'The Complete Android Guide': Read it Free Online

Are you the newest member of the Android club? Google's phone OS is everywhere these days, but it's not exactly intuitive -- especially if you're already accustomed to a BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile phone, or the like.

"The Complete Android Guide" by Kevin Purdy lives up to its name, teaching you everything you need to know about the operating system. And you can get it absolutely free -- as long as you don't mind reading it online.

See, the 280-page book is available not only in paperback and PDF formats (priced at $19.95 and $9, respectively), but also on the Web. And that version is free to read.

Purdy starts with "Meet Your Android," then moves on to things like "The Home Screen," "Buttons and Finger Controls," and "Google Voice," before concluding with "The Market and Apps."

Basically, it's as comprehensive an Android guide as you're likely to find -- and you can't beat the price. (As a book author myself, I heartily recommend springing for the print or e-book edition if you find the text useful. Writers gotta eat.)

By the way, if you are indeed the owner of a shiny new Android-powered phone, what do you think of it? Easy to use? I'm hearing the OS can be confusing. Let me know your thoughts.