Boost Your Desktop with Your Android Tablet

Initial Impressions of the Asus Transformer Prime

Initially, upon acquiring the Asus Transformer Prime, I admittedly struggled to identify its optimal applications.

Android tablets possess considerable versatility, offering features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, integrated front and rear cameras, and compatibility with keyboards and mice.

Their compact size enhances portability, making them easily transportable.

Expanding Connectivity Options

Although direct access to my 3G data plan wasn't available, I was able to overcome this limitation by utilizing my phone's tethering capability.

This allowed me to establish an internet connection virtually anywhere, even in the absence of a Wi-Fi network.

Finding a Practical Role

Despite these capabilities, the question remained: how could I integrate the tablet into my daily workflow?

My approach involved positioning the Transformer Prime on my desk during work hours and consciously shifting to the tablet whenever a specific tool or utility was required alongside my primary PC tasks.

The Tablet as a Companion Device

Effectively, I began utilizing the Android tablet as a supplementary, or "satellite," computer to complement my desktop PC.

This strategy proved to be a valuable way to leverage the tablet's unique features.

A Collection of Useful Apps

Through consistent use, I curated a selection of beneficial Android tablet applications suitable for a professional setting.

While some applications cater specifically to engineers or IT specialists, the majority offer broad utility across various office environments.

Boosting Productivity

These apps contribute to increased productivity by providing a suite of helpful tools.

Importantly, many of these tools function effectively even without an active internet connection, which is particularly advantageous in workplaces with restrictions on tablet network access.

Leveraging a Tablet for Enhanced Productivity

If you’re an Android tablet user seeking to optimize your workflow, exploring app reviews published on platforms like MUO can be incredibly beneficial. Begin by connecting your tablet to your Gmail account for seamless integration. Then, consider utilizing apps for tasks ranging from communication, like Skype calls, to leisure activities during breaks.

Beyond standard applications, numerous Android tablet apps can significantly improve your efficiency in a professional setting.

Network Analysis Applications

The ability to diagnose network issues is valuable, even for those without specialized IT expertise. This is particularly useful if your workplace provides Wi-Fi access, but these tools also extend to troubleshooting 3G or 4G connections.

Start with the SpeedTest.net app. Although initially designed for smartphones, it functions effectively on tablets, providing essential functionality for assessing connection speeds on both cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

Having this tool readily available is invaluable when encountering connectivity problems with a laptop or computer. A tablet can quickly determine whether the issue lies with the device itself or the network.

For users tethering their tablet to a mobile phone, a traffic monitor is a convenient addition. This widget, placed directly on the tablet’s home screen, displays data consumption for both Wi-Fi and cellular networks, helping you manage data limits.

Furthermore, the WiFi Analyzer app is essential for locating available Wi-Fi networks. It eliminates the need to power up a laptop while driving to search for mobile hotspots; simply use your tablet to identify suitable networks.

WiFi Analyzer is particularly useful for troubleshooting Wi-Fi interference or issues within an office environment. The tool displays all active networks, their operating frequencies, signal strength, and other pertinent information, aiding network administrators in identifying problem areas.

Productivity Enhancement Tools

Many simple yet essential tools are best utilized on a secondary screen, preserving valuable space on your primary computer monitor. The following apps can significantly contribute to office productivity.

A stopwatch and timer app proves surprisingly useful for managing time constraints and monitoring the progress of tasks, such as server scripts. This application allows you to configure multiple timers for recurring activities.

Pre-configured timers streamline the process, eliminating the need for repeated setup for tasks with consistent durations.

The Unit Convert app is another invaluable tool, capable of converting between virtually any unit of measurement.

Simply input the unit and measurement, and the app instantly displays a comprehensive list of related conversions, providing quick and convenient access to the required values.

Scan to PDF Functionality

The Scan-To-PDF app is a valuable asset for digitizing documents, particularly when traveling or working remotely. Convert expense receipts and other paperwork into PDF format, eliminating the need for bulky paper files.

High-quality scans can be achieved by ensuring sufficient proximity to the document.

The app also allows for image rotation prior to saving or emailing, ensuring proper orientation.

A Whiteboard app transforms your tablet into a digital whiteboard, offering a convenient solution for explaining concepts and creating diagrams on the fly.

This is significantly more practical than attempting to diagram on a laptop screen while engaging in a conversation.

The URL to PDF converter allows you to save web pages as PDF files for offline reading. This is ideal for capturing articles or resources discovered during computer browsing for later review.

Access saved pages during downtime, such as waiting rooms or conference breaks.

Ultimately, a tablet serves as a powerful extension of your computer, enhancing productivity both at home and in the workplace.

Specialized Office Applications

The final set of apps provides specialized functionality for specific situations. While similar applications exist for computers, the portability of a tablet offers a distinct advantage.

The Algeo Graphing calculator transforms your tablet into a powerful tool for visualizing complex mathematical formulas. Simply input the formula, and the app generates a graph that can be saved and shared.

The resulting graph can be saved as an image and sent to colleagues directly from your tablet.

ElectroDroid is an invaluable resource for engineers and IT professionals, providing a comprehensive encyclopedia of electronics information, including calculators, resistor code lookups, and pinout diagrams.

While laptops offer similar capabilities, a tablet’s portability makes it ideal for on-site work.

The DroidDia diagrams app functions as a tablet-based Visio alternative, allowing you to create diagrams quickly and easily using its included icon library.

Finally, PocketCloud Remote Access enables you to connect to your desktop PC from anywhere, providing full control over your computer from your tablet.

Install the desktop utility on each computer you wish to access, and the app will display a list of available PCs.

Select a computer and connect to gain complete control, as if you were sitting directly in front of it.

In conclusion, these Android tablet apps can significantly expand your computing capabilities in the office. Embrace the portability and versatility of your tablet to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

Are there any other Android Tablet apps that you find particularly useful for boosting workplace productivity? Share your recommendations in the comments below.

Image Credit: office tablet use via Shutterstock