What do you consider to be the “essential” iPhone apps?

Matt Stratton | Jun 19, 2009 min read

steve-iphoneMy father-in-law has just become the latest convert to the iPhone Revolution, or whatever it’s called. He emailed me yesterday asking for my recommendations for the “must-have” apps for the iPhone.

Of course, since I am a “corporate shill” (according to Marcelo) BlackBerry user, I don’t have personal experience with the super-duper awesome apps out there for the iPhone. I read about them, of course, and I am a proponent of the “there’s an app for that” joke, but in reality, I don’t know what is REALLY out there.

My wife is also on the cusp of iPhoning – we’re going to be getting her a 3G in a couple of weeks. I know she’s really excited about it, but she too is going to need guidance on what are the most important and awesome apps out there.

Therefore, I turn to you, loyal readers (and others) – what apps do you recommend for the following people:

  • My father-in-law: Not a Facebooker or Twitterer… is into photography, sailing, his grandchildren, and the news.
  • My wife: Doesn’t use Twitter, but loves the Fizzy Bizzy (Facebook, that is). She likes cooking,trashy reality TV, reading, celebrity gossip, and home decorating.

Please post your suggestions in the comments!