TechnesstivityEditors’ Picks: 10 Back to School iPhone Apps
September is here already, this means many students around the world are getting ready for (or have already started) school. We at Technesstivity have put together lists of our top iPhone apps to help you have a great semester with the right dose of productivity and recreation. We also have lists for Android and Windows 7 phones. Here we go!
Dropbox
Dropbox is basically the cloud drive for the everyday person. It’s like having a 2GB flash drive wherever you go. Ever had one of those days where you type up something and have to email it to yourself? Dropbox eliminates all that stress. You install it on your computer where it’s its own folder synced online, so if you’re in a rush just drag and drop to the folder and you can access it from your iPhone and any other computer. You can even create a link to the file from your iPhone to make it even more accessible. You can also upgrade if you need more space. Perfect for the procrastinator!
You can get the app on your iPhone and it’s also available for Android.
Filer
When that paper you typed up and sent to Dropbox is due, you need this app. Filer lets you download anything you access on the web to your iPhone. It is brilliant because you can download a file and send it directly from Filer to your iDisk, MobileMe or Dropbox. Also, when you connect your iPhone to your computer you can get the files and save them to your computer. This app is a lifesaver! You can send files uploaded or downloaded to Filer as an attachment with the full version. Get it at the app store for free or pay $3.99 for the full version which comes complete with all the features.
Remember The Milk (RTM)
RTM has to be my best app for being productive. It’s the ultimate planner, you might not even need to buy one for college. Put in a task as well as the time you want to do it and the app can remind you about it via the app, direct message on Twitter, text message, Skype, MSN and so much more. With this app you can never forget a task. It’s a must-have for every student. Get it here and it’s also available for Android
iWork
Pages, Numbers and Keynote became available for the iPhone in June, which means you can now type up papers, do projects and create presentations on-the-go. Yes, there were apps for these long before it came about but this just makes it all official! The apps all go for $9.99 each which is pretty pricey but worth it, I believe.
This would really help if you are yet to go school shopping. RedLaser lets you scan the bar code (mind you, not QR code) of an item and compare the prices to online shopping sites like Amazon and eBay. It also compares it to prices in nearby stores and comes in handy at all those stores where they say “we have the lowest prices guaranteed or it’s free”. Yes, there are stores like that. Also available for Android.
If you own an iPhone, you’re a music lover and you don’t already own this app, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. This app is nothing short of brilliant! Imagine creating a radio station with one of your favorite songs and having the station play songs exactly similar to it. That’s what Pandora does, and you can create as many stations as you like. If not for the amount of data this app uses, there really is no need for having songs on your iPod. It’s great for those who study with music on, helps to set whatever mood you need.
Ever heard a song on the radio you loved so much but never got the name of the song? Yeah, it happens to the best of us. Well this app is the remedy for that. You simply open it up while the song is playing and after listening it gives you all the details and even the option to buy the song. Problem solved! Helps with the catchy song you hear at a campus event or in the lobby. Mind you, you only get four tags a month with the free version.
Like most voice recognition apps, it’s not 100% accurate but it does a pretty solid job when it comes to doing what it does. It takes what you say and types it out for you making ‘typing’ up that paper easy and maybe even taking notes. Still take notes, don’t depend on it. It helps that it lets you send the text via email, text, tweet or Facebook post.
Now everyone needs a dictionary on hand, but you don’t want to carry that bulky ‘pocket’ dictionary around when you have your iPhone now, do you? The app also lets you check for synonyms and lets you speak the word into it as well. Very essential app. Pretty much does all the site does.
For those of you that are taking a language, this would come in handy. We all know what Google translate does, won’t it be much better having it as an app? The app is also capable of speaking your translation back to you, it’s very useful. But be careful, Google Translate is never perfect, still pay attention in that French class!
The joys of an iPhone! There are millions of other apps but these are my top picks. Feel free to share with us what your favorite iPhone apps are. Have a great semester/term from all of us at Technesstivity!
