If you’re considering investing in a Smartphone and can’t choose between the iPhone , Android or Blackberry, then this book may help you decide by taking you through the setting up and configuration of most models of the Google Android Smartphone. Touted as “The first EASY guide to Google phones for consumers, not experts!” it explains all the features of the Google Android phone and how to get the most out of it. Written in clear and concise language it explains how to set up an Android phone quickly, use your Gmail account, chat with Google Talk and fix common problems with service and hardware.

Although this slim paperback is less than a year old, because technology is changing daily it might not be as up to date as you think. It’s also worth noting that some of the features contained in this book are not applicable to the UK G1. It’s basically an instruction manual and you can learn everything in here by looking on the internet; if you haven’t bought an Android phone yet then it’s pretty useless. Calling and voicemail are covered, which is unnecessary (this information comes with the phone). The information about the integrated Google applications is good though and it will get you using features you might not have previously known about or thought to use. The Troubleshooting section is excellent for reference but the part on customisation is basic and could have done with more detail.

Before you take the plunge, use the internet to compare mobile phones and see which models have the features that suit your lifestyle. If you’ve already bought an Android phone then you’ll find parts of it useful but consult your user manual – it’s cheaper! Use the money you’ve saved on buying this book on some useful Android apps!