10 must-see iPhone apps

Macworld - Back in June, Apple's decision to limit third-party access to the iPhone to just Web-based applications -- at least, for the time being -- left some developers feeling shut out of what figured to be a very popular mobile device. But software makers love a good challenge.

And once the iPhone came out, any ambivalence developers felt about having to build Web-based applications soon gave way to a wave of programs geared toward Apple's smart phone.

There are now hundreds of apps you can access through the iPhone's Safari browser, everything from iPhone-like interfaces to existing Web sites to clever new ways of leveraging the best handheld computer platform around.

Where to get started? You could scour places like the iPhone Application List and the iPhone Widget List, which contain links to the many varied iPhone apps out there. (A third site, iPhoneAppr, lets you browse for apps directly from your iPhone.) Or you could let us do some of the work for you -- here are 10 iPhone programs that will give you a well-rounded look at the applications that are out there while also adding to the repertoire of what your iPhone can do.

JiveTalk

If there's one complaint we hear constantly about the iPhone's software capabilities, it's the glaring lack of instant messaging support. Until Apple decides to bring iChat over to the iPhone, you can console yourself with BeeJive's JiveTalk. This free web-based IM client offers the ability to log into multiple accounts over AIM, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber and Yahoo. While it doesn't offer all the functionality of a full-fledged client, it lets you skim your buddy list and chat, and that's better than no IM at all.

Gas.app

You've already spent at least $500 on your fancy new iPhone , so wouldn't it be nice if it could save you some money? Load up Gas.app and punch in a ZIP code and you'll see a list of gas stations from the surrounding area, complete with their current prices. Better yet, hit the Map key next to any gas station and the iPhone will pop up a Google map of the location, making it a snap to find your way to savings. The application is free, though its creators include a PayPal link for donations.

MyBudge

If you're on a budget, keeping track of your expenses is key to making sure you don't exceed your means. While you can always hold onto your receipts to record them later, wouldn't it be handy if you had an easy way to jot them down at the time? That's precisely what MyBudge is for. Set up an account on the MyBudge site -- it's free -- and you can track your expenses, complete with categories and defined spending limits. The main page keeps you updated on how much of your budget is left at any time, so you can keep a close eye on your spending.