No better day to post this.  This is a run down of the applications I currently have installed on my T-Mobile G1, rooted and running Cyanogen’s 4.2.11.1 ROM.

- Astro File Manager: Best file manager system for Android. While it acts like a regular file browser, it has many tools for things like backing up applications.

- Better Terminal Emulator: Best terminal emulator for Android. I also use it for SSH occasionally, however connectbot is a better tool for SSH in my opinion.

- 3Banana: notes application. I usually use OI Notepad, however this integrates with other applications.. not a necessity, but useful to have if you can waste space.

- ANDftp: Mobile FTP Client. With an 8gb SD Card, I’m able to use my phone for quick fixes and backing up files on my server. I’ve also used it to mass upload photos and videos.

- AP Mobile: Horrible news application. I downloaded it to write a review, however it never made the cut.

- Archipela: RTS game on android. It is kind of lame, and easy at times.. but the lite version is worth the free download to check out.

- Armored Strike: fun game. I only have the demo, and don’t really see the point in upgrading to the full. Kind of old school, but good for while you’re taking a shit.

- Artful bit’s MineSweeper: Still play minesweeper? Good (free) minesweeper game.

- aTumble: $1.99 tumblr application. Great for mobile blogging, however I can’t say that Tumblr or the application are my favorite. Still, for those on Tumblr it’s worth checking out.

- Barcode Scanner: Neccesity. QR Codes are more and more popular. While unlike other barcode applications, this doesn’t do price comparison.. but the high point is that it integrates with other applications and is good for reading QR Code.

- Beat Down Boxing: Mike Tyson Punchout on a touch screen. I only have the demo, but I play it occasionally.

- Calvin and Hobbes: Like the comic? Get the app.

- Chess: Mobile multiplayer chess.

- CM Updater: CyanogenMod updater. Essentially a self updater for people running Cyanogen ROMs on rooted phones.

- Compass: Again, probably not necessary. I have used it twice to get my bearing, one of those was to choose the room with the least morning light at my new place.

- Connectbot: Manage a server? Ever need an SSH connection? This is your app. It does telnet/SSH flawlessly. I use it as my primary SSH Client, even while at my computer.

- Daily Dilbert: Like the comic? Get the app!

- Dope Wars: Remember that game we used to play on our TI-83 Calculators? This is the same, with a couple more options. Well worth the FREE download.

- DroidAnalytics: Got a website using Google Analytics to track your stats? This app is the perfect interface with Google Analytics on the go. Information is neatly organized and easily accessible.

- eBuddy: Multi instant messaging client. It’s my favorite chat client on Android, although I rarely use it because it randomly signs me off.

- Facebook: Facebook’s Android client. It’s nice, but I prefer just going to http://touch.facebook.com/

- Flashlight: White screen full brightness.

- FX Camera: Nice alternative to the regular camera. Fun stuff like fisheye lens effects..

- GDocs: Use Google Docs, you might be interested in this application.. I’ve used it for creating documents, but it’s not that intensive.. I’m unable to access folders (shared or unshared).

- Google Voice: This application is win if you use Google Voice.. for those unimpressed like Kevin, this application is likely to be a waste. I use my GV Number for business, which makes the application almost a necessity for me. It allows almost full control over GV.

- Greed: Mediocre RSS reader. It was the top RSS Reader, however got beaten by News Room.

- Gube: It’s like a rubix cube on your phone! Tricky and not really responsive, I have played it several times.. never really made process though.

- Hold ‘em: Online texas hold ‘em game. Multiplayer is fun, I just don’t have time to play.

- Kevin: Remember Simon? The memory based game.. Yeah, same thing on a phone.

- Key Ring: Scan/Save your keyring cards (like Kroger or CVS?) and use your phone to have them read. I got it under suggestion, however shortly later realized that I have no use for it.

- KittenCannon: This is the game of games. Shoot kitten from a cannon.

- Layar: “Reality browser.” Again, not extremely practical. Was asked to review it, but never got arround to it. Kind of like the Sherpa application with more options.

- Light Racer: One of my favorite games. 2d tron type game.

- Listen: Podcast tool.

- Midnight Bowling: decent bowling game. Rather easy though..

- MobileSlide: Alternative to the Android Market. I have it because Google claimed proprietary rights on their market app, and for a while this was the only option.

- My Account: T-Mobile users can check their account from their phone!

- News Room: BEST RSS Reader on android.

- OI Notepad: Preffered notepad application. Basic.

- PacMan: Yes.

- Pandora: Internet radio streamed over 3G.

- Photoshop: John linked to my review. Read it. Enjoy it.

- QuickBoot: Root users only. one touch reboot, one touch reboot into recovery..

