iiChances are that you’ve been out and come across a question that you couldn’t quite answer. Rather than jotting down the question and waiting until you get home to hop on Wikipedia, you can now, more than likely, find the mobile solution using a new generation of iPhone Apps designed for inquisitive minds:
Q: What Does that Word Mean, Exactly?
A(pp): Whether you are perplexed in the course of an (excessively) cerebral conversation, or puzzling over a crossword solution, Dictionarie is a dynamic iPhone dictionary that will define even the most arcane word. Even if you don’t know exactly how to spell the word (it happens), then the app will suggest a number of homonyms that will help you hone in one the exact word you are looking for.
Q: I don’t feel well; what am I coming down with?
A(pp): Although the iPhone can’t replace your family physician, the WebMD application provides a wealth of information ranging from common symptoms to medical interactions to first-aid tips (complete with diagrams!) The impressive graphical presentation covers nearly every major medication and ailment, providing a virtual doctor right on your phone.
Q: I wonder whether my local library has this book in stock?
A(pp): Rather than running around town looking for a copy of a particular book, you can use the World Cat mobile app to find real-time catalog information on your local branch. That way, you can save valuable time and get the book(s) you need faster.
Q: Who is this President, and why is he on this coin exactly?
A(pp): Sure, there are certain Presidents we all remember well, but there are dozens of others who are only vaguely familiar. With the iPresident app, you can get the full details on every US President down to the most refined details.
Q: I wonder what the landscape of that city is like?
A(pp): Chances are you don’t know any Bogotá residents to give you instant feedback on the topography in Columbia. If you’re traveling to a new city, or just have idle curiosity, the Google Earth app will provide you with a rich source of real-time 3D maps so that you can (virtually) explore new terrain on the fly.
Q: I sure miss reading the Classics, don’t you?
A(pp): Freshman literature experiences aside, the Classics app provides a number of Western masterpieces for your reading pleasure, directly on your phone. Whether you are in the mood for anything from Milton to Shakespeare, you can make your subway commute that much better by connecting with the Masters.
Q: The cosine of “0″ is 1, right?
A(pp): Without going into the theory behind geometry, the Touch Calc app will answer your most scientific questions by emulating a fully functioned calculate on your phone. Going well beyond the basic computation of the phone’s integrated calculator, Touch Calc is on par with more powerful engineering applications and should come in handy for Calculus students and can answers many statistics questions as well.
Q: Did you remember to buy (insert forgotten item here)?
A(pp): On the way home from a busy day, it’s easy to forget to pick up shirts from the dry cleaners or the Kleenex that you badly need at home. Rather than relying upon your memory, the “Remember the Milk” application provides an interactive reminder tool that will keep you on top of your daily chores.
Q: Oh yeah, the constellation that looks like a kite – what’s that called again?
A(pp): Before you send the nearest astrophysicist into insanity (if he or she isn’t there already) the handy Star Map application can provide a wealth of knowledge about stars, constellations and solar conditions that is sure to satisfy the most discerning amateur astronomer.
Q: How can I study for my upcoming test while keeping all these materials in order?
A(pp): Put away those cumbersome flash cards – the Sturdy Cards application allows you to create virtual cards to help you memorize key topics for your next exam or meeting. With thousands of pre-filled cards on major topics, you can take advantage of the existing knowledge base or add your own with a handy interface.
