My Favorite iPhone and iTouch Apps. So Far.

I already mentioned how excited I was to try out the new iTouch and I was thrilled to get so many great recommendations for new apps. (I won't tell you how much time I wasted looking at apps and thinking about apps and installing apps and playing with apps . . . it would just disgust you).

But I made progress and I've found a few that I'm pretty excited about. I've got a list here and to those who made such great suggestions, a big "Thanks!"

As it happens today is my day to chaperone at cub scout camp so it'll be a good thing I have my iTouch . . . I'll be off in a corner playing Pac Man while the boys go at it with Dodge Ball.

1. Crossword Light.
I'm a huge crossword fan (I credit my love of crosswords for allowing me to completely dominate Andrew at Scrabble . . . though that's a bitter story that is best left for another day) so one of the first apps I ferreted out was a crossword puzzle. This one is the "light" version and only has a few puzzles but I can try it out for free and see if I like it before going for it's "paid" older brother version. That's actually a nice way to go. Most good apps have a free "light" version that gives you a taste (kind of like Baskin Robbins with their mini spoons) before you have to invest in a couple dollars for the meatier thing. Niiice.

2. Pandora Radio
A few of you recommended this free app (thanks!) and I felt sheepish that despite having heard about Pandora here and there I had no idea what it was. I'm still not entirely sure, all I know is that I can now listen to digital quality radio via internet by artist. I can type in a group I like (say the Killers or Muse) and they'll not only pull up their songs but others they think I might like. It's really fun. Of course with the iTouch it must be on a wifi system so you have to be in range of a signal.

3. Flixster
Another recommendation and another free app from another nice commentator and being the movieaholic that I am I grabbed this one first thing. It allows you to see movie times and recommendations as well as trailers and other juicy tidbits.

4. To Do's
I am a consummate list maker. One of the first things I do in the morning after hoisting my bones out of bed is to sit down and make a list of the things I need to do. Crossing things off is a rush of endorphins every time I put that pencil to paper (and I prefer using pencil). However this sweet little to do list program helps me keep everything in one spot rather than on the various pieces of random paper and backs of receipts that I normally use. Verrrry handy. I think this particular program was a free version (and so far I like it fine--I mean it's a to do list, how fancy do you really need it?) though you can get some that are as much as $10.

5. Spend
Not a bad deal for $.99. This one is a fairly simple budgeting plan that allows you to keep track of a budget then record your expenses. The only problem I've encountered so far is how to change the amount of a certain category without messing with the entire budgeted amount total. Say, I have extra in one account and I want to add it to another account. How do I do that without messing things up? I'm sure there's an answer but so far in every other way I like it.

6. Big Oven
Yet another recommendation--this one for an app that lists 160,000 recipes. Yes, as in enough recipes to feed every household in Anchorage. Twice. So far, so good. I've seen other apps of a similar nature listed but this one was free (are you sensing a theme here? I'm a cheapo at heart) so I'm trying it to see if I'll really use it. Hey, free recipes! Who's going to argue with that?

7. Spongebob Tickler
Bring on the games! Now I could lie and say that I downloaded this one for my kids. However you know I'd never lie to you. Unless I really, really needed to.

Anyway, yes I'm a goober and think Spongebob is funny so I got the free "light" version which made me at least feel good about myself by knowing that I wouldn't actually spend money on something so stupid but nonetheless poking and stretching him and watching him giggle is kind of funny. At least for the first 20 seconds.

8. Labyrinth
Why do I have such a hard time spelling that word? It's like "rhyme" where I have to think about it every time. Must be that Greek "y" thing. Regardless, this game is much more sophisticated than the previous (as if there was anything that could be less sophisticated than touching a cartoon sponge) and I find it not only rather relaxing but somewhat addicting. I like the music it plays while you role the digital ball that you swear is real through a computer maze. How do they make it feel so real? Well however they do it, it's free and it's fun.

9. Hidden Mysteries
Here my love of mysteries comes out. This (also free) game is a sleuthing treat where you look at scenes to solve a crime. This is the app Sherlock Holmes would have if he had an iPhone. I haven't used it much yet but it's very highly rated and so far seems a great deal. Of course it's free so who knows what that means.

10. Flashlight
It is what it is. An app that turns your iTouch or iPhone into a flashlight. For those who like to spelunk while listening to their tunes. I downloaded it (again, free) purely for the thrill of another gadget. Kind of like making my iTouch into a Swiss army knife or something and while I don't know if I'll ever use it, if I have to find my way some day in total darkness with only my iTouch to guide me you can bet I'll be pretty glad I loaded this baby.

11. Light Saber
When I saw this mentioned in the comments I immediately had to go and find it and download it stat. If you aren't a Star Wars fan you might run the risk of devaluing this highly exciting app where you can turn your gadget into a light saber (or the closest thing you'll ever have to it) and can even creat your own Jedi alter ego. Yes, you read that right. You're own Jedi character. Me? I will now be known as Peekup Yermez, the mother of all Jedis.

12. Remote
This one is really, really cool. It turns your iPhone/iTouch into a remote control for your computer or your Apple TV. It's tricky to get it working properly, you have to have your units on the same wifi network but once you get it installed (for free) you can use it to play your computer or tv. Sweet!

13. Finger Piano
Again, very intuitive as to what this app does but I find it strangely fun. I've got the light version but as always you can pay for something fancier if you really want to.

14. Art Gallery
I'm still not finished deciding on some book apps but in the meantime this particular toy allows you to see all kinds of paintings from throughout the history. Interesting and kind of fun. I have another that gives you a tour of various museums which I found but haven't tried yet. Basically, if it's free I'm willing to give it a try. Charge me and I'm much less interested.

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