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14 must-have iPhone apps
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In just a few days, we will see an avalange of people sporting the new iPhone 3GS, and no doubt many of those people will be first-time iPhone users. Now, I know everyone wants to test out that often-heard Apple motto of "there's an app for that," but before you go delving into that app store looking for the most unique iPhone applications, you might as well download some of the basics.
These must-have iPhone apps include great applications for music lovers, movie goers, Twitter users, eBook readers and anyone that likes to eat good food. Best of all, they are all either free or come with free 'lite' editions that are good enough that you may never feel the need to upgrade to the 'professional' edition.
So, in no particular order -- okay, actually it's alphabetical -- here are the 14 must-have iPhone apps:
AP Mobile, NYTimes or Yahoo
Even if you aren't a news hound, you'll probably want some sort of news on the go. There are a number of good apps that deliver the news, but each of these would be at the top of all of the lists. The one bonus Yahoo has over the others is that it delivers access to the entire Yahoo portal along with the news, which is handy for anyone with a Yahoo email account.
Craigsphone
The popular online classified ads website Craigslist is just as effective on your iPhone. This is a must-have iPhone app for anyone that goes to Craigslist on a regular basis. And if you've never been to Craigslist, now you have a reason to check it out.
DailyFinance
Personally, I like to keep an out-of-sight and out-of-mind financial philosophy, especially in this economic climate, but for those that like to keep tabs on their financial portofilos, DailyFinance by AOL is the app for you. It'll keep up with your entire portfolio and put it at your fingertips. So now, even if you are riding the log ride at Six Flags, you can see how far your Yahoo stock has tanked. Awesome!
Evernote
Ever find yourself walking through the mall when you suddenly have the coolest idea, but you have no way to write it down? Or perhaps you a browsing through videos at Best Buy and see something you want to put on your Netflix list. Evernote is the solution. It lets you take a type a note, record a voice message or snap a photo and store it for later. You can even access your notes from your Mac or PC.
If you are wondering why the Facebook app is on the must-have iPhone app list, it is probably because you aren't on Facebook. But for the bazillion or so people that are plugged into the most popular social network in the world, this definitely counts as a must-have.
Flixster
Flixster is a social network for movie-lovers, and the Flixster iPhone app is a great way to get all kinds of movie information. Not only can you get nearby theatres and show times, but you'll be able to plug into your friends through Facebook Connect and find out what they recommend.
Pandora
Have you ever wanted your own radio station? That's what Pandora will give you. It's pretty simple: You give Pandora the name of a song or band you like, and Pandora picks out similar-sounding music. Best of all, Pandora is a great way to discover new music.
ShapeWriter
This is an app for anyone that finds the on-screen keyboard to be a little awkward but wants to use their iPhone to take notes or send email. ShapeWriter offers a unique way of writing messages by having you slide your finger from letter to letter to make a word. I know, it sounds odd, but it is actually pretty cool and easy to use.
SportTap
This one is for all the sports junkies. It'll bring you the latest scores, news and transactions all in one place. You can even pick out your favorite teams so that their scores will be moved to the top of the list. Definitely a must-have iPhone app for the complete sports fanatic.
Stanza
Don't have an Amazon Kindle? No problem. Stanza is one of the best eReaders out there and it comes with a number of stores, so you can easily find an eBook. Not only do you have access to Fictionwise, perhaps the most popular eBook store on the web, but also access to free eBooks from Project Gutenberg and Feedbooks.
Travelocity TravelTools
This is a handy app for anyone that travels all the time. not only can you check your flight, get updated flight information, gates and times and airport delays, it will also help you find a hotel and keep track of all of your trips.
Twitterfon
Twitterfon is a great iPhone Twitter client. Not only will it let you tweet with your tweeps and tap into the Twitterstream, you'll get easy access to @mentions and can store your favorite tweets just in case you want to pull a tweet-back at some later point in time. (Confused? You might want to browse the Twitter glossary.)
Yelp or UrbanSpoon
Ever drive into the city only to find the restaurant you were going to is closed on Sunday? Or decide to get a quick bite to eat after shopping, but you don't know what is around? That's where Yelp comes in handy. It'll let you search for nearby place to eat, drink or relax and give you reviews on them, so you know you'll pick a good spot. UrbanSpoon is for the more adventurous, letting you shake your iPhone to come up with a random restaurant near you.
6500 Cool Facts
What better way to end the list than with an app designed specifically to kill time? 6500 Cool Facts delivers just what it says -- a bunch of trivial facts that you can browse through by shaking the iPhone to move to the next fact. Not only is this a great way to waste time while waiting for a table or standing in line for your coffee, but its an awesome study guide for anyone that fancies themselves a professional Trivial Pursuit player.
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