My 20 Favorite T-Mobile G1 Android Apps and Three Must-Have Hardware Upgrades

I've had my G1 for a couple of months now, and I thought now would be a great time to publish my definitive list of favorite software and hardware add-ons and upgrades. You'll note that the majority of the software listed below is free, and all of it is available via the Android Market. Got to love Android!

Software

1. Touchdown (by Nitrodesk). Excellent Exchange client – even supports push email. Getting better by the week as well – the developers are really responsive to suggestions. ($30 via Android Market)
2. Meridian Video/Audio Player. Much better than the standard app. (Free)
3. aHome. Replacement GUI utility with dozens of free skins. It also has a pre-Cupcake on-screen keyboard that works for Google search and a couple of other apps. I bought the full version for additional features like loading skins on SD card – I think it was around $5.
4. Where. Cool app that combines restaurant ratings, movie listings, etc in one app, including Yelp! Free.
5. Twidroid. Best Twitter app I’ve found. Free.
6. ShopSavvy. Free app that scans bar codes and tells you where you can buy that item for less. Saved me over $200 when shopping for new kitchen drawer pulls!
7. 3banana. Allows you to create notes on Web and the G1 and syncs over the air. Also reads "2d" barcodes that contain URLs and other text info. Free.
8. Documents to Go (DataViz). View, create, edit .doc and .xls files and attachments on the G1. Currently not compatible with .xlsx and .docx, but supposed to be adding soon, along with PPT support. Around $30 on the Market.
9. Power Manager. Great utility that dynamically changes phone features (like WiFi, GPS, etc) based on triggers (like battery level). Free and ‘full’ version. I bought the full version because it’s a great app and I wanted to support the author.
10. T-Mobile My Account. Check your plan minutes, text message quantity, etc, plus pay your bill right from the phone. Free.
11. SnapPhoto. Free replacement camera app that detects stability before snapping the shutter. A little unstable but improving rapidly.
12. My Tracks. Uses GPS and keeps a track of where you’ve been, including lots of stats. You can then upload the maps to Google as KML or GPX files and share with friends. Works on road and off. Free.
13. Facebook Sync. Free utility that syncs your Facebook contacts’ pictures with the G1 (and Google) contacts.
14. Ringdroid. Allows you to edit any MP3 file and turn it into a ringer or notification tone. Free on the Market.
15. Pac-Man (Namco). Faithful port of the original game. Free.
16. NBA Gametime. Near real-time scores from the NBA playoffs, plus schedules. Free (but huge – 4MB!)
17. Metal Detector. Does what it says, using the compass to detect magnetic fields from metal. Makes iPhone owners green with envy, as the iPhone can’t do that (no compass)! Free.
18. Bubble. A real, working level for your G1. Free. Amaze your friends!
19. The Schwartz Unleashed. Cool light saber app. Yeah, I'm a geek. Free on the Market.
20. iLightr. Awesome lighter app. Uses the accelerometer to vary the flame, close the lid, etc. $0.99 on the Market. Great for concerts!

Hardware

1. Seidio 2600 MaH extended length battery, which doubled the phone’s runtime to around 30 hours, making the Power Manager app unnecessary unless you get lost in the wilderness. Makes the phone 5mm thicker but is soooo worth it. Retail is $60 but I bought mine used on eBay for $30. As an added bonus it comes with a replacement non-slip back cover.
2. Zagg Invisishield Film. For $25 you get a set of custom-cut, military grade films that adhere to the G1 and make it virtually scratch proof. The film was originally developed to cover helicopter rotors, so you know it's pretty darn tough. It covers the entire phone, not just the screen. You can get the screen-only version for $14.95 as well. I've had my Invisishield since I first purchased the phone two months ago and there is nary a scratch on it! Note: you will definitely want to purchase a non-slip cover after installing the Invisishield, as it does make the phone very slippery. This is solved by purchasing #1 above.
3. 16GB MicroSD Card. This card allowed me to put 1000s of songs and scores of videos on my phone. Way worth the investment.