For those who love apps, there’s nothing better than finding a great app that really makes your life easier! As we head into the fall, the cool breeze and yellow school buses remind us it’s that time of year again-back to school!
With over 450,000 apps in Apple’s App Store, it can at times be frustrating to find a useful app beyond the obvious popular choices. So even though my school days are behind me, I’ve compiled a top 5 list of iPhone and iPad apps that are not only perfect for heading back to school (or work), but they truly are useful and make your life easier!
Budgetize
What makes it so useful: Most students (and adults, whether we like it or not) are on a budget. Budgetize helps you set a monthly/weekly/biweekly budget for custom categories and every time you make a purchase, you can easily record the expense against that category’s budget. It’s great for tracking your purchases and keeping you on budget (as long as you’re honest).
Price: $0.99
Evernote
What makes it so useful: When you’re researching your next paper, or even preparing to write a report at work, Evernote is a useful tool that bookmarks and tags potential sources. What really makes it helpful is the ability to sync your bookmarks between all types of devices including your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry or Android so no matter where you are, you can reference those useful articles or webpages you’ve already identified to read later.
Price: Free
What makes it so useful: The best part of back to school is connecting with new and old friends. Does everyone have BBM? Probably not, so this is where WhatsApp comes in handy. You can message (think save money on texting) anyone who has the app (available on Android, Blackberry & Nokia phones, too) individually or within a group!
Price: $0.99
Penultimate
Penultimate for iPad
What makes it so useful: Carrying multiple notebooks to class, the library or a meeting can be a hassle. Penultimate is a great app that simulates note-taking on your iPad with your finger acting like a multi-colored pen. The best part is, you can create multiple notebooks based on subject and then PDF each one that can be sent via email or even printed.
Price: $1.99
Corel Postcard
Corel Postcard for iPhone, iPad
What makes it so useful: So you’re off to college, university or maybe on a nice fall vacation and your parents beg you to keep in touch. Sure, you have plenty of options, including calling them, texting or emailing, but why not surprise them by sending a custom printed postcard so they can see that you’re really working hard (or hardly working)!
Price: Free; each postcard costs $0.99 (first card is free)
Some other fun iPhone apps to get you through the fall…
- iTranslate: When studying abroad or on a work trip, don’t forget this translation app.
- Pandora: Music on-the-go or at your desk, need I say more?
- Friendthem: When you’re out meeting new people, instantly Facebook-friend-them!
- Corel Slingshot: Share photos in real-time with friends and Facebook.
- Doodle Cam: Who doesn’t doodle? Turn your videos and photos into doodles too!
Now that I’ve shared my back-to-school app collection, what are your favorite apps that make your life easier?
I like Bali Blinds new app which helps make choosing window treatments easier. You can compare blinds and shades and then match fabric swatches to your room.
Don’t forget Skype for iPad/iPhone (free): http://pnoy.me/70 v
what every student needs Merriam-Webster Dictonary HD for Ipad (Free) : http://pnoy.me/2Y
Great suggestions! Skype for iPad/iPhone is definitely a good app to keep in touch with friends and family who may not have Facetime. I’m going to go download the free Merriam-Webster dictionary now. Thanks for sharing, Abiel!