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Make your little pocket computer work as hard as you do.
The iPhone’s Calendar app (pictured) is a straightforward way to keep track of your various meetings and appointments, and it’s very easy to create events and customize them to alert you, repeat as needed, and more. Better yet, you can sync your Outlook calendar via iTunes, or a Google Calendar account through the Exchange email settings. And if you need a more robust calendar app, try CalenGoo ($6.99), which also syncs up with Google Reader.
One of the iPhone 4’s most important (and noticeable) additions is the front-facing camera, which makes video calls a reality via the included FaceTime feature. Now you can see the person you’re talking to on the oth=er end, assuming he or she has an iPhone 4. Imagine calling the babysitter during lunch and seeing your smiling kid, or sharing ideas and images with a business associate. With millions of iPhone 4 units sold and more moving each day, you’re likely to have a few FaceTime partners in no time!
Posting comments and interacting with friends on social networks has become perhaps the biggest work distraction in recent years (we mean that in a good way), and you don’t even need to be at your computer to share the experience. What’s your network of choice--Twitter (pictured)? Facebook? MySpace? All three have free official apps that skillfully bring each site’s appeal to the iPhone screen. Don’t let the lack of a nearby computer halt your procrastination!
It’s probably fair to assume only students carry calculators around, but when you need to solve a quick equation on the go, simply load up the built-in Calculator app. Using it is a breeze, and turning the iPhone sideways reveals a wide array of symbols for more advanced applications. Need something more? The awesome WolframAlpha ($1.99, pictured) app uses a powerful calculation engine to solve complex equations, as well as offer facts and stats on a wide array of topics.
Being stuck at work doesn’t mean you should be without the latest sports scores, or even streaming audio and video. MLB At Bat 2010 ($14.99, pictured) is a perfect example of how to make a killer sports app, as it offers streaming radio and TV game feeds, detailed scoring and recaps, and a whole lot more. The NBA has a solid free app that is updated during basketball season, as well, or you can check out apps like ESPN ScoreCenter and Sportacular (both free) for scores for nearly any sports league.
Heard some catchy little ditty while on a lunch break or on hold for some excruciatingly long period of time? Innovative apps like SoundHound (free, pictured) and Shazam (free) can help! Both apps are able to listen to a few seconds of a song and tell you the artist and song title, but SoundHound goes one step further by letting you hum a song with generally strong results. And naturally, both apps will helpfully point you towards the iTunes Store to purchase the track in question.
When the boss asks you to spend the afternoon running around town on errands, don’t waste time and paper printing out directions. Just fire up the built-in Google Maps (pictured) app, have it find your current location, and let the uber-powerful app work its magic with detailed step-by-step directions. And if you’re looking for something a bit more complex (especially for driving), both TomTom U.S.A. ($39.99) and CoPilot Live USA ($4.99) are worthwhile App Store options.
Whether you’re endlessly snacking in front of a computer or picking up fast food, it’s pretty easy to lose track of how many calories you’re taking in over the course of an afternoon. Keep yourself honest with apps like the LiveStrong Calorie Tracker ($2.99, pictured) and FitClick ($3.99), both of which offer massive listings of food and simple-to-understand interfaces. By knowing your calorie intake, you’ll be less likely to grab that 4 p.m. candy bar or bag of chips. Well, hopefully.
When a great idea strikes at a moment’s notice, the iPhone’s built-in Voice Memo and Notes features offer a great way to save it for later. But even better options--namely Evernote (free, pictured) and Simplenote (free)--are available for storing your notes and files and transporting them between devices, including your computer and iPad. Now you can carry your essential notes everywhere in the palm of your hand and always be prepared, even without a laptop or briefcase.
Just a couple of accessories can make your iPhone 4-at-work experience that much more comfortable. Apple’s iPhone 4 dock ($29) is a stylish way to keep your phone charged throughout the day, or you can try out the Scosche reviveLITE II ($29.99), which lets you dock your phone directly to a wall outlet without extraneous cords. And definitely consider the Pogo Stylus ($14.95) from Ten One Design, which saves your iPhone 4 Retina display from fingerprints and other gunk.
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taskmaster1977
October 17, 2010 at 3:08pm
Great article. I don't have an iPhone, but I do have an ipod Touch and I'm always looking for useful apps. I've added several from the article and will try them out.
