A smart phone really helps me keep myself together (You in the back? Shut up.) I have been a user for a couple of years now after resisting since I thought I "didn't really need" one.
Through Verizon and The Motherhood.com, I've introduced you to the Palm Pre Plus from Verizon phone in the past couple of weeks. First, I learned how to use the Palm Pre Plus, and then I explored some of the basics of the Palm Pre Plus.
Now's the fun stuff.
Much of the coolness is found in the world of the available Palm Pre Plus Applications or "apps". In fact, this phone lets you multi-task by running several apps (up to 50!) at once, not something you usually see in a smart phone.
Apps are fun or useful software that expand the function of your phone and they are more than just games or silly, entertainment stuff (though there's that, too). They are accessed and downloaded over the Internet. (The Palm Pre Plus from Verizon requires a data plan that is separate from your Verizon calling plan).
Apps can range from news, travel and books to games, social networking and grocery lists. They are downloaded through the App Catalog on the Palm Pre Plus and there are some cool ones that let you do the things you need to do on the go. Many apps are free, and others are very low cost. I find the App Catalog a little difficult to search, but there are some great things in there!
I can't capture all the apps, and your needs may vary from mine. I am a bit of an app junkie, but here are some useful Palm Pre Plus Apps that I like:
1. Mobile Hotspot - Your phone becomes a wireless hotspot for up to 5 devices (this function costs extra money). Think about that. How many times have you wished you had Internet access for your computer and it wasn't available or the wireless access cost a fortune?
I am loving this feature, as it has allowed me to get some online stuff done while I would otherwise just be sitting in the car when I have some spare time waiting for the kids to get out of sports practice. It's an app that's easy to install and set up and works reasonably fast, though it is a big battery drain, but it sure has been handy.
2. The Weather Channel (free) - Get instant access to forecasts and weather details from The Weather Channel. You can easily see the local radar to know if you should head inside, or if the game should be called off before the downpour. It's also handy to have when you're traveling to find out what's going on in an unfamiliar city.
3. Flashlight (free) - Do not laugh. It's simply a bright, blank screen, but you'd be surprised how often I've used this. It's been used during a power outage, to find lost stuff in the car and to look at a bill in a dark restaurant.
4. Facebook (free) - Need I say more? If it's your thing, keep up with what's going on with mobile Facebook. Great for a quick check if you're waiting for a message or other response.
5. Good Food (free) - This app uses the Palm Pre Plus' GPS function to find great places to eat near you (wherever you're standing) and see what other people recommend. Handy for those, "Whaddya want to eat?" "I dunno, what's around?" moments.
6. TweeFree (free) - I admit it, I'm on Twitter a lot, and I've been giving this free Twitter app a workout. Access all the fun of Twitter, right in your hand.
7. AP Mobile News (free) - I think I get most of my news information from my phone, The AP News app gives you continuously updated news while you're on the go, so you won't be the only one going, "Huh?!" when something happens.
8. Google Maps (free) - The goodness that is Google Maps right on your phone. No, really, imagine being able to find out from your phone where you are, and how to get there.
On a related note, Verizon also has VZ Navigator that uses the GPS function of your phone and provides hands free turn by turn directions, traffic information and more to nearly four million points of interest. It is $9.99/mo. or $2.99 per day (24 hours). Very cool.
9. Rockus Sound Machine ($1.99) - Not sure how it happened, but our whole family is addicted to sleeping with white noise. A sound machine was vital when the kids were babies, and the machine was hard to pack, or we'd be someplace for the day without it, and it was hard to get a baby to nap. This app is a great idea and is wonderful for travel There are 18 sounds that can play indefinitely or be set on a timer.
10. What's for Dinner? - I am notorious for standing in the grocery and not knowing what I'm going to make for dinner, or I have an idea of what I want to make, but I'm not sure of the ingredients. This app lets you search multiple recipe sites and even make a shopping list. While it's $4.99, it provides valuable information for someone like me.
11. Absolute Fitness - I'm trying to get fit through the Your Shape Challenge, and this is a great way to keep track of what I've eaten and my exercise (or lack thereof). I do much better in this area when I can see in writing what I've done for the day.
12. Evernote (free) - This app is the ultimate in keeping information together. You can save your thoughts, pictures, links, lists and more, all in one place.
I'm bad about using a mixture of Post-It notes, computer bookmarks and memory to keep track of stuff. If you're not familiar with Evernote, you should really check it out.
I could go on, but you can see that the Palm Pre Plus from Verizon isn't just for business types, it's great for life management since we're all on the go.
The giveaway:
Want a chance to win a $25 gift card to Verizon Wireless? You could put it toward a new phone, or even pay a bill.
Here's how to win:
1. Look at the Palm Pre App Catalog and leave a comment (and a valid e-mail address) telling me which app would really help your busy life.
