One of the things about having a smartphone is the freedom to seek innovative applications.
My favorite apps are the ones that keep me organized, increase my productivity and help me find ways to save money. Here are a few top picks that are useful and inexpensive — $1.99 or less:
Garden Produce USA Free
Whether you're growing broccoli, rhubarb, kiwi or carrots, "Garden Produce USA Free" provides information that will help make your garden a success. It allows users to customize information to reflect produce and conditions that are relevant to this region. The app provides colorful photos and information about popular fruits, vegetables and herbs — including a complete guide to common insect and soil problems. It tracks sowing and harvesting times and lets you add notes about crop accomplishments and setbacks.
iRecycle
iRecycle makes it easy to find recycling centers. Type in your current location and the items you want to recycle. Within seconds, you'll have a comprehensive list of locations, including hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, directions and a catalog of other materials each center accepts.
For iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android. Free.
Light Bulb Finder
"The average home wastes $120 per year on inefficient lighting," said developers at Eco Hatchery, distributors of the "Light Bulb Finder" app. Based on fixture type, location, bulb style and wattage, this guide recommends a compact florescent lamp — CFL — replacement for your incandescent bulbs. Additional information includes the cost of the CFL replacement, investment payback, energy savings and carbon-dioxide reduction.
For iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android. Free.
Sherwin Williams ColorSnap
This tool helps you find the ideal color scheme for your walls. Use your smartphone or iPod to snap a picture of a favorite item; then use the app to find coordinating Sherwin Williams colors. The "Explore Color" feature allows you to change color hues and saturation levels, and to select color palettes. You can save selections in individual libraries or send them to your interior designer by email or Facebook.
For iPhone, iPod, iPad, Blackberry. Free.
ihandy Carpenter
You don't need to be a carpenter, mason or handyman to benefit from this app. Reminiscent of classic woodworking tools, this utility features five devices essential for most DIY projects.
•The plumb bob measures lines, walls and surfaces.
•The steel protractor measures angles from zero to 180 degrees.
•The steel ruler displays inches and centimeters. Simply swipe it left or right to measure items longer than your handheld device.
•The surface level allows users to determine whether a surface is level horizontally and vertically.
•The bubble level bar measures levels of slope.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement