Keep BetterDeal on hand at the grocery store to figure out which size offers the best deal.
As I often tell people, it's not the price of the iPhone that bothers me--it's the monthly fees! (Grumble, grumble, AT&T, grumble.)
Alas, while there's no way to get around that $70/month minimum, at least I can use my iPhone to save money on other things: gas, groceries, books, DVDs, and even energy. Let's take a look at five killer apps that can help you pocket extra cash.
- BetterDeal Next time you find yourself standing in a supermarket trying to figure out which size box of corn flakes provides the best bang for the buck, fire up BetterDeal. This 99-cent app lets you compare prices for up to four packages to see which is, well, the better deal.
- Gas Buddy Saving a nickel or dime per gallon of gas may not seem like much, but it adds up over time. Gas Buddy ($2.99) shows you which nearby stations have the lowest prices (and provides maps if you don't know the area), so you can pocket that extra change every time you fill up. (Obviously this app works best for those who live in densely populated areas--and drive a lot.)
- MeterRead You know the mantra: Save electricity, save money, save the planet. But does turning off lights when you leave a room really make an impact? MeterRead helps you find out by keeping tabs on meter readings (which you record periodically) and projecting your energy usage. It's strictly an informational tool (one with a mediocre interface), but if you're serious about saving energy, this 99-cent app should help.
- pic2shop So you're at Target, about to plunk down your cash on Firefly: The Complete Series on DVD (good call), but then you wonder: Is this the best price? Find out fast with pic2shop, which scans product barcodes and quickly pulls up the prices from "thousands of online retailers" (according to the developer). The live (i.e. real-time) barcode scanning is seriously cool, and the app itself costs nothing. Win-win!
- Yowza Mobile Coupons In an ideal world, your iPhone will serve up proximity-based coupons, like "get $1 off now!" when you drive by a Jamba Juice. For now, Yowza (free) is the closest thing. It finds deals in your area, though only from merchants that have partnered with the service. That may limit its viability for some users (get more partners, Yowza!), but I found about half a dozen coupons within 15 miles--including one for Finish Line, and I'm in the market for new running shoes. Score!
I know a lot of people are partial to AAA Discounts, which serves up deals near your location. Great app, but only if you're a triple-A member.
I'm also a fan of the suggestion over at Wise Bread to use Pandora instead of buying music, though why limit yourself to one music-streaming app? Grab Last.fm and Slacker while you're at it.
OK, you've got my picks. Now tell me what apps you've used to save money--and how much you've saved!
Good news for freebie junkies like me: Promo Dispenser offers free, no-strings-attached promo codes for iPhone apps.
Good news for developers: Promo Dispenser offers a free and easy way to promote your apps.
Here's how it works: Developers add their apps' info and promo codes to the site. Users (who must register with an e-mail address) grab the allotted codes on a first-come, first-served basis. (There's no waiting and no random draw, as with previously mentioned AppGiveaway.)
Score free App Store promo codes at Promo Dispenser.
Users are limited to one code per day, and you can't get another code without first commenting on and rating the previously downloaded app.
That's good news for the developer, as it ensures at least some feedback. And Promo Dispenser encourages users to copy their reviews to the App Store, so this can actually improve sales.
In other words, the site helps developers promote their apps, not just give them away. (Find out more on Promo Dispenser's FAQ page.)
And for users, of course, it's a simple way to score freebies. Definitely worth a look!
Speaking of freebies, check out these previous posts on gratis apps:
Developers frequently give away their apps. Follow 148apps_nowfree to find out every time this happens.
Still think there's no good reason to have a Twitter account? Here's a damn good one: iPhone app-review site 148Apps has a Twitter feed that notifies you when an app's price drops--to zero.
See, developers frequently run temporary promotions in which they give their apps away. Of course, it's all too easy to miss these freebies because you didn't know about them.
Based on what I've seen of twitter.com/148apps_nowfree, these promotions happen a lot. In the last 12 hours, I received tweets about at least 20 apps. Some darn good stuff, too.
Looking for a good way to keep tabs on this and other Twitter feeds? The popular desktop app TweetDeck recently made its way to the iPhone. Highly recommended.
Still not up to speed on this whole Twitter thing? Here's help: "Just what the heck is Twitter, anyway?"
Finally, while we're on the subject of free iPhone apps, I think many of you overlooked my recent post on AppGiveaway, a site where you can win promo codes for all kinds of iPhone apps.
In the past few weeks, I've registered for maybe eight giveaways--and won six of them. Your mileage may vary, of course, but for now it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Go sign up!
I love free stuff, and it seems like each day brings a wealth of new free goodies to the iPhone App Store. Here's a look at five notable apps that won't cost you a cent (at least for now--some are free only temporarily, so get 'em while you can).
- 20! Top Man Things Men Must Know If you can excuse the sexist, unwieldy title, you'll find some undeniably useful information here: how to bandage a wound, perform basic CPR, fix a flat, and so on. (Note to developer: Why not call it 20 Top Things Everyone Should Know?)
