Single vs dual boot

[Chris Clayton]

Why not try Android for a while and see what you think, you can always remove it later if you wish (I have seen doing this is discussed in this forum). Personally I mainly use the Android option for ‘leisure’ such as ChromeCasting videos to my TV, music, viewing photos, etc. and Windows for ‘work’ which for me is browsing, emailing, documents, printing. Also, if you are having a temporary problem with running Windows (not unknown) you can fall back on Android for a while until it is sorted, to keep pace with emails, etc. Plus the Android OS seems to manage the battery better, and has better battery management apps. For example, as with others I have experienced some glitches with charging in Windows (common with the Anniversary update?)— just switching to Android has got charging running again.

I had no experience of dual boot until a few months ago and was dubious — I now think it a good choice. There a plenty of ways to add extra external storage if that is an issue.

[Rigg]

Thanks for the reply Chris, that’s really useful. Any android apps that you would definitely recommend?

When you say that Android OS seems to manage the battery better, does this translate to any noticeably longer use between charges?

[Chris Clayton]

I had not experienced using Android as a standby if Windows failed until I suggested it to you (as above). Within a day it happened to me. Sometimes ‘coincidence’ can be a bit creepy. I suddenly found I could not sign in. I was not presented with the pin code option and my password was repeatedly rejected. All I got was remnants, a few desktop shortcuts, a Start screen which only showed the Tiles as they were months ago and did not work anyway, and popup advice to try signing out / in which also did not work, no access to Safe Mode and so on. The rapidly declining battery charge was worrying. What to do? I took my own advice and tried booting to Android. It worked perfectly, the charging light came on immediately. I did some work (emails) while getting the battery charged up fully then went back to Windows (after a calming break) to see if  restore points could be displayed. Just one remained, but it worked, with Windows booting normally, only a small amount of reinstatement being required. Sorry to rabbit on, but as a non-techie I am rather pleased with myself!

Some answers to your questions:

I am not yet clear about whether the battery lasts longer in Android, I suspect not — but I will see if I can compare with the help of Amphere and BatteryMix (and others). Unfortunately I have not found a battery app which is available on both OS.

ES File Explorer or Astro

Taskbar

Opera Browser and VPN

Malwarebytes, Avast

Rotate Anywhere (to keep or switch back to Landscape)

FilmOn TV (TV channels)

JustWatch (a browser for ‘all’ movies to rent / buy)

Deezer (music)

Evernote (syncs to Windows), Wunderlist (syncing reminders & ToDo)

Foxit (PDF writer / reader)

CCleaner

Kodi (media player, very good but too elaborate for me)

Various Clip and Paste apps  (much needed enhancements — unfortunately the new MS ClipLayer does not work on Lollipop, nor does Cortana)

 

[Rigg]

Very useful information Chris. Thanks. I’ve taken your advice and left Android in place and I have to say at this early stage that I’m glad that I’ve left it there. I can definitely see a use for both Android and Windows. I’ll start looking at your app recommendations also.

Thanks again.

[Author]

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