Dropbox (free; iPhone and Android)
What is it? A convenient way to share as much as 2 gigabytes of movies, photos, music and other files among computers.
Why it's great: Sure you could email files to yourself or to friends, but unlike email, Dropbox instantly updates files whenever they are changed. For instance, if your pal shares a vacation pic with you, you can download it from the Dropbox app, add a nice retro visual effect, and your friend would see your handiwork without having to download the picture again. Dropbox is great for a group of traveling friends who want an easy way to collaborate on the itinerary without the hassle of making multiple calls or exchanging lots of email.
Why you might hesitate: The 2 GB allotment can go by in a hurry, but you can earn more storage space by referring friends or paying to upgrade to Dropbox Pro.
Whom it's for: Travel partners who want to share and collaborate.
My Vacation
($2.99; iPhone or $4.99 for the iPod's HD version)
What is it? A travel journal you create on your phone.
Why it's great: Save photos, movies (with iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 only), notes you jot down on your phone, even audio recordings of your trip. Share your memories by creating a blog post with Blogger or Word press, tweeting your favorite photos or sending your My Vacation collection to a friend who has My Vacation for viewing on a separate iPhone.
Why you might hesitate: For the camera-less original iPod, you will need Apple's $29 Camera Connection Kit and your own digital camera to add photos and video.
Whom it's for: Vacationers who want to share their memories in as many ways as possible.
Homer Simpson voice for the TomTom App for iPhone ($5.99; iPhone; $49.99 TomTom navigation app required)
What is it? The voice of Homer Simpson, directing you through life. What could be better?
Why it's great? No matter how bad traffic is, you have to grin when America's favorite dad tells you, "Woo hoo! You have reached your destination, and you can hold your head up high, because you are a genius!"
Why you might hesitate: The data with TomTom's app take up a lot of space on your phone.
Whom it's for: Drivers who want to get there with a smile.
What is it? A convenient way to share as much as 2 gigabytes of movies, photos, music and other files among computers.
Why it's great: Sure you could email files to yourself or to friends, but unlike email, Dropbox instantly updates files whenever they are changed. For instance, if your pal shares a vacation pic with you, you can download it from the Dropbox app, add a nice retro visual effect, and your friend would see your handiwork without having to download the picture again. Dropbox is great for a group of traveling friends who want an easy way to collaborate on the itinerary without the hassle of making multiple calls or exchanging lots of email.
Why you might hesitate: The 2 GB allotment can go by in a hurry, but you can earn more storage space by referring friends or paying to upgrade to Dropbox Pro.
Whom it's for: Travel partners who want to share and collaborate.
My Vacation
($2.99; iPhone or $4.99 for the iPod's HD version)
What is it? A travel journal you create on your phone.
Why it's great: Save photos, movies (with iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 only), notes you jot down on your phone, even audio recordings of your trip. Share your memories by creating a blog post with Blogger or Word press, tweeting your favorite photos or sending your My Vacation collection to a friend who has My Vacation for viewing on a separate iPhone.
Why you might hesitate: For the camera-less original iPod, you will need Apple's $29 Camera Connection Kit and your own digital camera to add photos and video.
Whom it's for: Vacationers who want to share their memories in as many ways as possible.
Homer Simpson voice for the TomTom App for iPhone ($5.99; iPhone; $49.99 TomTom navigation app required)
What is it? The voice of Homer Simpson, directing you through life. What could be better?
Why it's great? No matter how bad traffic is, you have to grin when America's favorite dad tells you, "Woo hoo! You have reached your destination, and you can hold your head up high, because you are a genius!"
Why you might hesitate: The data with TomTom's app take up a lot of space on your phone.
Whom it's for: Drivers who want to get there with a smile.