2. (Optional) For an extra entry, Tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment.
3. 1 winner will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.
4. Winner has 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.
5. Hurry! Contest ends Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10pm CST.
6. Since you are already here, why don't you come see me at my blog Busymom.net? Pull up a chair, and I'll break out the CheezWhiz for you.
Be sure to check out these fine folks to hear more about the Verizon Palm Pre Plus (hint: they have opportunities to win, too):
This Full House
Mom Trends
Tech for Mommies
Mom Generations
The Full Mommy
Rockin Mama
Musings of a Housewife
Manic Mommies
Quirky Fusion
Stay tuned next week, too. I'm giving away a Palm Pre Plus from Verizon!
I wrote this review while working on a Verizon Palm Pre Plus campaign by TheMotherhood.com on behalf of Verizon Wireless and have been given a Palm Pre Plus (and prizes for giveaways) to facilitate my review. My opinions are my own, and I really do think you should check it out to see if it's for you.
Comments (92)
I love the sounds of "What's for dinner"!!
Posted by Lisa Book | March 3, 2010 3:19 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 15:19
Awesome
Posted by Lorraine Galletley | March 3, 2010 3:50 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 15:50
todoclassic would help me organize.
Posted by adrienne Gordon | March 3, 2010 5:12 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 17:12
whats for dinner
Posted by SANDY | March 3, 2010 7:16 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 19:16
Well, you saw me tweet about recently, but Pandora is my current love, and as with the iPhone (blech) and Droid ( <3 ), the Pandora App is also available for the Palm Pre Plus.
BTW, the only current SmartPhone that doesn't let you multitask is the iPhone (though admittedly, others are not as cool as the "Card Deck" feature of the WebOS)
Posted by JayMonster | March 3, 2010 9:07 PM
Posted on March 3, 2010 21:07
Weather Bug is a must for me. Pandora is also a must for me.
Posted by joni | March 4, 2010 3:28 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 03:28
I think Pandora looks interesting.
Posted by Heather S | March 4, 2010 5:52 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 05:52
The mobile hotspot would be the most helpful to me since I spend a lot of my time waiting in lines at schools and waiting for various practices to be over.
Posted by Kristi C | March 4, 2010 6:24 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 06:24
The Ever Fitness App sounds good. I'm doing a tracking system like that now and it would be very useful to be able to see where I'm at at any time. Thanks for this chance.
Posted by Pamela | March 4, 2010 7:10 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 07:10
The Facebook app would help me stay up-to-date with my friends and family when I'm on the go!
Posted by Amber G | March 4, 2010 7:31 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 07:31
I think the Foursquare app would be useful for figuring out new things to do and see.
Posted by Anne G | March 4, 2010 7:55 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 07:55
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/9974185658
Posted by Anne G | March 4, 2010 7:56 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 07:56
I could really use the weather channel app. I never pay attention and don't always prepare accordingly.
Posted by Sarah Hirsch | March 4, 2010 9:12 AM
Posted on March 4, 2010 09:12
I would get a lot of use out of the free google maps. At least I'm not like a man because I do stop and ask for directions! smile
Posted by Mary T. | March 4, 2010 12:03 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 12:03
The Travel and Navigation apps would work for me
Posted by steven lewis | March 4, 2010 12:56 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 12:56
The facebook app would be very useful and also the weather channel, but if you are out and need directions, the free google maps would be very helpful.
Posted by Ken | March 4, 2010 1:29 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 13:29
Weather Bug would be my choice, especially with a long commute
Posted by Lori Berman | March 4, 2010 1:40 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 13:40
I'd like to use facebook app...
Posted by Rachel | March 4, 2010 2:51 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 14:51
i could use it mverno@roadrunner.com
Posted by susan varney | March 4, 2010 4:40 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 16:40
CONVERT by Frazer McLean (free) repeatedly saves my sanity!
Posted by Barb | March 4, 2010 6:16 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 18:16
The "what's for dinner" app sounds perfect for my family!
Posted by Melissa M. | March 4, 2010 7:56 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 19:56
I could really use the facebook app. to keep up with family and friends.
Posted by Linda | March 4, 2010 8:35 PM
Posted on March 4, 2010 20:35
VZ Navigator would be very useful.
Posted by Cynthia C | March 5, 2010 6:12 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 06:12
I love that I could get weather updates at a drop of a hat. I don't have a smart phone, but love your review. Very tempting.
Have a blessed day.
Posted by Jodi Weiser | March 5, 2010 7:31 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 07:31
The google maps would be great to have. Thanks for this giveaway.
Posted by Heidi Bokor | March 5, 2010 9:09 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 09:09
ToDo Classic application would be great for me!
