I've never messed with the Android SDK. I probably should though, it's pretty popular and in-demand. I just don't have a device available.

Anyways, I would recommend just downloading the SDK and checking out the examples. Java is an easy language to use once you get the hang of it. Actually, almost every language tends to be pretty much the same once you learn one.

If you're comfortable with a different programming languages, I know there's been projects to allow developers to use other languages such as Python.

Also, since you said you want an "easy way" to develop applications, maybe there's some sort of a third-party API that is designed for people like you, just trying to get started and doing it quickly.

I'm sure that wasn't very helpful but good luck to you!