I think I’ve mentioned that I teach one course per semester at Abilene Christian University. I’m what they call an adjunct (which comes from the Latin for “old junk”). Because ACU now provides* mobile devices (iPhones or iPod Touches) for their students, they now provide them for those of us that teach lower level courses. Being too cheap frugal to pay the data plan for the iPhone, I chose the iPod Touch. Technology geek that I am, I’m definitely hooked.

So I thought I’d share with you ten apps (programs) that I use on a regular basis. They are free, unless noted:

E-readers

This is one area where the iTouch has had a great impact on my habits. Now when I travel, I carry fewer books and magazines because I’m able to do lots of reading on the iTouch. So far, I’ve been too cheap frugal to actually purchase any e-books, but I’ve gotten a number for free. So the first apps that achieve Gotta Have status are e-readers:

• Kindle — This app from Amazon is my favorite e-reader so far. It’s fairly quick to load, easy to use, and has a nice interface. And Amazon has a great selection of e-books to choose from.
• B&N eReader — Barnes & Noble has another very nice app, though I’ve found it to be less convenient than the Kindle. I have hit some DRM issues at times, with the app asking me to provide a certain credit card number… one that I didn’t have with me while traveling. Books also seem to take a very long time to load the first time I open them.

Bible programs

There are a number of good Bible programs out there. I’ve tried several and have heard lots of varying opinions. These are the ones I use now:

• PocketSword — The eSword program has been around for a long time. This iPhone OS version includes a number of public domain versions, as well as the ESV. It’s easy enough for moving quickly to passages, which is what I most use. With my aging eyes, I’m often better off trying to read off the screen than trying to read off of a page.
• ESV — Major kudos to Crossway for making the ESV app available for free. The interface is very clean and readable. I haven’t used this program a lot, but I’ve liked what I’ve seen.

News & Reference

There are lots of specialized programs in this area. If I had the iPhone, with its data plan, I think I would use this more. As is, there are several programs I use:

• ESPN ScoreCenter — I like to be able to keep up with sports, and this is a quick and easy way to follow certain teams or just sports scores in general.
• The Weather Channel/WeatherBug — I haven’t decided which of these I like better. Both seem to do well enough for providing current conditions and a basic forecast. That’s about all I’m looking for in a weather app.
• TripIt — I have fallen in love with this app, finding it extremely useful when traveling. It combines with the TripIt website to keep track of all my travel information. When I get a new itinerary, I send it by e-mail to TripIt. The site stores that itinerary, allowing me to make any necessary changes. Then this app syncs to the site. Couldn’t be much simpler. I rarely have to enter any info by hand. Now I have in one place flight times, flight numbers, hotel addresses and phone numbers, confirmation codes, rental car information… all in a free app. There is a TripIt Pro, but the free service works great for me.

Entertainment

The only apps I’ve actually purchased have been games. People who know me aren’t surprised. I got an iTunes gift certificate for Christmas and have used it to pick up a few games. These are the ones I’m playing now when I need a break:

• Plants vs. Zombies ($2.99) — There are lots of defense-themed games out there, but it’s hard to beat this one for good graphics, great humor and interesting game play. Definitely worth the big bucks this cheapskate frugal person spent on it.
• WordsWithFriends — This is one of the most popular apps around. It’s basically Scrabble, but the system for finding other players is superior to the original game’s app. I’ve even played in a couple of tournaments, which was a lot of fun. Being a turn-based game, players play at their convenience. Games can be played in an hour or so, or they can drag out over weeks. There is a paid version, but if you can put up with the ads, the free version works just fine. If you want to play a match, “Tim A” is my screen name.

There you go. For a grand total of $3, you can outfit your iPhone/iPod Touch just like The Kitchen’s head flunky.

Those of you who use the iPhone OS, do you have any apps to recommend?

* Don’t let “provides” full you. My son will be a freshman next year. A $340/semester “technology fee” shows up on his bill. I’m guessing some of that goes to pay for these devices… including the one I’m using.