Posted by Jeff | March 5, 2010 9:52 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 09:52
I would use the facebook app
Posted by Debbie Armus | March 5, 2010 10:53 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 10:53
My busy life would like the What's for Dinner app. I never can get around to planning dinner!
Posted by Johannah B | March 5, 2010 11:04 AM
Posted on March 5, 2010 11:04
I would love the YPmobile app that has all the info on local business listing. That one seems the most useful because you can use it when you are already in town rather then having to go back home to research
Posted by Vinyl Lettering | March 5, 2010 4:06 PM
Posted on March 5, 2010 16:06
I like the Google Maps app - I'm constantly getting lost!
Posted by Kari D | March 6, 2010 4:38 PM
Posted on March 6, 2010 16:38
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/KariLeee/status/10092657478
Posted by Kari D | March 6, 2010 4:39 PM
Posted on March 6, 2010 16:39
I love Twitter and I'm on it constantly...Bad Kitty sounds like it would be useful & I just like the name of that app.
I also like "Note to Self"..I'm constantly writing notes to myself on paper and then leaving them laying around the house and can never find them when I need them.
Posted by shel | March 6, 2010 10:40 PM
Posted on March 6, 2010 22:40
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/10105906847
Posted by shel | March 6, 2010 10:41 PM
Posted on March 6, 2010 22:41
Pandora looks good.
Posted by Lauren | March 7, 2010 12:56 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 12:56
please sign me up, i'd love this
Posted by donn | March 7, 2010 1:29 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 13:29
I like the Google Maps app. I recently got lost and had to call for directions.
Posted by Polly | March 7, 2010 5:24 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 17:24
My most used app THIS week is TASKS. I can make lists to my heart's desire! It keeps me an organized Mom/Nana!
Posted by Patrice | March 7, 2010 7:39 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 19:39
It would be hard to choose just one app but from the start I would be very interested in picture dialer, To Do list and Note To Self.
@tnrina
tnrina at gmail dot com
Posted by Debbie R | March 7, 2010 7:52 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 19:52
Evernote sounds like it would be amazingly helpful
Posted by Jenna | March 7, 2010 8:46 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 20:46
http://twitter.com/KissesForUsAll/status/10150108690
tweeted
Posted by Jenna | March 7, 2010 8:48 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 20:48
I'd have to go with the weather channel app and the weather dashboard apps! I am constantly checking the weather all day long for my kids and sporting events, summer events, for my hubby who is farming and calling me several times a day (no lie lol) asking me what the weather forecaster is saying! That is the channel on in our house most all day long everyday... to have it with me in my pocket would be priceless!!!
Posted by Tami Alveshere | March 7, 2010 10:13 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 22:13
Here is my tweet! TY!!
http://twitter.com/bikerblue1972/status/10154752462
Posted by Tami Alveshere | March 7, 2010 10:24 PM
Posted on March 7, 2010 22:24
The weather channel app is for me! I could also use the Google map too.
Thank You
Posted by Dotmarie | March 8, 2010 2:14 AM
Posted on March 8, 2010 02:14
Pandora is amazing and I would love to have this app on my phone!
Posted by Michelle | March 8, 2010 11:53 AM
Posted on March 8, 2010 11:53
I would use the Evernote app. I have a hard time keeping all info at my fingertips (phone numbers, other numbers, people, places, things...)
Posted by Judy B. | March 8, 2010 1:36 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 13:36
The Oregon Trail would entertain me while I wait in lines!
Posted by Jennifer M | March 8, 2010 2:22 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 14:22
I like he Idea of Evernote, with a small business of my own, this would be a perdy handy App to have! :)
Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by Leah Juarez | March 8, 2010 3:33 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 15:33
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/Leahtardo/status/10188953686
Posted by Leah Juarez | March 8, 2010 3:35 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 15:35
Pandora or Weather Bug might help.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Posted by Benita | March 8, 2010 9:20 PM
Posted on March 8, 2010 21:20
i would totally use google maps. i am ALWAYS lost!
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Posted by Danielle | March 9, 2010 1:54 AM
Posted on March 9, 2010 01:54
tweeted @ferriza2
http://twitter.com/ferriza2/status/10211450767
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Posted by Danielle | March 9, 2010 1:55 AM
Posted on March 9, 2010 01:55
Pandora would be great to have. It has helped me find so many artists that I have grown to love. I also like that it pulls up your Pandora account if you use the program online.
Posted by Erica C. | March 9, 2010 2:08 AM
Posted on March 9, 2010 02:08
the Weather Channel app will do fine
Posted by steven lewis | March 9, 2010 4:22 AM
Posted on March 9, 2010 04:22
Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!....I would love love LOVE to win this!.... =]
Posted by Bryanna P. | March 9, 2010 1:40 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 13:40
I like the What's for Dinner App! Good meals are very important to me, so this would help quite a bit! Especially because I forget what ingredients are in recipes and this would make it a lot easier!
