5 apps to keep you connected

Everyone has a preference when it comes to accessing Twitter through the iPhone. There are the Tweetie loyalists who feel they paid $2.99 for the superior Twitter app, the Twitterific users who don't want to pay for a decent Twitter app, the TweetDeck folks who are ecstatic to finally have a mobile version of the software, and about a million other user groups in between. It's easy getting lost in the world of Twitter iPhone apps, and it can get downright frustrating when you consider that the social networking world doesn't begin and end with Twitter alone.

If you're tired of trying out apps, or don't know where to begin, take a look at the list I've compiled of the five social networking apps that can help make your connection to the social media world easier.

1. Facebook (Free) - the official app released from the Facebook team. It's sometimes a little flaky (updates can be slow to show up), but it gets the job done and has a clean user interface.
2. Tweetie ($2.99)- very simple user interface, somewhat customizable (from Settings you can change the theme between iChat Bubbles, Simple, and Dark. You can also change the font size, your display name, and even set it to landscape mode for sending tweets.) For those who switch between multiple accounts, this app can become your best friend. If you're looking for a free alternative I would go with TweetDeck although I don't think the interface is as simple to navigate.
3. Mobile Fotos ($2.99)- provides perfect integration with Flickr. It allows you to create and edit sets, upload photos straight from your phone or take new photos to upload, view your contacts and groups, search Nearby; basically this app offers everything that the Flickr website offers. 
4. Webfeedr (99cents)- a mobile version of FriendFeed which allows you to update Facebook status updates, Twitter and more simultaneously.
5. IM + with Push ($9.99)- instant messenger that integrates Twitter, Skype chat, Facebook chat, Yahoo. MSN/Windows Live, AIM/iChat/MobileMe, ICQ, Google Talk, MySpace IM, and Jabber accounts into one easy and convenient interface. Comes with the option to push all of your messeges to your e-mail if the app is closed. If you find the $9.99 price tag a bit steep, you can download the lite version which is ad supported, free of charge.

Downloading the apps above will cost you between $4 and $17, but will have you connected to all your favorite social networking sites within a few taps, leaving the confusion of sorting through a myriad of free apps behind. Naturally some free alternatives will work nicely, but many are filled with ads, have poor interfaces, or poor usability.

Stick with the five apps above for a smoothe ride!