iPhone Apps Buyer Guide
As of late 2009, there are roughly 100,000 applications in Apple’s App Store – a staggering number given that the Store is less than a year and a half old. Unfortunately, most of the releases are junk. That’s the reason for this section of the Buyers’ Guide: which apps are actually worth purchasing given all the filler out there?
On the pages that follow, you’ll find the 100 iPhone apps our editors consider essential across many genres, selected based on sheer utility, interface design, and value. These are the apps we actually use and love, not just ones that seemed cool for three days before fading into obscurity. We focused on titles that were initially released in complete form, and leaned towards apps that were released or substantially updated in the last year. Any overlap between these and last year’s picks shows just how critical an app remains a year later; the almost entirely new list shows just how much has changed.
Balance
A relatively powerful free tool to manage your checking or savings account, capable of exporting to your computer. FREE
Bento
A polished personal database app that works alone or with Mac Bento to manage your projects, bills, customer lists, and other important tasks. $5
iBank
Track the status of your bank account’s balances, along with categorized and itemized listings of your spending; optionally syncs with Mac iBank. $5
Jaadu VNC/RDW
Access your Mac or PC from iPhone/touch, either in full screen or zoomed in. Uses Wi-Fi/3G/EDGE, and permits you to watch a machine in use. $25
Keynote Remote
Users of Apple’s Keynote can now see slides and presentation notes on the iPhone or touch, while controlling the slideshow using swipe gestures. $1
LogMeIn Ignition
Access your Mac’s or PC’s monitor from the screen of the iPhone or touch; also troubleshoot friends’ machines. Simple and powerful. $30
MiniBooks
Log time spent working, create invoices, and track payments directly from your device. Requires a FreshBooks account; free version’s for 3 clients. $15
OmniFocus
A pro-grade, Mac-syncing task management tool. Shows action items, stores text/voice notes, and pushes notifications to your calendar. $20
Download file here
