If you’re an iPhone user and as geeky about it as I am, you’ve probably already done the iOS 4 upgrade. I did it last night and, while it took a bit of time, it was well worth it. This is by no means an exhaustive review, just my first impressions of the features that jump out at me in my personal use.

My favorite features — in no particular order:

• Still Camera: Digital Zoom • A big one for me; just tap in the middle of the screen and you get a slider that lets you choose the level of zoom you want. Makes my Snapture app unnecessary.
• Multitasking • This is sweet. Double-tap the home button and it brings up a dock that shows the last four apps you used. You can switch between apps by double-tapping on the home button.


Double-tap the home button to bring up this screen



iPod controls

• iPod Controls • Double-tap to bring up the multitasking screen then scroll left. A very quick way to control the iPod while you’re doing other things on your phone.
• Video: Tap to Focus • In the video window, tap the screen where you want to focus. I tested this and it works well, but i’m not to bore you with that.
• Home screen background • This is just plain fun and pretty.
• Folders • By far my favorite new feature. I’ve kept my home screen apps out of folders to be able to access them with one tap, but the rest of my screens have apps organized by function. With more than 120 apps on my phone this cleans it up quite a bit. I’m sure I’ll rearrange and restructure the folders as I use them, but for now, I’m loving it.


My home screen stays the same



Apps on the second screen are organized into folders based on function

I’ve upgraded the software but I’m not planning to upgrade my phone anytime soon — I have 3GS, so it runs smoothly with all the features.

How about you? Have you installed the update? Planning to get a new iPhone?

Let me know in the comments.

Though I have loved my iPhone from Day One, when Apple opened it up to third-party applications, it became even more indispensable.

Here are a few of the applications I use every day and love:
Remember the Milk • free • This is actually a Web-based application, but it a great, simple to-do list. Syncs between Web and phone and you can prioritize tasks and create recurring items.

Evernote • free •  When you are reading something on the Web that you want to save and read later, or just want to keep for reference, this app is very handy. There is also a desktop version, so you can sync between Web, desktop and phone. You’ll always have something to read.

Delicious • free •  Access Delicious bookmarks from the phone. You can also edit, tag and make bookmarks.

WordPress • free •  Allows access to WordPress blog. I can write posts and save drafts on the phone. Allows multiple WordPress sites. Great for blogging on the run.

Wikipanion • free • Look up anything in Wikipedia from the phone. There is also a paid version, but this one works just fine for me.

LinkedIn • free • Access LinkedIn from your phone. Great interface, easy to update status, see connections and add or edit information.

Facebook • free • Access your Facebook profile. Update status, add photos, edit information; so far I haven’t run into anything I can’t do from the phone.

Twitterific • free for basic, $9.99 for Premium •  The Premium version is free of ads and lets you choose a light or dark interface. Either way, this is my favorite Twitter app for the iPhone and I’ve tried them all. I’m constantly connected to Twitter, so this is probably my most-used application.

Pandora • free • I love my Pandora station when I’m working on projects at home. Now I can take it in the car or anywhere else I have Internet access. Great for those times I’m tired of my iTunes playlist.

YouVersion • free • This Bible application from LifeChurch.tv allows you to add your own resources to help your study; photos, comments, video, and read the contributions of others.

Strictly Fun Stuff:

Crosswords • $9.99 • Since I’m addicted to crosswords, this application is one of my favorites. Great interface, relatively challenging puzzles, though some are pretty easy. Lets you stop and pick back up where you left off. Well worth the $$.

Scrabble • $9.99 • Great Scrabble game. Easy to see tiles and game board. Can play against the computer or multiple players.

Solebon Solitaire • $.99 • Great value for less than $1. Lots of games, easy-to-see cards. Last update added several new games as well.

Tap Tap Revenge • free • Guitar Hero for iPhone. Addictive.

IPhone or Blackberry users, what are your favorite apps?

Here are some of my favorite presents:

• the fabulous denim jacket that my daughters helped pick out for my husband to give me — so I would get rid of the 12-year-old one they hate.
• the Pottery Barn charging station I bought with my birthday money and some Christmas money — I’ve plugged in all of my iPods, my phone, 2 USB hubs and my scanner, trackball and keyboard (the USB port on the back of my monitor doesn’t work). It also has a neat drawer to keep headphones, digital camera cables and iPod cases. Geek heaven with half the mess.
• the silver iPod nano I happened to get because my mother accidentally ordered two — and had them engraved (which negates the possibility of return). So I don’t care at all that it says, “Merry Christmas Martha Lou” on the back, I love the silver nano, which I had been looking for some excuse to get anyway. Actually I guess it’s not technically a present, but it is dang cool nonetheless.
• the licorice jelly bellies that Santa always leaves in my stocking

And lest I give the impression that my Christmas was all about the stuff — the special Christmas Eve secret that I share with my oldest daughter and the great quality time with extended family pretty much made it Christmas.

I’m not sure I have the nerve to try this, but I wonder if it really works.