing - it lets you access the BBC's famed iPlayer on your Android phone. You need to be connected via Wi-Fi for the best performance, as our mobile networks can't really handle live streaming the new Doctor Who through the ether, but for in-bed TV it's a great solution.
UPDATE: The developer of beebPlayer has recently removed the app from Android Market and ceased further development. There's now an official BBC iPlayer app, which we take a look at on the next page.
19. Last.fm
If you're too tight to pay for a Spotify subscription, the free thrills of Last.fm open up a world of music streaming on your mobile. You have to 'buy in' to the odd Last.fm way of organising things and suggesting new music, but if you're easily led and not restricted by bandwidth it's a superb free music tool.
UPDATE: Rather unfortunately, Last.fm has recently announced plans to become a subscription-based service. For free music streaming, try TuneIn Radio. It offers radio rather than on-demand tracks, but works in the background - unlike the BBC's iPlayer app.
20. Google Maps Navigation
An absolute must-get. As long as you have Android 1.6 or above, the latest update to Google Maps introduces turn-by-turn voice navigation, simultaneously devastating the satnav industry while boosting the in-car dashboard dock/charger accessory scene. Route calculations are done at the outset of your trip, minimising data transfer en route and keeping you on target even when the GPS signal drops. It's amazing, it works, and it's free.
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