Posted by Sherry E. | March 9, 2010 2:17 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 14:17
I think the Grocery List app would be handy, so I would actually remember everything I am supposed to get.
Posted by Brian | March 9, 2010 5:06 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 17:06
I live in NJ so I'd love the wetherbug.
Posted by denyse | March 9, 2010 7:23 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 19:23
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/denyse_g/status/10248375171
Posted by denyse | March 9, 2010 7:26 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 19:26
Google Maps - I am always getting lost!
Posted by Sharon Ram | March 9, 2010 7:37 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 19:37
I'd love a lot of them, but as a "directionally challenged" individual, those Google maps would come in very handy (and for free)!
Posted by mickeyfan | March 9, 2010 7:38 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 19:38
FACEBOOK all the way!
Posted by damon | March 9, 2010 8:01 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 20:01
I would love the google map app, thanks!
Posted by Angela Winesburg | March 9, 2010 9:20 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 21:20
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE the Pandora app!
Posted by Megan | March 9, 2010 10:14 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 22:14
I have a very basic phone. I know it has the ability to text, but I've never actually texted. The apps that I would be most likely to use are the GoogleMaps, the TweeFree, and while I'm not much for games, I would like to test the accuracy of the Lottery Generator.
Posted by Auriette | March 9, 2010 10:36 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 22:36
The weather channel app..
Posted by Gianna | March 9, 2010 11:57 PM
Posted on March 9, 2010 23:57
The Time Spent sounds like it would be helpful!
decadent87 at gmail dot com
Posted by Janette | March 10, 2010 1:16 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 01:16
tweet - http://twitter.com/jsoldham/status/10261023841
decadent87 at gmail dot com
Posted by Janette | March 10, 2010 1:18 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 01:18
evernote ty
Posted by vivian | March 10, 2010 1:26 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 01:26
I would love the facebook app.
Thank you for the great giveaway!!
Posted by Jeanette H. | March 10, 2010 6:49 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 06:49
I like the layered calendar
Posted by Annette D | March 10, 2010 8:13 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 08:13
Google maps in case I get lost
jceko77@yahoo.com
Posted by Jo | March 10, 2010 9:11 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 09:11
I would love to have the tasks app...would be so very helpful!
Posted by Holly W. | March 10, 2010 9:34 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 09:34
Tweet! http://twitter.com/her5boys480/status/10276068662
Posted by Holly W. | March 10, 2010 9:35 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 09:35
I do so love Pandora!
Posted by Happi Shopr | March 10, 2010 10:10 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 10:10
whats for dinner would be awesome for me!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by Amy Delong | March 10, 2010 10:54 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 10:54
tweet
http://twitter.com/amyhd29/status/10279397299
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Posted by Amy Delong | March 10, 2010 10:56 AM
Posted on March 10, 2010 10:56
Regardless of your political stance you should always try to appreciate the humor and message of political cartoons
Posted by Rusty | March 10, 2010 1:19 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 13:19
Splash ID is a must for me, too many passwords to remember.
Posted by Ronald G. | March 10, 2010 1:23 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 13:23
Checking my work email from home would save me alot of time in the morning.
Posted by Chuck Darrah | March 10, 2010 1:43 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 13:43
i like the apps Flixster and Mediafly these look really cool
Posted by kathy pease | March 10, 2010 3:01 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 15:01
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/10288713006
Posted by kathy pease | March 10, 2010 3:03 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 15:03
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/10288713006
Posted by kathy pease | March 10, 2010 3:23 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 15:23
I think the google map would help me the best. My husband says he turns me around and I am lost.
Posted by Laura L | March 10, 2010 4:24 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 16:24
Travel and navigation Apps would be fine.
Posted by sheila k. | March 10, 2010 4:52 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 16:52
I would love the directions app and twitter and facebook the most thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
Posted by tina reynolds | March 10, 2010 7:17 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 19:17
http://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/10299050172
Posted by tina reynolds | March 10, 2010 7:18 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 19:18
I could really use the twitter app. Thanks
Posted by Charity S. | March 10, 2010 8:04 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 20:04
Im in college, so the periodic table app would help me out.
Posted by Melanie | March 10, 2010 9:10 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 21:10
What's for Dinner App!
Posted by Karen Bridges | March 10, 2010 9:29 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 21:29
Google Maps would be great!
Posted by Chrysa | March 10, 2010 9:52 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 21:52
Palm Pre Plus + Pandora = Perfect. In my busy life having my favorite stations are the tip of finger on a cell would be perfect.
Posted by Joshua | March 10, 2010 11:12 PM
Posted on March 10, 2010 23:12
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Posted by Amal Talaro | March 21, 2010 7:07 PM
Posted on March 21, 2010 19:07