What’s in my iPod

Here’s a geeky version of my What’s in my Bag series. Since getting my iPod Touch last year, we’ve been inseparable. I love that it can keep me occupied during long plane, bus, train or ferry rides, while serving as a mobile mini-computer. Of course, it does not have the full functionality that a netbook or laptop has, but it helps me track my expenses, write and publish a blog and most importantly, it lets me connect to the Internet.

iPod Apps
I’m an idiot who uses two different apps for two different Twitter accounts. Yes, I know I can use one for both. It’s just easier this way. Or so I tell myself.

I’ve gone through several apps throughout the year, but these are the ones that have stuck with me:

My Vacation

My Vacation
So nice and organized!

This is actually a relatively new addition to my App list. The makers of My Vacation, Jasper Apps, sent me a coupon to try out their app. I have been content with using the Notes app on the iPod, so I was keen to check out if the app can make preparing and blogging the trip easier.

My Vacation
Was able to buy insect repellant before the trip!

Turns out, it did! Before the trip, I typed in our flight information and contact numbers in the notes section so I can easily refer to it when needed. What I liked in particular though is the built-in packing list. It has a list of suggested item, at the same time lets you add your own. As I looked through it, I realized I forgot about certain things, and I was able to buy them before leaving. They also have a to-do check list, where I wrote down the places we can visit in our destination.

The app has a presentation thing that lets you view the photos taken during the trip while the journal scrolls through the next panel. You can also view the destination on Google Maps. My Vacation allows you to keep your trip journal and photos by date so you can easily recall and find specific pictures or notes.

My Vacation
You can flip the photo to show the map

I found myself tapping on the keyboard writing on the journal while waiting for delayed flight or for food. I love that I can just write and post it to my blog or Facebook, send it as e-mail or to my Dropbox. I can even send it to other devices that has My Vacation installed. My two Back to Bicol posts were written and posted through My Vacation. I really liked that function, and found myself wishing for the new iPod with a camera. Still, I love how it was able to integrate the photos cleanly within the post. I have some issues with how the post was formatted, but that can be fixed within WordPress (though it would be great to be able to do without that). Overall, it’s a pretty nice app for keeping your trip notes, photos and journal organized.

Spending

Spending
Cutting my trip short. Sob.

You’ve seen my travel budget posts (which really should be called travel expenses). You know how anal I get with keeping tabs at every single peso that comes out of my wallet. I decided to track all my expenses, not just during my travels so I know just how much damage I’m doing to my non-existent pile of gold. I first tried out the free lite version of Spending, but quickly upgraded and bought the full app, if only for the passcode lock (there are probably other features that the full version has that the lite doesn’t but this is the one that matter most to me).

I love how I can categorize my expenses and income so I can easily see which ones I need to work on and which expense I have to cut back on. It also made me see just how money I’m wasting. Boy, was that an eye-opener. What I really really love about the app is its ability to upload to Google Docs. Gone were the days that I would have to type down each expense from my notebook unto my spreadsheet and compute each one to fit the category. This app just made it so much easier that I merely do minor edits on Excel before I publish and upload on my blog.

Currency

Currency
It kills me how low the dollar is nowadays

Technology can be seen as both good and bad. Good, because it lets you quickly convert foreign currency to your own currency, bad because it kills your brain cells. Now I can hardly do math in my head. Still, I’m grateful to this handy app for making it easy to know exactly how much 4,000,000 Vietnamese dong costs.

The app lets you convert to several foreign currencies. Just tap one currency and key in the amount. It will automatically convert to all the currency you set the app to convert to. Very very handy.

Accuweather

Accuweather
Can’t get more detailed than this.

The iPod and iPhone has its built-in weather app, but I love how paranoid Accuweather is. Apart from the daily forecast, it has an hourly weather forecast, which is great so you know when to wrap up your sightseeing and head indoors.

Hostel World

Hostel World
Ahh, if only.

Here’s an app that I’ve had in my iPod for a while but haven’t really used. It basically lets you search through HotelWorld’s extensive database of budget accommodations, book or mark as favorite for future reference. I haven’t used this yet (haven’t had the chance to), but I’m hoping I’d get to use it at least once this year. It’s great to have this as a research tool when you’re still in the planning phase of your trip. Which I’m doing at the moment ๐Ÿ˜‰

Cartographer

Cartographer
So pretty~~

Here’s another app that haven’t been used much. Not that I don’t want to use it. It’s just that the places I’ve been to lately haven’t been properly mapped yet. What made me download this app is its integration with Google My Maps. Basically, you can create your map on Google Maps, put in your notes and everything then sync it with the app. Presto, instant customized map for your trip! What’s even better is that it lets you download the maps so you can view it offline. It also helps that the app is pretty. Watch the video that sold me on the app. So looking forward to using this on an upcoming trip!

