Rafe Needleman's favorite iPhone apps (CNET 100)
Rafe Needleman is CNET's editor-at-large, founder of the Webware blog, and co-host of the daily Buzz Out Loud podcast. He also runs the tech help podcast, CNET to the Rescue. Rafe likes apps that make him more productive and that don't tie him down to a single platform or silo. And as you'll see from his list of apps, he's big into lists.
Evernote (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: Free ($45/year premium)
Things (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
The downside to Things is its expense: Each platform requires a separate paid app. But for list-keepers, it's worth a serious look.
Price: $9.99
ZipList (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: Free
Epicurious (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: Free
SugarSync (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
It seems that most tech nerds prefer competitive service Dropbox, but SugarSync gives you more flexibility when it comes to tracking and syncing files on your desktop and laptop computers.
Please note: If you're going to use a sync service like this on your mobile phone, it's imperative that you set up password security on the device. Otherwise, anyone who picks up your phone could get access to all the files on your PC or Mac.
Price: Free
Facebook (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: Free
Twitter (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: Free
Routesy (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Price: $3.99
Taxi Magic (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
Only one taxi company in San Francisco is on the Taxi Magic system, but that's enough. It's a great, useful little app.
Price: Free
TripIt (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)
I still carry a folder of printouts when I travel, as backup. But in a year of business and vacation trips, I haven't needed it.
Price: Free