iPhone News Updated

It’s back to the iPhone

By Jim Harmening

I really hate to admit this, and it’s the fault of one of my employees, Joe Wright, a true iPhone lover. Two weeks ago, I went back to the iPhone. Yes, I got a brand spankin’ new iPhone 3Gs with 16 GB of storage. I thought about getting the 32GB but figured it would just cause me to buy more music and install more applications.

For those who have read this column for a while, I was one of the first iPhone users and really liked the device but hated the keyboard. My thumbs are bigger than the screen allowed for two-thumb typing.

But as the device progressed, the ability to turn the phone sideways allowed for a nice-sized keyboard. Not all applications allow you to turn the phone sideways, but the text messaging, e-mail and Web surfing do, and that’s where I spend most of my time.

The second thing that really has sold me is the interconnectivity of my calendar, contacts and e-mail. Not just transferring when I press a button, but synching in real time, all the time, all day, all night.

When I get an e-mail, it’s on both my computer and my iPhone. I can choose to put it in a folder, delete it or just leave it in the inbox for later viewing on either my computer, iPhone, or most important, on a Web version of Outlook.

Now all this is really cool, but what is even cooler is the free apps you get. So far, I have spent only $2 on apps because I have been able to find cool things that are free.

No. 1 is the Pandora app. I’ve written about this Web site before - it’s a free online radio that learns what you like by the genres you pick or the artists you listen to. Weather Bug is No. 2 on my favorites because it gives me more than just the weather - it gives me forecasts, maps and videos, and I can check out cameras placed around the Chicago area for a looksee myself.

Another great app is called Flashlight. I have used my cell phone before as a flashlight, and now there is an app for that!

I have downloaded only two games, one a fun racing game called Alpine Crawler. Try to do it without reading the directions. I think it’s more fun figuring out the games by trial and error. The second game is Cool Sudoku. I love the game, but I hate the small numbers.

For you newshounds, try USA Today’s app. To help save money, try the Cheap Gas! app. Thumtacts is a great search program that lets you use one hand to search for names. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s good. Finally, I downloaded the Zippo Lighter app. Yes, you can use your iPhone to display a Zippo lighter.

[Thanks: http://www.southtownstar.com]

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