World Customs and Cultures

Culture
They got that one right…

Ever had to rush out to a trip without having the time to really read up on your destination? That happened to me a couple of times. This app helped me learn about the important stuff: the local customs and culture. There’s nothing worse than a cultural faux pas, and though some local might laugh it off since you’re the clueless tourist, it’s still better not to commit them in the first place. While it doesn’t have all the countries in the world, it does have most of them. It has entries on greetings, communication style, personal space & touching (very important!), eye contact, views of time, gender issues, gestures, taboos and law & order.

Fring


Fring fring…

Fring is an all in one communication app that logs you in to Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ (people still use ICQ?), Twitter and Facebook. I use it mainly for chatting on Y!M and GTalk, though if I have a headset with a mic, I can also make calls using the app. I have this installed on my Nokia and I’ve been able to make Fring to Fring calls to my brother in Singapore over wi-fi.

HeyWire

Heywire
Ang sagot: wala pang sweldo

HeyWire also lets you login to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, but I use it mainly to send SMS to friends. When I was phone-less earlier this year, this app came in handy for sending messages to friends. This can help you cut down on international roaming costs, as you only need to connect to the wi-fi to send messages to friends and family back home (if they don’t know how to use Facebook or have an e-mail address, that is). If you’re using an iPhone though, make sure you’re connecting via wi-fi, not through the local mobile network as data charges while roaming are very expensive. (I was billed Php 1,700+ for a 1.3MB data transfer. OUCH.)

WordPress

Wordpress
Must work on backlog.

Of course, I can’t not have WordPress in my iPod! The app lets me draft and publish posts, but more importantly, it lets me approve and reply to comments. If typing on the iPod isn’t such a bitch, I would be blogging more through this app.

Dictionary

Dictionary
Got this word right when I was in the midst of my Dramione fandom.

The most important tool that ALL bloggers must have: a dictionary. It’s basically Dictionary.com, but there’s no need to go online to look up words. So you have no excuse to misuse words in your blog!

Angry Birds

Angry Birds
My bird. It’s angry.

I can’t write about iPod apps without including Angry Birds! This is certainly one of the best value games, not to mention addicting! It kept me entertained during the bus ride from Hoi An to Hue, the 8-hour ferry ride from Mandalay to Bagan and in between activities while traveling through Bicol earlier this month. I have all the variants (Original, Seasons, Rio), and it’s the best $0.99 app you can buy.

Shanghai Lite

Shanghai
Best pearl of wisdom ever.

The free version has very limited boards, but the fortune that comes upon completion of each game is priceless.

Wordsearch

Wordsearch
I actually did this puzzle back in November while waiting for my flight to Myanmar. So fitting, no?

The classic word search puzzle has gone digital! There are several word categories available: English words, food & drink, colors, body parts, world countries, etc. The game is timed, so you can easily be baited to keep on beating your own record.

Flood it

Flood it
Flood it!

This is another puzzle game. You start from the upper left corner and you fill in the space with colors until you have one solid board. But you have to do it in 22 steps or less! This is app is free and is also available on Android.

Tong-its Lite

Tong Its
Tong-its! I wonder if there’s a Pusoy Dos app…

Ah, my latest addiction. I used to have different Tong-its app that lets you play with other players, but that requires an Internet connection. This one lets you play against the computer (err, iPod), so no need to go online. I downloaded this just a couple of days ago and I haven’t stopped playing it since.

What are the apps on your iPod/iPhone?


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Comments

31 responses to “What’s in my iPod”

  1. doi Avatar

    wow! nice nga! wala talagang dull moments when you own one. perfect companion ng isang traveller ^_^

    1. nina Avatar

      The downside though, you won’t be able to meet other travelers because they’ll think twice about approaching you. Works well if you’re anti-social XD

      1. doi Avatar

        uu nga no? the more pala akong dapat magkaroon ng iphone! LOL

  2. Micamyx|Senyorita Avatar

    Anti-boredom device! ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. nina Avatar

      Super effective! Kaso fail ang battery life, lalo na pag naka wifi!

  3. YUE Avatar

    Woo~ nice!
    I love seeing other people’s geek stuff<3
    Maybe I should do this with my android phone,
    since I have found an app to take screen shots(guess what, android doesn't have this by default unlike apple).

    1. nina Avatar

      Go Yue! Do you play Angry Birds? It’s so addicting!

      1. YUE Avatar

        Yup yup I have Angry Birds!(although, STILL I’m not that good at it)
        & I placed the word search app after reading this!
        (I found the same one as yours for android) :3

  4. chinchan Avatar

    Thanks for sharing . Magkakaroon ako ulit nito , sana hindi manakaw =(

    1. nina Avatar

      Awww sayang naman ๐Ÿ™

  5. corey Avatar
    corey

    Right now I have 187 apps +3 more thanks to you!

