There are many moments where computing is available in the palm of your hand, but using a NetBook is not. For example: waiting in line anywhere, executing tedious chores or performing any type of repetitive task. In these cases, you can maintain your quest for ultimate productivity with your trusty iPhone or iPod Touch. Following are some ideas you may find useful during those times when the only computing device you can use, fits in the palm of your hand.
Podcasts
By far, the most used feature on my iPod Touch is Podcasts. I just don’t have the time to read through all the news I care about each day, but I do normally have time to listen, and you can’t beat the price! Here are some of my favorites:
- Buzz Out Loud – Daily tech news
- Diggnation – Top stories from Digg.com, good for information and some comic relief
- The Drill Down – Discussions on the top tech stories from Social Media masters
- GTD Virtual Study Group – A round table of GTD practitioners sharing their experiences
- Linux Outlaws – Linux news with humor
- MacBreak Weekly – Top Mac related news
- The Moth Podcast – Interesting stories from amazing story tellers
- TEDTalks – Inspiring videos of amazing thinkers
- Tekzilla – Get your tech geek information in video form
- This American Life – A topic based show with usually interesting stories
- This I Believe – People from all walks of life submit essays about things they believe in
- This Week in Tech – Discussions on the top tech stories of the week by the technorati
- Windows Weekly – Weekly Windows based news and tips
- 60 Minutes – Investigative journalism
Audible
While not free, I find that the cost is definitely worth it. I subscribe to the Platinum plan (if you use this link you can try it free without obligation), which allows for two credits per month. That usually amounts to two books, but there are some longer books that need two credits. Here are a few titles I’ve recently listened to that I would recommend:
- The Last Lecture – Inspiring!
- Reality Check – Fuel for the Entrepreneur
- The Tourist – Spy novel
- The Company – Spy novel
- Winning – Great advice and motivation for life and business
- Outliers – An interesting look at success
- The Groundswell – Social Media in the Enterprise
- Making it All Work – GTD continued
- The Post American World – An interesting take on the rist of non-American countries
- How to Drive Your Competition Crazy – Just as the title says …
- Search – A interesting look at the history of search
- Legacy of Ashes – The History of the CIA – A behind the scenes look at … wait, why is there a black helicopter hovering overhead …
Tweetie
This Twitter client makes it easy to manage multiple Twitter accounts. It will set you back a few dollars, but the time it has already saved me has paid for the app many times over. Thanks to Gabriel for introducing this app to me.
Safari
My start.io page loads fantastically in mobile Safari. That web page serves as my dashboard which points to all of the web sites I need to use on a regular basis. The downside is that it becomes tedious to surf for too long because of the tiny screen, but in a pinch it definitely gets the job done, and much better than my Windows Mobile phone.
This app makes it easy to interact with FaceBook friends. I find it easier to use than the FaceBook web site due to it’s simplicity.
AnalyticsApp
If you are obsessed with your Google Analytics account, then you need this app. It allows you to easily check out your stats in great detail. The interface is very easy to use and even though its not free, I find it useful enough to hold a permanent place on my Touch. Much easier to use than visiting the Google Analytics page using Safari.
Similar to the FaceBook app, this app allows for easy interaction with my LinkedIn network. I don’t usually make the time to do so at my desktop, but in line at the grocery store provides a perfect opportunity to stay connected. It’s that or reading The Enquirer.
ToDo by Appiggio
For quick task and todo capture, this app works very well. I like it’s ability to synchronize with several popular services including Remember the Milk, Toodledo and even Microsoft Outlook.
Stanza
I’m currently reading Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual
WordPress
This app allows you to manage several WordPress blogs in a clean and easy way. It’s still not as efficient as when you are at your desktop, but it helps you quickly make changes to posts, pages and comments.
What apps or functions on your iPhone or Touch do you find greatly increases your productivity?
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