User Alert: Key iPhone Applications to Simplify Your Life

Since the U.S. release of the Apple iPhone® in 2007, the applications for this handy device continue to roll out to users. Some iPhone applications we could probably live without. I mean, do we really need an application that turns our writing around and upside down? Below are some nifty apps that might be interesting and useful to you. Note: All of these apps can be downloaded at Apple.com.

The Student Loan Insider

This application provides you with the most recent news regarding student loans. It can help you with funding sources, repayment, laws and issues pertaining to student loans, and more.

Postal News Mobile

This tool will help you keep up with rate changes and provide you with other USPS Internet sites and postal news, which may be especially beneficial if you do a lot of postage work in your office.

Auto Loan Estimator

While auto purchases may be down these days, this app may still be useful to have on-hand to quickly calculate how much an auto loan will cost you. Who knows? It may even save you from getting taken to the cleaners by your local used-car salesman.

iVeggie

Keep your vegetarian/vegan recipes close at hand with this yummy food app. New recipes will be sent right to your phone each day and will track the protein source and content, as well as the ability to look up alternative foods to meat. This app is a must-have for vegetarians eating out at restaurants.

iFlirt

I had to laugh and include this one for grins. Yes, as the title suggests, this app will provide you with over 100 pickup lines to help you flirt effectively. Just don't get caught reading from your phone on your pickup approach.

The Legal Professional's Headline News

This app, which is geared specifically toward the legal field, will provide you with headline legal news as it happens. Headlines are updated each day, and this app will also send breaking news to keep you legally informed.

Workout

Keep track of those precious miles and minutes on the treadmill or the swimming pool. This app is geared toward those who participate in interval training and will help you manage your repetitions. Use it in any sort of repetitive fitness activity to structure your workout.

iBillTo

This application will help keep track of client billing information and invoices. I like the idea of having invoicing information right with you on your phone. It's nice to be able to answer client questions about invoices even when you're away from your computer.

Checklist

Just like the name implies, this app allows you to create and maintain a checklist of anything life throws at you, whether it's a grocery list, a "to-do" list or a list of supplies to order for the office. This app is also fully available offline.

Downturn Success Kit

This application offers tools and tips on how to manage your career in between jobs. For instance, it includes interview advice, job-related podcasts, career advice, and more.

KeyPoint

Probably one of the most robust and useful iPhone-application tools, this app allows you to create, modify and send presentations right from your phone. Caution: This is a beta version (still being tested), so use it with reserve. However, KeyPoint is still worth checking out.

There are hundreds of other apps available for the iPhone. Feel free to jump online and check out the ever-growing list of applications that might be useful, interesting or just plain entertaining to you! And, of course, share your favorites with the OA community!