- Screen Capture: Does what it says.. Does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Screenshot: Does what it says.. does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Seesmic: Twitter client. I don’t use it often, however keep it around because it’s faster the Twidroid.

- SNesoid: Super Nintendo emulator for your phone.

- Solitaire: If you don’t know what solitaire is, shoot your self.

- Speed Test: Speedtest.net on your Android.

- Tapatalk: Application Dave uses for OS.

- Tether Petition: The way for HTC Android owners to get a wireless tether application on your phone. Essentially turning your phone into a 3G modem with WiFi connection. ROOT ONLY
- TheWeatherChannel: You know what it is. It does the job well too.

- Throttle Copter: fun game of keep up. I have found it addictive, but that’s because I’m simplistic.

- Time Clock: I actually use this to track my hours for billing. I’ve found a few glitches, and it’s a $3 application.. but it really has been a help.

- Twidroid Pro: Best twitter client for android. Multiple accounts and almost full functionality of twitter. It starts when the phone starts, and downloads the newest 200 tweets from each account.. So it can be a hassle.. but it can be a great tool.

- Ultimate Stop watch: Is exactly what is implied.

- USA Today: Best news application, due to layout and usability. I know people have their favorite news sources.. but this is the best in terms of layout and accessibility.
- Whois: Ever thought about a domain name you want, but have been away from the computer? This is a great solution, although about as stripped as can be.

- Wireless Tether: What you get with the Tether Petition. Great for ROOT users though.

- Wixel: Boggle meets android. Definitely fun time waster.

- WPtoGO:  A mobile wordpress client utilizing XMLRPC.  Great solution for bloggers like myself.

Having been with T-Mobile for 5 years now I had been on the customer loyalty plan from the summer until last weekend, however moved over to the “Even More Plus” to save a couple bucks. While I was aware of the new plans before they announced them, through various blogs, I was deliberating on which was the “best” plan for me.  As with everyone else, I wanted the best price on what I would actually use. As it stands, I’m using my phone less and less since we picked up a house line, so I had no need for the unlimited plan anymore. The new plans are in place, obviously, to attract new customers and appear as attractive as possible, but which really gives the best deal.

The two plans are “Even More” and “Even More Plus.”

The first plan “Even More,” is based on a 24 month contract like your last cell phone plan, with generous phone discounts.  This plan comes in 500, 1000 and unlimited minutes ranging from $59.99 to $79.99 with the option to add additional “unlimited” services like texting and web access.  The phone discounts, like your previous plan, are on par with the Early Termination Fee which binds you to the contract for 2 years (typically $200). Graciously, T-Mobile has extended the ability to finance the new phone over 4 consecutive payments..

The “Even More Plus” plan on the other hand is where T-Mobile breaks from the US standard and offers a cell phone plan sans contract.  Here, you’re paying the full price of the phone (which might sound intimidating at first) to have a cell plan without contract.  The plan its self is $10/mo less than the “Even More” plan and the packages look identical.  Now, here comes the fun part, T-Mobile offers the ability to finance the phone over the course of 20 months for the users on the “Even More Plus” plan.

While I could go on more about the plans, information is all over the web and I got the basics out.  So for one reason or another, you’re probably eying one or the other because it fits your needs, but I’ll tell you right now you’re first instincts are the right ones.

With some accounting and marketing flare, T-Mobile has been able to package two plans which offer long term costs so close we’d probably write the difference off.  If you’re looking to live without a contract the “Plus” plan is for you, however if you’re looking for a “cheaper” phone and don’t mind being bound to a carrier for 24 Months the “Even More” plan is for you.

How does this work? Remember that $10/mo extra for the non-“Plus” plans? Well, 24x$10 is $240 making up for the difference in the phones “retail” and “discounted” price.

I chose the Even More Plus plan, not because I ever plan on leaving T-Mobile, but because I’d rather pay off a phone over 20 months then fork up the money over 4 months.

I’ve been a loyal customer of T-Mobile for 5 years and endorse them entirely.  They don’t endorse my blog, or any of my sites, as they clearly illustrated in rejecting my application on CJ.com.  This article was an attempt to explain the similarities between the two plans, not to sell their service.

I’m only able to talk about my phone and what I have read about T-Mobiles “My Account” application, however it seems like I’m having a lot of issues with T-Mobile apps. Sherpa, while it looks amazing, has refused to work with the GPS on my phone. My Account force closes on me, like it does for everyone else using Cyanogen’s or anyone else ADP rom.

Sherpa, probably the most talked about Android application, had looked extremely promising to me. To my discouragement, when I started the application up it seemed to be frozen on West Hubbard Street in Chicago. I can search by address, but when I search with ‘my location’ it tells me that I am still outside of The Breakfast Club (if only I were…).

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