App-centric

In the last few weeks I've had a chance to scour the multitude of apps for iPhone/Touch. Great googly moogly there's a ton of them! On EVERYTHING. That said, I thought it would be fun to share what I carry around and just some general observations. So here ya go:

• WDW Park Hours - Free and very helpful for planning time with the mouse. There is a paid version, sans ads and this is one of a suite by the same maker.
• WDW Wait Times - Free and most helpful for plotting your credit run in or before you hit the Disney Parks. There is a paid version, sans ads and this is one of a suite by the same maker.
• Six Flags Fun Finder - A handy way to call up maps to all the Six Flags parks along with hours and events. Also free.
• Toy Story Mania - A fun adaptation of the the Toy Story Mania rides and good collection of mini games. If you like the ride, Disney, or both, you'll enjoy this one and think it's well worth the $4.99.
• AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) - Free chat along with centralizing posts from Facebook, Twitter, etc. Some ads, but nothing that gets in the way terribly.
• Skype - Solid adaptation of the program and works well on iPhone/Touch. Very good sound quality. Would like to see integrated push chat for sending links during voice conversations. Could we see video chat if/when the iPhone 4g with rumored front camera comes to pass? Also free.
• Mapquest - I've used these folks for years to plan trips and having the same directions on a mobile is a big help. Can't wait to try this with iPhone's GPS functions. Free.
• Google Earth - Just like the regular version with a neat little twist to rotate function as well and the pinch and stretch features. Very responsive. Free.
• Career Builder Jobs - This has been helpful in my job hunt and made applying very very easy...almost fun? (looks around). Free.
• Starbucks - Being able to find Starbucks locations and see the food and coffee menus has been really handy. A must if you're a coffee or Starbuck's fan. Free.
• Starbucks Mobile Card - If you have a Starbuck's gift card, this app let's you carry that info with you and swipe your iPhone/Touch at many locations. Would LOVE to see other restaurants, etc. do this with their gift cards. Great idea! Free.
• Citysearch - Really handy for finding restaurants, clubs, and entertainment in an unfamiliar city. Free.
• Twitter - Since I use Twitter a bunch, this was a must although, there doesn't seem to be any advantage to the app verses a site bookmark. Even so, Twitter needed direct representation in the app world. Free.
• Facebook - This is another one I use a bunch. While it takes a little bit to get where everything is, it's a solid tool. Free.
• U.S. NEXRAD - A very good and simple radar for keeping up on storms. This one has been really handy of late. (Matter of fact, I'm using right now as I type this.)Well worth the 99 cents.
• Star Wars FX - I like Star Wars (big shock there) and this was just random fun for 99 cents. Would love to see a Droids or R2-D2 soundboard for us robot fans. Hint hint...
• Darth Vader Soundboard - This was just another random fun Star Wars impulse. Makes me want a TomTom GPS for the Vader voice. Also want to use this on the next telemarketer who calls (insert eeeevil laugh here). 99 cents.
• Spice Dice from Durex - The virtual version of those adult love dice party games you see in some stores. Puts the accelerometer to good use for rolling the dice (and yes it looks wrong in just the way you're thinking). Also offers product links and romantic tips. Basically it's a Durex ad. Yep, definitely not for kids. Free.

Suffice to say, all the above have been put to good use and merit a positive mention. Hey, with only 8 gig on the Touch, I have to be picky about what stays on it.

Hope these musings have been both entertaining and helpful. I've had a good time writing about them. Cheers! :)