so I broke down and joined the darkside and bought an iPhone, 3Gs 16Gb.

What are the must-apps to download?  As far as games goes, my kid loves the game Chowder for the Mac but I don't see that as an app, which surprises me.  Someone on another thread mentioned some must-have Chinese apps for translations?

Hey, welcome to the dark side then!

Some of the apps I've had for a while and some of which have helped me survive in HK but the safest way to try apps out is to go to iTunes-app store- then check out all the free apps. A lot of them will be the 'lite' version, so they only tease you and you can't play the whole thing but then there are loads of apps that are genuinely free.

Bus x Map share - fantastic app that gives you info + pic of all major bus routes, can also link up to you built in google map app
Facebook - need I say more?
Sudoku, unblock me & Box it - some time killing games
Light saber, zippo lighter - useless apps that use your iPhones tilt sensor to do various things.

Enjoy.

thanks.  How about unlock instructions for the 3Gs?  Are they the same as for the 3G?

look out for an i-phone version of Many Faces Of Go - it's not been released yet but the PC version is the best tutorial available.

When it's out it might just tip the balance for me to join the dark side too ...

If you jailbreak your iPhone, you can access to more apps but there are so many apps to recommend. I have some apps for mongering

To jailbreak look at an application blackra1n to do this.

I use lockdown to password protect apps to prevent people looking at my personal stuff like SMS and pics

Congrats on finally finding the light!!

I didn't unlock mine  so I purchase my apps from the iTunes store. Here's a few that I use extensively:

1) iFitness - A bit expensive but well worth it. Has a complete list of different exercises as well as customizable options. You can use their built in workout routine or build your own. Has a BMI index as well as weight monitoring. Very useful.

2) Favorator - Gives you a screen for quick dialing your favorite contacts.

3) FriendSync - Syncs your contact list with your friends list on FB. (i.e. names, bdays, profile pics, numbers, etc...).

4) WeDict Pro - English/Chinese and Chinese/English translator and dictionary. Very useful esp if you can't speak any Mandarin and want to go punting in the Mainland.

5) Fring - Skype, MSN, Yahoo, etc... Instant messaging software.

6) Facebook!

7) OpenRice - Quick search of restaurants in HK without using and data. Very good to look for places to eat while in HK.

8) MTR Ride - Good info for the MTR (traveling time, fares, which route to take, etc...).

9) RK Free - Good app to keep track of your runs, bikes, etc... and if you get the pro version, they can keep a log for you on their database.

10) HK Free Wifi - Awesome little app to tell you where there's free wifi in HK. Easy to use search function (Chinese only though).

11) AllRecipes - Got loads of recipes and easy to use. Has a spin wheel type of thing for you to search for what meat, seafood, or entree, etc... Very useful if you like to cook.

hey ruggers15, that's perfect - many of those apps (outside of Facebook) I will definitely use.

thanks!
i like the FriendSync app

Here's what I'm using on my iPhone:

Free apps:
- Facebook (requires data)
- Twitterrific (requires data)
- XE.com Currency Converter (requires data the first time, but it'll save the currency exchange rates and you can use it offline)
- iTranslate (requires data; this uses the Google Translate api so don't blame the app if it gets translations wrong)

Paid apps:
- Awesome Note w/ To Do (much better than the included Notes app)
- TomTom Maps (this can be used offline, but the bad thing is you can't search for specific addresses; I recommend this if you don't have data)
- GoodReader (the best pdf reader available on the iPhone -- if you need to read pdfs often)

Games:
- Big 2 (I find the one from GoGoalSoft to be the best one, even though I can beat the CPU AI on the hardest difficulty)
- Space Invaders Infinity Gene
- Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition (remake of the original game; the controls are limited by the iPhone's touchscreen)
- Civilization Revolution
- Need for Speed Underground
- The Oregon Trail

Okay, but not really worth the price:
- Lonely Planet [insert language here] Phrasebook (these have only a fraction of the phrases compared to their mini travel-size books which cost only $2 more in bookstores; the search feature also sucks).

questions - anyone have recommendations for voice dialing?  What does Favorater give you that the free ones don't?

I heard that there was a free Tom Tom GPS app but I don't see it.  Anyone know what it is called?

I got the Favorator ages ago when the first iPhone 2G came out and have been using it since. I don't like Voice Dialing cause it's caused me issues before and I'm certain this app does not have any voice dialing functions. It's been pretty reliable so far and I haven't had issues with it yet. I'm sure there are new ones out there that can fit your requirement. Just run a search in iTunes and you'll find it in no time.

The other GPS application you are talking about is called TomTom Internation BV. Type that into the search bar and you'll find all the maps. It's not free though and it looks pretty expensive.

If you really want to cross over the dark side.. jailbreak your phone.... tho word of warning.. if u are really worried bout voiding warranty or stuff like copyright infrigment (lots of illegal jb apps).. dont do it.. if not... welcome to the true dark side

Instructions for jailbreaking can be found here (depending on what firmware you are on) -> http://iclarified.com/entries/in ... ;scid=11&seid=2

Jailbreak Apps can be found here -> http://appulo.us/

No idea bout free TomTom app.. but if you jailbreak its free
Edit: TomTom is actually pretty crap.. i'd recommend Navigon instead

[ Last edited by  alphaqill at 30-10-2009 01:46 ]

If you are travelling, you can download the entire lonely planet guide with interactive map for a destination through the itunes store.  I did that for my recent trip to Macau, and it worked out.  Much lighter than carrying around a guidebook, and you don't look like a tool carrying around a large rucksack.

Huh...? The only guide you need for Macau is the Macau section of this forum

did anyone happen to download the EyeTV v1.0.0?  I'd like a copy if possible.

EyeTV is an app that allows you to watch Chinese shows.  the 1.0.0 version allowed shows to be streamed over 3G in addition to Wi-Fi.  Apple banned this app when it found out.  The 1.0.1 version when it comes out will only work on Wi-Fi.

Try this - http://endlessapps.net/download/EyeTV-v1.0.0-treminaor.ipa

I'd recommend this game called tap tap. It's simple yet surprisingly addictive. You'll find yourself playing it instead of hanging out with WGs. Just kidding...

clicking on the link got me to a "Troll Bridge" with a question...

I don't have an iPhone, but I would almost buy one just to get that cool Chinese character recognition app. I'm always running across some obscure character while out and around here in Taiwan and it would be great just to sketch the character on the screen and have the thing tell me what it means and how it's pronounced.

i'd be bored to death without lux deluxe!  the paid version is a million times better than the free one.