- BlueSwap It's not quite PalmPilot-style beaming, but it's close. BlueSwap lets you swap contact information with other iPhone/iPod Touch users. Bluetooth makes it possible, meaning there's no need to use some third-party social network. (I haven't tried this yet, as I'm the only iPhone owner in the immediate vicinity, so if you're able to put it to the test, drop a comment.)
- C.A.R. - Accident Report Nobody likes a fender-bender, but if you absolutely positively must have one, this app will help you manage the details. It's similar to the iWrecked app I wrote about last month, but a little more robust.
- Droste Effect This is better seen than described, so I'll just say that if you like eye candy, you'll find this one visually tasty app. Really cool.
- Space Trader: Moon Madness If you like strategy games of the Lemonade Stand variety, which challenge you to make money rather than blast aliens, you're sure to get a kick out of Space Trader. True to its name, it casts you as a moon-based commodities broker. Buy, sell, profit. Perfect for Ferengi wanna-bes.
This free, sexist app explains the "20! Top Man Things Men Must Know."
If you're an iPhone/iPod Touch user who likes to win free stuff or an iPhone developer who wants to generate some buzz about your product(s), look no further than AppGiveaway.
True to its name, AppGiveaway lets developers give away promo codes--and lets users register to win them. It's like eHarmony meets the App Store meets, um, some site that holds contests. Thankfully, there's no cost for either party.
AppGiveaway lets you enter to win promo codes for apps like this.
The site offers new giveaways every day. And not just one measly app: there were seven added today alone.
To throw your name into the virtual drop-entry-form-here box for any given app, just click through to read its description, and then click "Enter this giveaway." (If you haven't already registered, you'll need to do that first. It's a one-time e-mail confirmation process.)
If you're a developer, you need to register as one (as opposed to as a user) in order to submit your app for a giveaway. Of course, you also get to pimp the app with a sexy description, screenshots, links, and a Buy Now option for those who didn't win but want the app anyway.
It would be nice if the site showed a tally of how many people had entered a particular giveaway, or gave you a way to keep tabs on which giveaways you've entered. How about a way to sort giveaways so you can see those that are about to end (and sneak in your entry under the wire)?
Even so, AppGiveaway makes it a snap to enter app contests and, potentially, win free stuff. As for developers, it definitely looks like a way to get your app on the map, if only temporarily. (What do you say, devs? Is this a handy service, or does it need more, well, development?)
The incredibly handy Howcast app lets you watch thousands of how-to videos. Free.
(Credit: Rick Broida)Apps like Evernote, Shazam, and Mint get all the glory, but there are plenty of other productivity-boosting, life-improving apps out there. Here's a roundup of five I'm loving right now--and because I'm a cheapskate (as well as The Cheapskate), they're all freebies.
- 6500+ Cool Facts Whether you're a trivia buff or just looking to learn more about the world, this nifty little app delivers. Read a fact, then tap the screen to move on to the next one. That's the entire interface--you can't save favorites or return to previous facts--but so what? Knowledge is power, and there's a ton of knowledge to be gleaned here.
- CardStar Best. App. Ever. CardStar replaces all the discount, reward, and membership cards in your wallet. To digitize a card, just type in a merchant name and your barcode number. When you get to the checkout, pull up the onscreen barcode and hand over your phone for scanning. My wallet just got four cards thinner!
- Howcast Need to know how to fix a leaky faucet...while you're standing at the faucet? Howcast delivers how-to videos wherever you need them. You can view featured, recently added, and random videos (just give a shake), or search for what you need. Second-best. App. Ever.
- iWrecked--Auto Accident Assistant Fender-bender? iWrecked helps you record all the necessary details, complete with photos, and turns them into an insurance company-ready PDF. It can also find nearby taxi and towing services and dial 911. This is one app you hope never to need, but find indispensable when you do.
- White Noise Lite Trouble falling asleep at night? A little white noise might do the trick. Just choose a sound--a thunderstorm, waves crashing on a beach, chirping crickets, etc.--and set your iPhone (or second-gen Touch) on your nightstand. The app features a volume fader and timer so your handset can "drift off" after you do.
Okay, your turn: What apps make your life easier? I'd prefer to hear about freebies, but don't be shy about nominating apps that cost a few bucks.
Own one of the best sci-fi shows ever for less than $20.
(Credit: Amazon)After yesterday's free-pizza minidebacle (make sure to read my final update to learn how to get a free order of Cinnastix), I thought I'd shift gears and find deals designed to entertain your brain rather than tickle your tastebuds:
- DVD: Amazon has "Firefly - The Complete Series" on sale for $19.99 shipped. This is one of my all-time favorite shows. And check out the five-star ratings from nearly 3,000 reviewers!
- Game: Like first-person shooters? Newegg has Prey (PC) for $5.99 shipped. It has a lot of action, but very story-driven. Highly recommended.
