transient travels

So it has been almost a month and I still love my BlackBerry. I am already addicted to the point of utter shame. I find myself myself placing it next to my computer just in case a message comes through, even though I can get almost all of the same messages on my computer. Sometimes I hide it under a pillow while Mike and I watch TV as I type away on TwitterBerry, sneak a pic of my new kittens with SnapMyLife’s Snap2Twitter and answer that haunting red flash alerting me to a new text, call, voicemail, Facebook message or email! It never ends.

So as part of my obsession I have been perusing BlackBerry App World for free applications that might be useful. While I haven’t tried out most of the following, here are the ones that have piqued my interest…

Transclick is an instant language translator for your mobile phone. While I doubt I will use this when I really need it, because I can’t afford to use my phone when I leave the U.S., I recently completed my Pimsleur language learning CDs and I am at a loss for where to go from here. Maybe I will download it and practice Spanish in reverse.

I also noticed that there is a Basic Spanish by Pimsleur mobile application. I think this is great and it is free! but I need something more advanced and couldn’t really find it. There might be a version that isn’t free, but it will be a while before I move onto apps that cost anything.

buzzd is a location-based city guide and social network. Instead of using GPS to track your location, it uses Cell ID, which apparently is faster than GPS and works more efficiently in concentrated areas (like clubs and bars). I like this because I have had trouble with some of the other GPS based applications on my phone.

Enter, WHERE. This mobile app gives you local content about the people, places and things around you like the weather, news, and restaurant reviews, to the cheapest gas, movie show times, etc. It also has maps and directions. That being said, I have it downloaded and for some reason it can never find my location! So far it has been a tease, but I won’t blame the app until I call Verizon and find out if I am doing something wrong.

Taxi Magic by RideCharge connects you to taxi computer dispatch systems via your smartphone to let you book taxis instantly. If you are a Bostonian and have ever been stuck in the Faneuil Hall after the bars let out, I bet this would be a lifesaver. I also could have used it back in the Mission District of San Fran too.

With the advice of my friend Carlton (my very first BlackBerry messenger buddy) I have downloaded and used Google Maps. I have tried to use it in crisis scenarios, throwing it aside to passengers, trying to offer instructions on how to use it all while driving around impatiently after missing a turn, and let me tell you- it doesn’t work that way. Pull over, stop the car and enter the place you need to go and Google Maps will get you there.

So, when it comes to considering mobile apps, I have put a small dent in all the options out there. Next, I will have to put them to use.

Do you have any favorite mobile applications for travel or for anything?