Summertime means longer days, temperate nights, and plenty of outside time. If you're not currently suffering from blazing hot temperatures or suffocating humidity, then you might be outside enjoying a ride on your bike or a leisurely stroll through the park. And chances are, you probably brought your iPhone along for the ride, too. Well, read ahead to grab hold of four free applications that can make your outside travels more pleasurable and productive.
TrailRunner
RaceBunny
Honestly, we didn't think we'd be able to find a program that promoted physical fitness AND synced with our iPhones at the same time. The TrailRunner application is purely genius because it's a free app that helps you import statistics from various GPS devices and iPhone apps (including Nikeplus), prepare an exercise plan, keep a physical fitness diary, and look over the route from the day's trail blazing.
This program is also designed to work with the free application called RaceBunny. The GPS sport companion will map the trails you've blazed, whether it's around the city for a quick jog to the nearest market, or over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house.
Tip: If you're a serious trainer looking for something that can do a bit more than track your trails, then your best bet would be to spend a couple of bucks and invest in an app with a bit more functionality. Otherwise, if you're just an occasional hiker, than this free app will suite your lifestyle just fine.
Pro tip: Remember to stay hydrated!
Transit Maps
The biggest that urban dwellers face is that they're not always aware of the bus lines that run near them. This Transit Maps app will ensure that you'll always have a map on hand to figure out how to get to where you need to go, whether you're in New York, San Francisco or any other major metropolitan location. All you have to do for each map is search for the city you're in and download any of the available PDFs. You can also access the maps if you're in an out of service area, provided you've already downloaded the map to your device.
So, leave the car at home and take the bus for a change. It's cheaper, you can listen to music and read a book on your ride out and you'll be doing your part to spare the environment.
The Weather Channel Max for iPad
It's summer, and though we're encouraging you to step outside and enjoy the weather in all of its glory, you'll have to remember to dress for the temperature. The Weather Channel app is almost as good as a meteorologist living in your iPad. With its full screen, customizable weather maps, in-motion radar and 10-day weather predictions, this app is surely one you'll rely on to make sure you're properly prepared for all of those outside adventures.
So, where are you going this summer? Anywhere special? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow this article's author, Florence Ion, on Twitter.
Scion of Tytehran
July 13, 2010 at 9:08am
Did a trip to NYC recently and having the iPad 3G+Wi-Fi was indispensable. It gave information about the weather, GPS directions, text messaging from car to car to our travel companions while on the road, nearby restaurants and movies, etc. Most of the information gleaned from our iPad came from apps which are built-in, free or low-cost.
In the hotel room it provided entertainment in the form of books, music and movies and even food by ordering a Domino's pizza online. We could've extended our stay while errr, 'in the bathroom' using the hotel's website!
Think about all the different devices and services and the costs associated with them one would need to replicate all of this. Factor in the possible aggravation of having to learn how to use all that hardware and the bulk of carrying it all around with you then compare that with the cost of the iPad 3G and the lowest cost 3G service option.
What you get is one simple to use device that likely would cost less without all the hassles and frustrations. For all those who say the iPad is too pricey and isn't all that useful beyond simple media consumption, think again about the other real-world applications and other devices that it can replace or would never even need to be purchased.
