I got the HTC G1 phone that utilizes the Android OS not too long ago and I’ve spent some good time with it, I have come up with a list of the 10 most useful apps that have practical value that can be used daily (THUS FAR- who knows what’s in store for us!) and would like to share it with those who recently picked up the phone/OS, as well as hopefully post some links to where one can find out more information on the apps.

I’ve sorted them where 1 = the most useful and most frequently used of all apps. 10 = least frequent but still useful.

Keep in mind these are personally what I find most useful. Your results may vary. So here it is:

10 Most Useful (and free) Android Apps with Practical Value, and Why:

10. TED - This links to the latest video’s on TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) to view on your phone, I watch one before I go to bed. I feel this is a very practical app because Education that is actually Entertaining and Interesting is priceless. If you have not heard of the TED Conference before, I would definitely recommend checking out ASAP: http://www.ted.com/  

9. Paypal - Also very practical, you can use this to send payments and check history of payments. I have not used it to send money yet but should in the future. https://www.thepaypalblog.com/2009/05/new-paypal-application-for-android/

9. Bank of America App - This is very practical and useful for me, I get to keep track of my bank account on the go, I’ve already used it quite a few times to make sure check’s have cleared. http://mobilebanking.bankofamerica.com/category/android-mobile-banking/

3. ShopSavvy – This is really savvy shopping and very practical and useful. Use your phone to scan a barcode and have it look up alternative prices or places to order the item online - http://www.biggu.com – I should mention there is a similar app called CompareEverywhere, Read a comparison of ShopSavvy and CompareEverywhere here: http://download.cnet.com/8301-2007_4-10075405-12.html

11. TuneWiki – A very cool Mp3 player actually downloads lyrics and views them while the song is playing, among other features like streaming radio. I’ve found this practical while I go for jogs, its always great to have something to listen to. Although I’m sure there are other simplistic mp3 player apps out there, I just like the additional lyrics features of this one. http://www.tunewiki.com/

5. Calorie Counter by FatSecret – Helps you track your calories and weight change. I’m looking to buy a scale for this very app, I can’t wait to have it graph my weight changes. I’m also excited to keep somewhat of a record of what I eat and estimate my calories. Using this in conjunction with CardioTRAINER is very practical and useful. Learn more here: http://www.fatsecret.com/connected/android

6. CardioTRAINER – I’m really enjoying this app, I use TuneWiki to listen to Mp3’s on my SD card, while I let CardioTRAINER record my jog route/track, jog speed/pace per mile, distance, even how much of a hill I’ve climbed, and estimated calories burned. What an incredible and useful application. Its free, but you can upgrade it for additional features such as the ability to race against yourself. Find out more here: http://www.worksmartlabs.com/products.php

2. Shopping – A simple, clean, highly effective shopping-list app Developed by Martijn Schuemie: http://grocerylist.schuemie.net/

2. 3Banana - Online notebook/pad, I prefer this over the others because not only can you share notes (over a bunch of services), you can store them online, it also allows you to attach pictures or barcodes into the notes. Hear something interesting? Get an idea for a new project? Inspiration for new Lyrics/Video, jot that down and access it later from the computer! Check it out: http://3banana.com/

1. TooDo - Ahh.. TooDo, my favorite. The most practical app of all. I sync it up to www.toodledo.com  (an amazingly useful todo-list website by the way, there is also www.rememberthemilk.com  but I’ve found toodledo to be more extensive). If ever I think of any task that needs to be done, I add it using TooDo. It stays out of my mind but its stored online, easily accessible with any computer and there are a few great ways to sync it up to the computer.

Learn more here: http://edouardmercier.fr/toodo/

As for ways to sync it up, If I would like to add a task I use the highly effective desktop application ToodleAir- http://www.jga23.com/tag/toodleair/  - which uses Adobe Air.

I also get a quick list of my Todo’s thanks to ToodleDo’s RSS list or Dashboard Widget.

Access a slim version of your list at: http://www.toodledo.com/slim

I should not forget to mention that the android app PureRSS (or any RSS reader app for that matter) can integrate with your todo list and give you a quick way to see the latest list. If you use TooDo, make sure you follow the instructions carefully to sync it up, as well as turn on Sync settings when you exit or start TooDo from the settings.

Special Mention: Flashlight - Well, this is pretty much what its called, it turns the phone to full brightness and makes the screen white. Simple but effective and useful, it lit up my dark room and the back of my car trunk and has already proved to be a practical application- I’ve dragged it onto my home screen so that its quickly accessible. Unfortunately I couldn’t find a link for this one. There’s another Flashlight app that was reviewed here which uses a Red Light (incase you would like to read a star-chart or the likes. Not that you would need that thanks to the Sky Map app.) http://phandroid.com/2008/10/28/android-flashlight-apps-compared/

Also- Lets not forget all the extremely useful apps that come with the phone, Gmail/email- Calendar (that syncs up with calendar.google.com and you can sync iCal if you want.) Google at your fingertips, Youtube App, a great SMS system, As well as some third-party apps (some not exactly useful but still awesome): like FBook (Facebook), Twidroid (Twitter), Myspace, Shazam, Scoreboard, GKCD to name my favorites.

If you think I’ve forgotten anything highly PRACTICAL – please drop a comment with why you think your suggestion should be included in this list of Most Useful Apps with Practical Value. (Ideally ones that would/could be used almost daily).