- Music: Amazon MP3 is offering "99 Perfectly Relaxing Songs" for 99 cents. Choirs, chanting monks, classical classics--all designed to chill you out. A penny a tune! Beat that.
- App: Guide airplanes to their runways in Flight Control (iTunes link), a ridiculously fun and addictive game for the iPhone and iPod Touch. It's a steal at 99 cents.
So those are my picks; how do you have fun on the cheap? Hulu? Your local library? Buck-a-movie RedBox rentals? Hit the Comments and share your favorite sources of cheap entertainment.
Freebie app SnapTell lets you price-compare books, CDs, and more just by snapping a photo.
(Credit: SnapTell)NPR, e-books, and auto-repair, oh my! The fantastic iPhone (and iPod Touch) freebies just keep on coming. Here's a look at six apps that have earned a permanent home on my handset. (Note: All links go directly to the iTunes Store.)
- Kindle for iPhone Though not perfect in its 1.0 release, the Kindle app brings Amazon's 240,000-strong e-book library to your iPhone--and that alone is reason to celebrate. Don't knock it till you've tried it.
- Lose It! Trying to lose weight? Forget the diet du jour: It all boils down to math. If you burn more calories than you consume, presto: the pounds come off. Lose It! makes it a snap to set a weight goal and track daily calories and exercise.
- Public Radio Tuner An excellent companion to the NPR Mobile app I mentioned last time, Public Radio Tuner lets you stream hundreds of stations and can even zero in on local ones.
- RepairPal A must-have for car owners, RepairPal helps you price-compare repair estimates, find and contact local mechanics, get roadside assistance, and more.
- SnapTell The ultimate app for cheapskates? Might could be. Snap a photo of any book cover, CD, DVD, or video game, and the app serves up ratings, reviews, videos, and, best of all, price comparisons. (Thanks to brohan81 for recommending this one.)
- Textfree Lite If you routinely rack up massive text-messaging charges (I'm looking at you, teenagers), grab Textfree Lite. It lets you send messages free of charge (15 per day in the Lite version, so consider this a trial run). You can receive free texts as well, but only from other Textfree users. Yeah, it's a bit of a hassle, but so are big monthly bills.
In the meantime, check out my last roundup of fab iPhone freebies. And the batch before that. Talk about an embarrassment of free riches!
Stream unlimited music to your iPhone or iPod Touch with the free Slacker Radio app.
(Credit: Slacker)How do I love thee, iPhone (and iPod Touch)? Let me count the ways. Hmmm. Well, space doesn't permit me to list all 12,503, so I'll settle for six. As in, six free apps you absolutely positively gotta get. (Note: as with my previous batch of iPhone freebies, all links go straight to iTunes.)
- Mancala FS5 I love the Mancala board game, and this iPhone edition is even better. It teaches beginners the basics, automatically moves your beads, and supports Internet multiplayer! (You can even play against your AIM buddies.) Consider splurging on the $1.99 full version to enjoy ad-free play.
- NPR Mobile Though not an official NPR app, it lets you browse broadcasts by topic, series, and even commentator, then stream to your heart's content. It can also do a location search, great for when you're traveling and want to tune the car radio to the nearest NPR station.
- Slacker Radio Best. Streaming music app. Ever. I know some folks prefer Pandora, but I've always loved the Web-based Slacker and its robust custom-station building. The new iPhone app (pictured) is just plain fantastic. Read my full review here.
- Sportacular At the risk of ruining my geek cred, I do follow (and even play) some sports. Sportacular gives you scores, standings, schedules, stats, and more. It also lets you designate favorite teams so you can track them more easily. ... Read more
(Credit:
Joost)
As a mostly ecstatic new iPhone owner, I've spent considerable time checking out--you guessed it--the hundreds of freebie apps available from iTunes. Here's a list of seven I'm loving right now. (Note: all links are for iTunes.)
- AroundMe Instantly find nearby banks, gas stations, coffee shops, and other businesses and services.
- Dashbuster Manage your Blockbuster or Netflix queue anytime, anywhere. Great for those times when a friend recommends a movie and you think, "Yeah, I gotta rent that."
- Movies This Flixster-powered app finds cineplexes near you, then serves up show times, trailers, and even upcoming theater and DVD releases.
- Google Earth Like the desktop version? The iPhone app is even cooler because it can pinpoint your current location and "tilt" your view as your tilt your phone.
- Joost Though buggy and crash-prone in its first release, Joost brings a boatload of free streaming TV shows and movies to your iPhone. Just one catch: it requires a Wi-Fi connection.
- Melodis Voice Dialer No voice dialing on the iPhone? No problem. Just press and hold a button to voice-search for contacts, or say "call" and then a name to auto-dial. Best freebie dialer I've seen (or spoken to) yet.
- TapDefense It's an iPhone version of the mega-popular Tower Defense game. Need I say more? (Productivity be damned!)
