S. Van Kruistum

6 Apps that Make the iPod Touch Useful (Both Online and Offline)

This is a list of apps for the ipod that have proven to be extremely useful.  Note that this list was compiled by an ipod touch user and not an iphone user, which means the apps will tend to favour those that are also useful offline.  In order of amount used:

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1. Byline

By far my favourite and most used app on my ipod touch.  It's no coincidence that it's also the only paid app on the list.  It cost me $3.99 for the app, but it's paid for itself many times over.

Byline serves one purpose on my ipod: reading rss feeds.  I use google reader, and byline downloads up 200 of my feed items from google reader, then archives the item and the corresponding web page for reading offline.  This app can make any spare time productive - with or without a wireless connection.

2. twitterfon

twitterfon is the best twitter app I've used.  It keeps track of unread items, separates replies and messages, and lets you reply to various messages with ease.  It works, it works well, and that makes it numer 2.

2. Remote

No app list is complete without remote.  Control your computer's music playback over a wireless network.  Why are tools like this not more commonplace?

3. Facebook

Because it's better than using the mobile facebook page.  No need to zoom in or go through login pages, etc.  It's simple and easy to use for fast facebook updating and creeping.  What more could you ask for?

4. Tap tap revenge

Maybe it's because I'm a sucker for those DDR-type games, but I sincerely enjoy this game.  Now if only I could figure out how to do that up-down move...miss it everytime.  Oh, and you can download new songs for free too. Not bad.

5. Stanza

A different kind of app for sure.  This one gives your ipod the ability to display e-books in varying formats.  I have one large problem with the app: it essentially requires you to install their third-party e-book app on your computer to sync books to the ipod.  The good news is that you don't have to purchase anything (assuming you already have some e-books handy in any number of formats).  The stanza app is great at converting formats to e-books that are readable on your ipod.  Another great off-line addition to the list!

6. Wordpress

Because I have a blog, and because it allows you to store a draft locally until you re-connect to wifi.  Great for downtime or when you have a post idea that just can't wait.

7. Sync GCal

Okay, it's not an app.  That's why the title says 6.  But this recent addition by google has made my google calendar actually useful.  Solid 2-way syncing with gcal - it's what i've been looking for and hacking ever since I got an ipod and a google calendar. Now it couldn't be simpler. [LINK]

Honourable Mentions:

• now playing - For all your movie listing needs (complete with rotten tomato scores!)

• sudoku - Free, fun, and intellectually stimulating.

• lolcats - Just cause I like em.

• lastfm - Sometime useful if you have wifi and want to listen to new music

• evernote - for note taking.  I haven't used it much (maybe I'm just too organized already), but those that use evernote love the app.