Closing the iPhone

Granting that Apple is not going to allow third-party applications to be installed in the iPhone, I began re-thinking why I want a phone that is “open”. The only reason is the limited (read: crappy!) applications that are bundled with the phone. Third-party developers often answer that need. What apps do I want in the iPhone anyway?

Web browser and RSS. The bundled mini-Safari or whatever you call it must come with RSS support. I just hope that it is better than Symbian S60 WebKit browser in the sense that you can read RSS feeds whilst off-line.

VoIP. With Wi-Fi support, having a Skype client or better yet, a SIP-compliant client, like Gizmo, is a plus.

iChat and GTalk. Need I say more? This is better than having an SMS-based interface to these IM services.

Mail client. The mini-Mail.app that is bundled better support POP, IMAP and SMTP with authentication.

PDF reader. It beats taking those manuals and eBooks with you on your phone rather than carrying a notebook. Add annotations and you have a killer mobile app!

Notebook. Although it’d be best if it supports the Open Document Format but a simple HTML support would be acceptable. Something that allows you scribble notes, create to-do and shopping lists or write blog entries.

Enhanced iSync. Whilst iSync makes sure that your Addressbook and Calendar are synced, it will be great if you can sync your e-mail as well. That way, you can sync your mailbox, leave your computer, send/receive email whilst on the go and at the end of the day, re-sync it with your main Mac. Won’t that be cool?

Apple Remote Desktop or VNC. For those who maintain servers remotely, this one is a killer application. Heck, it is even great if you can control your Mac using your iPhone, right? If Apple considers adding this, it will definitely rock.

So there – give me these applications and you can close the iPhone all you want!

How about you, do you think I missed a couple of must-have applications?