When comparing Official Android developer's guide vs Lynda, the Slant community recommends Lynda for most people. In the question“What are the best resources to learn Android development?” Lynda is ranked 2nd while Official Android developer's guide is ranked 6th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Best source for the most up-to-date information
The guides are actively maintained as they are the official guides for Android.
Pro Free
Available online for free.
Pro Covers both beginner and advanced topics
Pro Well-organized
Pro Comprehensive
Pro Quality and quantity
Pro Video tutorials with commentaries
Pro Extensive
There are a lot of different languages to choose from thanks to their large offering of courses (almost 4000 total that cover various subjects).
Pro Build as you learn
Many courses offered on Lynda take a hands-on approach, encouraging you to apply what you learn by building projects.
Pro It's possible to get transcripts of videos
Pro Videos can be watched at 2x speed
If you feel yourself getting bored with the lecture, it's possible to speed it up to get through it quicker.
Cons
Con Requires some programming experience
The guide is much better suited for those who have programming experience.
Con Lacks a community
With no user forum, there is very little opportunity to engage with other students and discuss the learning material.
Con iOS and Android apps are somewhat poor
Compared to the experience available on the web, the mobile apps are severely lagging behind.
Con More ways to help retain the information would be helpful
More quizzes, tests and assignments to help practice and retain the presented information would be helpful.
