First Aid App Helped Quake Survivor

Wow! Pulled from the rubble, Haiti survivor’s iPhone’s first aid app helped him stay alive. Story here.

Top iPhone Apps

After being in some all-day meetings with new users who were hungry for recommendations, I’ve begun compiling a list of favorite iPhone apps. Meantime, here’s a list of popular apps that should serve as a good starting point for any newbie – or seasoned – iPhone owner. Of note, just today I’ve used three of those listed: Facebook, Tweetdeck and Shazam.

Five Tips For New iPhone Users

I love the simplicity of the iPhone, and often tell people it “just works.” That’s a lot different than previous cell phones I’ve used. It isn’t for everyone, but as the growing sales numbers reflect, more people are paying the premium for Apple’s elegant mobile computing solution. A friend just purchased a new iPhone, and we’re getting together for lunch today for a little tutorial. Apart from the basics, here are some notes I made of tips I need to tell him:

1. Buy a charger for the car. Unfortunately, your phone will need recharging at the most inopportune time. Make sure you have it when you need it by plugging it in while you drive. Cost: Deals online for as little as $3-5.
2. Buy an external battery. There are batteries that snap into the phone’s dock/charging port and provide several hours of power. You’ll find a battery handy when you phone runs out of juice just when you need it most. I keep one in my laptop bag at all times. Cost: $15-25.
3. Buy and use a headset. Be smart, be safe, and use a headset. While the corded earbuds that come with your phone are alright, untangling the cord is a big pain – and it is impossible to do while driving. If you don’t have one, find a good Bluetooth headset. I have a Plantronics model I picked up at Amazon for half off, and I really like it. Cost: Range for good headset is $50-$75.
4. Take advantage of free apps. Developers often have special, limited-time free offerings. Also, many dvelopers offer a free “lite” version of an application, with reduced capablities, in hopes that you’ll like it so much you’ll want to pay for the full version. Either way, this is how I’ve found some gems, and it is really the only way I get games (I don’t have this phone for games, but every now and then it is nice to let the kids play something while we wait at the doctor’s office, for instance). Cost: Nothing! I check dealnews.com daily for the latest freebies.
5. Buy a few select apps. I’m not inclined to pay more than $.99 for a phone application, but I have done so for a travel app that tracks flights and keeps me up-to-date on airport weather. I also bought an audio recording app (before Apple made that functionality standard in the iPhone OS). I’ve been very selective about the apps I’ve bought, and I’d advise slow-going for new users. Cost: Varies widely, although most apps are under $10.

I’m sure “power users” could add some tips, and I’d welcome those comments.

Why New iPhones Don’t Have FM Tuners

Mark Ramsey knows.