One of the things that is truly fantastic about the Eee Pad Transformer is the fact that you can download and install applications from Android Marketplace that will completely revolutionise your way of working and accessing the internet.
While these apps are great (and many of them are free) they are also not password protected. This does pose something of a problem for parents whose young children may access the market willy nilly and download apps that either cost you money or aren’t remotely appropriate.
However, there is a solution. Instead of hiding the Android Marketplace button somewhere dark and secretive on your Transformer you can download an app that will password protect Android Marketplace for you. While none of the apps available deliver the specific functionality that a true password protect on download would, they do offer you an extra layer of protection.
App Locker lets you protect specific apps by entering an unlock password, or drawing an unlock patter. So instead of preventing young children from playing with your Transformer for fear they will accidentally download an app and you end up paying a fortune every month, you can just set this app up to, well, protect the apps.
It is a very useful tool that you can use to also protect your email, photographs, contacts and other apps that you don’t necessarily want your kids to access (or anyone else if your Transformer is lost or stolen). And it’s free.
Another option is to install Toddler Lock, an app that locks software on Android powered phones for the little ones. It is free too, and you can set it to block specific apps rather than the entire shebang too.
However, if you find that neither of these work, or that you don’t relish the idea of installing or downloading apps you don’t know very well, then consider removing all your credit card details from Google Checkout instead. If you rarely purchase apps, then you won’t be too frustrated by having to re-enter your details every time you need to buy and app.
It is an unfortunate hole in the system with Android Marketplace that could be a little tricky to explain to your bank manager at the end of the month. It is also unfortunate because kids love playing around with the Eee Pad Transformer and the younger ones can’t read so they don’t know that they are doing anything wrong.
So, try out these two apps and see what you think. If you have an app that you think would do the job better, then do share!
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