7 Tips & Tricks for Making Your Android Tablet Even More Productive

A lot of the Android tablet tips and tricks out there are either geared toward consumers, present dubious workarounds or require third-party apps. But because none of us here at Tablets at Work want you to get in trouble with the boss, we’re going to bypass those and hone in on some simple things you can do to work more productively with your device.

Certainly some of you out there may be working with tablets that use Apple iOS or possibly Blackberry QNX, but here I’m focused on talking to people with tablets that run Google’s Android 3.1, like the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet. If that’s the case, give these productivity boosters a try and let me know how they work out for you.

1. Enrich your online experience

You might not be aware that your tablet’s default browser style delivers the kind of mobile Internet experience you get on a smartphone. But why look at mobile versions of Web sites when you have a 10-inch screen? Launch your browser, go to settings, and change your browsing style or user agent string to desktop or tablet.

2. Search the Internet faster

We love Android for its ability to view Adobe Flash video, but if you’re in a hurry you can change the Flash plug-in setting in your browser to on-demand. You can also download alternative Web browsers, such as Mozilla’s Firefox or Dolphin Browser.

3. Protect your data—and your job

We all know it’s a pain to do, but encrypting your tablet can have a huge impact on security. Go to your location and security settings and choose encrypt tablet. Do it now! Encryption takes about an hour, so plug your tablet in or make sure you have enough battery power.

4. Talk to your tablet

Google Voice Actions makes it easy for you to tell your tablet to do something while you’re doing something else. To get started, just touch the microphone icon on your home screen.

5. Let your tablet take a break now and then

You know you’d like to! Set your tablet to shutdown Wi-Fi as soon as the screen turns off. You’ll be amazed at how much more battery life you’ll get when your tablet’s well rested.

6. Don’t get lost

Google Labs under the Google Maps menu lets you view maps even if you lose your connection. Just plan in advance and download your desired map area before you head out.

7. Customize your home screens

Android tablets give you lots of real estate to work with, and all your home screens can be customized just the way you like them so you can work faster. For example, you can use widgets for quick access to email, bookmarks, your calendar and more.