Advice for me and my 3G?

Yes, I am taking one more step deeper into the cult that is Mac.  If all goes well with some phone account gymnastics, there is a pretty good chance that in the next few days I will be in possession of a new 3G iPhone.  I know that there are some image/status issues going on here, so sue me, I like my mac and have fully gone over to the Jobs darkside.   I will not bore you with my justifications, it is what it is.  Google and Mac kinda own my organizational life.

The thing that makes me really nervous about the whole iPhone thing is that I have never really been a "phone guy" before.  I text some, but for the most part all of my online interaction has been via my lap top.  I wonder if I will be online more now and via what interface.  I so do like my MacBook Pro, so we'll see how fast I make the transition to using my phone more often.  Whereas before I could simply close my computer and exit bloglandia, now I will have to be even more disciplined about not interacting every single dingle second of the day.  Yeah, good luck with that.

But on we go.  So to help me get off on the right foot, I turn to those of you who have already learned the art of the iPhone.  Please feel free to offer your insights:

• What apps should I download?
• What usage or software advice do you have for using the iPhone most productively?
• What accessories, gadgets or add-ons have you found useful?
• Anything else you wish you knew when you first got yours?

I have a friend who blogged about the experience of his wife getting her iPhone, The iPhone 3G experience, so if you have other links and or stories to share, please do.

Thanks in advance my geekyfantastic friends!

Comments

[Mom]

A phone? I thought 3G meant Three Girls!!!
I must learn the new language!!! I was ready to say something about the girls but I will wait till you ask for advice about the 3G meaning the Three Girls!

[RevDarth]

I don't have the iPhone, but do have a 16gb iPod Touch and have installed the 2.0 update.

I have downloaded a bunch of apps (only 2 paid ones so far) and I would recommen:
- Google
- Mobile News (AP)
- PhoneSaber
- iTunes Remote
- Pandora
- Bubble Wrap
- Facebook

I would also be sure to get a screen protector of some kind for your device. I chose to not go with one that wraps the whole device (as I like the form factor of the touch as it is), but do have the static screen protector for the main screen.

[David Williams]

Phonesaber is a must. I'm also fond of iPint and Tap Tap.

[ann deibert]

definitely bubble wrap

[Toby Sterrett]

well I know you said you liked being able to escape blog land sometimes, but you will probably interested in the native TypePad app for on the go posting. It looks pretty slick.

If you're wanting a to-do list type app, I've really enjoyed OmniFocus, which also has a Mac app you can sync with. It even uses the iPhone gps to let you know which tasks you can be working on at locations you set up.

I really like some front ends to services like the many Twitter apps, the Facebook app, etc.

And, of course, don't forget to visit Stafftool on your iPhone for the optimized version :)

You're going to love it. All things aside, it really is the best device around, and it makes using the Internet on the go a joy.

[Jim]

Hi Bruce,

Here is a site with lots of good stuff for your 3G if you haven't found it yet.

http://lifehacker.com/

Jim
junctionbarkers.blogspot.com

[LT]

i knew it wouldn't be long...MUHAHAHAHA!
what made you jump?

[ksc]

1. stafftool
2. youversion bible
3. evernote

those would be my fav!

but facebook, pandora, twinkle (twitter) are great too.

[MFO]

Bruce,

There happened to be a post on this very subject on one of my favorite blogs today. Check it out:

http://unclutterer.com/

Enjoy the new phone!

[Joe Genau]

If I had an iPhone, I'd add the MLB app based on this:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=951

[Steve Lindsley]

Bruce (or anyone, really) - I haven't yet ventured into the iphone world yet (although I hope to soon), but I did just get a MacBook. Any programs/widgets for the MB that I definitely should get? Thanks!

[breyeschow]

Steve - Good for you. I made the mistake of adding too much too soon. PC hangover i think. Everything you get is fine, really. You may want to add some things that are particular to your needs, but iPhot, ical and mail work just fine. I also use firefox and practically every thing google. I did add adium which combines all our IM's into one.