    Aside from the mail/social apps, I’m so addicted right now to Words with Friends, Scrabble (which I only play offline).

    Also currently love Creeps and Angry Birds (of course). My games are all sorted into folders: Defense games, Projectile games, Bejeweled games…without actually having Bejeweled itself :p

    1. nina Avatar

      187?! Why so many?! And why no Bejeweled?

  6. dyanie Avatar
    dyanie

    Haneeep Tong Its Queen! Hahaha!!! Sayang inalis kasi ng Fring ang Skype eh. Dati Fring din gamit ko.

    Angry Birds FTW!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. nina Avatar

      Kasi si Skype naglabas na rin mismo ng sariling app nila at gusto exclusive. So arte.

  7. Ed Avatar

    Been meaning to buy an iPod Touch or a netbook. Still deciding which one. But I have to save enough funds first.

    Thanks for sharing these Apps! It’s a challenge especially for Pinoys to search for Apps na applicable within our country. Puro kasi mga foreigners who have Open Lines with their Providers yung mga nakikita kong lists na ganito. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Btw, thanks pala for extending the Blog Carnival date ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. nina Avatar

      It would depend on your needs. Since you work while you travel, a netbook might be a better choice for you. The iPod Touch is when you want to have the option to go online and check and reply on your e-mails. It’s mainly for staying connected. And Angry Birds. Hehehe

  8. Liza Avatar

    wow, thank you for sharing your apps Nina, this will be super helpful pag nakabili na ako, still stuck whether to buy an ipod or 2nd hand iphone. ๐Ÿ™‚ thanks so much!

    1. nina Avatar

      When I got my iPod, na-tempt ako to switch to an iPhone. Nakaka-frustrate lang kasi minsan na you need wi-fi to connect to the Internet. Pangit lang kasi ang battery life ng iPhone and iPod, so kung heavy user ka, you need an external battery or the charger with you at all times. I’ve learned to appreciate having an iPod and a phone (with 3G) so that if one dies, I still have another device that I can use to stay connected.

      1. doi Avatar

        merong nang technology na pwde mag convert ng iPod to iPhone. Apple Peel daw name and from China. hehehe

  9. carla Avatar
    carla

    this is really THE traveling companion. can’t wait to have my own. thanks nina…the post helped me in deciding ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. nina Avatar

      Di naman ako masyadong enabler no? hahaha

  10. witsandnuts Avatar

    Nice share! Sayang hindi available sa UAE store yung ibang apps.

    1. nina Avatar

      Really? Sad naman ๐Ÿ™

  11. ivan man dy Avatar
    ivan man dy

    Nice info, thanks for sharing. Are most of these downloadable (free?) to an Android OS?

    For sending text messages back home, I use chikka, am curious if Heywire is better…

    1. nina Avatar

      Most of them are free, though I’m not sure if all of them are available on Android. I know Angry Birds is ๐Ÿ˜€

      I haven’t used Chikka in ages! What I like about Heywire is that you can use it to send SMS to anywhere in the world. And yes, it’s available in the Android Market ๐Ÿ˜€

      1. Reysji Avatar
        Reysji

        All versions of Angry Birds are free in Android Market. Weee!

  12. Cedric Avatar

    Nina, what a way to tell to part with my money right away. Haha. You’ve got tons of useful apps there. Too bad Nokia doesn’t have this many apps. Does the iPod touch do word processing like Pages or Word too? If yes, I might seriously consider getting one.

    1. nina Avatar

      Meron, pero pangit daw, according to reviews. Sa iPad merong Pages ๐Ÿ˜‰ You can open Google Docs on the browser, but the functions in the mobile version is very very limited.

  13. Reyski Avatar
    Reyski

    3 most useful for me on my HTC Desire – 1) Google Map – No brainer. Comes pre-installed. Used it to find my way on my own around Penang, and to look for bicycle shops around KL, and to figure my way around Greenhills (I still get lost around there). 2) Easy Money – Or any free personal finance app. This one has a UI to my liking. Its eval software, so once back in SG, I chuck it out. For every currency exchange, I create a new cash account and register my subsequent expenses and it shows my running balance so I can plan ahead. 3) RunKeeper – Now this may sound weird. I use it mainly to track my cycling activities. But I found it useful when I was forced to take a taxi to KL, and I tracked my route to ensure the driver is not getting me somewhere else or to a longer route. Another use was when I was on the KLIA Express. Noticing that this must be the fastest I have ever ridden on land, I confirmed with this app that the train was hitting 170kph on its way to the airport. Would be nice to see this work on the Shinkansen, or the Shanghai Maglev.

  14. tina Avatar

    wow. thanks for the heads-up on some of the apps. ๐Ÿ™‚ will download it sometime. ๐Ÿ™‚

  15. […] a good friend of mine, Nina posted an entry about her apps in her iPod. & I wanted to do my version…which is just […]

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