THE iPhone is an app addict's dream come true because it is easy to download and delete the software used on it, popularly called apps.
Unlike other operating systems like Symbian and Windows Mobile where hooking up the computer to the mobile phone to "sync" new apps usually takes up several minutes, it takes the iPhone only under five seconds to save each app.
The iTunes App Store is still one of the easiest ways to get apps as you can download the apps over the air directly via your handset.
Simply select the App Store icon on the iPhone's main menu and browse through the list of apps available.
They are divided into different types ranging from lifestyle to games to productivity tools.
Some are free while others cost anything from US$0.99 (S$1.44) upwards. For apps that are not free, you would have to pay with a credit card by first registering with iTunes. Tap on the app you want and it will be streamed to your phone in less than five seconds.
Alternatively, you can use your computer to snag the application. To do this, you will first need to download the iTunes program onto your Mac or PC.
When apps are purchased, they are saved in the Applications section of your iTunes library. Note that iTunes 7.7 or later is required to purchase applications from the iTunes Store.
Then, connect your iPhone to the computer, select the Applications tab and choose the apps that you want to transfer to your phone.
Tap on Apply after making your selection to start the transfer of the app from the computer to the iPhone.
If you delete an Application from your iTunes library, it will be removed from the phone the next time you sync your iPhone with that computer.
However, if you delete an app on your phone, it will be copied back to your phone the next time your connect to iTunes.
iPhone fans can also satisfy their app fix at other websites like AppSafari.com and AppleiPhoneApps.com. They offer thousands of apps at your fingertips.
Take note, though, that some of these apps require users to "unlock" the iPhone's core software program so that the programs can run on the device.
If the iPhone does not work after this, Apple is not likely to service it for you.
This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 7 January 2008.
