Five top tips for the Nokia Lumia 2520
Getting started with Windows RT 8.1 and the Nokia Lumia 2520 only really takes a few minutes. However, we’ve got some additional tops tips to get you playing, working and/or browsing in super quick time.
Embrace the browser
The Nokia Lumia 2520 comes loaded with Internet Explorer 11, which makes browsing the Web a reliable and smooth experience.
The browser will normally be clutter-free with no address bars or menu icons in sight. This is to let you concentrate on the web content.
However, to bring the address bar and other page options into view, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
The address bar has three functions and by typing anything into it you can navigate directly to a webpage, search the Web, or see website, app and search suggestions based on what you type.
It’s in this section you’ll also find any tabs you have open. Tapping on one will open the page. Alternatively you can close the tabs by tapping on the X icon beside each tab, or tap the + icon to open a new one.
Search privately
With Internet Explorer 11 it’s also possible to browse the Web and not have your browsing history saved. Using InPrivate Browsing, the browser won’t store search history, webpage history or passwords that you may have used when browsing. To activate this, tap the Tab tools button (…), and then New InPrivate tab.
When it comes to navigating pages, just a simple swipe to the left or the right will flick through previous pages or forwards onto other ones. This saves time when compared to pressing the back/forward arrows.
Saving a page for reading later is easy. Either save it as a favourite, pin it to your Start screen, or save it to your Reading List (via the share option).
Find the keyboard that suits you
This is all about preference. Some people like a big keyboard, some like a smaller one that’s split in the middle. It all depends on how you use the Lumia 2520, too.
The fact of the matter is, no matter how you like to type, you’re likely to find a style that’s comfortable for you.
For instance, if you’re using the Lumia 2520 flat on a table, the full on-screen QWERTY keyboard is probably best for you.
Alternatively, if you’re holding it with both hands while standing, or sitting on the couch, selecting the split keyboard is ideal. You can use both thumbs to tap out anything, with the numeric keypad in the middle.
And what if you like to use your finger as a pen? There’s a handwriting recognition keyboard, too.
All of these can be found when you’re in a text input field. The keyboard will pop up, press the keyboard icon on the bottom right, and select your preference.
Stay notified
Whenever you lock your Lumia 2520, you can opt to have various apps run in the background and display updates right on the lock screen to save you from unlocking your device to check manually.
For instance, you can see if you’ve got any new emails, tweets, Skype notifications, alarms and others – up to seven in total.
You can also choose one app to show a detailed status. If you’re the type of person who puts everything into calendar so you don’t forget anything (like I do), calendar is a good option to go for.
From the Start screen, navigate to the Settings charm, Change PC settings and then PC and devices. You’ll find all the options we talked about under the Lock screen section – including the ability to change the image displayed on the lock screen.
Stop the screen from auto-rotating – if you prefer
By default, what’s displayed on the screen turns and rotates as you turn the Lumia 2520. While in the most part this is useful due to the fact you’re not limited to holding the device in a specific way, there may be times you want to turn it off.
Disabling and enabling is easy. Under the Settings charm and the Screen option, tap the screen rotate icon to lock/unlock it.
Share the love, by sharing your screen
Imagine you’re sitting there, watching a video, or listening to Nokia MixRadio on your Lumia 2520, but you’d like to play it through your big-screen TV; you can do that.
Using the Devices charm you can push media, or other file types, to many other devices such as a projector, Xbox, printer, phone, or speakers as long as they’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Once you’re in the app you want to ‘share’, head to the Devices charm.
To stream videos, music or a photo slide show tap the Play option.
Printing emails, photos or documents can be done through the Print option.
The Project option is where you’ll be able to share presentations, slide shows, and other items to a PC screen or projector screen.
There you have it, five great tips to help you make the most of your Nokia Lumia 2520.
Do you own a Nokia Lumia 2520? Do you have any tips you want to share? Do let us know, in the comments section below.