I think there is a litte bit of “designer” in all of us. It would just be cool to say, “oh yeah, I’m a graphic/video designer.” Thanks to the majesty of Twitter, I was able to run across a great user recommended website that will enable you to say just that, kind of. Behold, Animoto.com. This is an amazing web-based application that will allow you to build a customized video, which is automatically generated, using yourown photos and music. Here is how it works:

- Upload a plethora of your favorite images (here you can choose which are you favorite and the order in which you would like for them to appear.

- Upload your favorite song (note: they encourage ONLY original music, so unless you want to get sued don’t use any Top 40’s crap

- Generate the movie! (The process takes about 5 minutes or so for the 30 second version, and you will be notified via email when it is complete)

From there you can go to your videos and do what you will with them. There is a YouTube upload option, which will send the video straight to yor account, embedd from their site, and even *download and sync to iPod options (Paid version only)

To make a 30 second movie of whatever your heart desires is absolutely free

The All Access pass allows you to make unlimited length videos for $30… completely worth it. Visit them at Animoto, and check out the video I made to get an idea.

-Jake

I have to admit, I was definitely a late bloomer when it came to mass, social network usage. I don’t need to explain why that was a mistake on my part. One thing i feel I do need to share is all of the native and web applications I missed out on my iPhone.. until now, of course.

Twitter- everyone told me that one i started i would become addicted… They were dumb.. and I am addicted, and if you do not know what Twitter is…. Well if you have to ask, you don’t wanna know. As far as Twit is concerned, the iPhone has been the BEST mobile solution for being on Twitter 100% of the Day.

-Obviously there is the mobile site (direct mobile Safari to http://twitter.com), and this works fine but there are much more efficient, ways to tweet.

-The best web app, to use twitter on the iPhone, is Hahlo (direct mobile Safari to http://hahlo.com). The great interface, iPhone web application works GREAT. The only thing is, I would say it works about 80% of the time, but there is absolutely no install needed for this.

-One of the two native applications I will mention (which you can download via Installer App) is Twinkle. Twinkle was the first Twitter application i downloaded for my iPhone, and it is awesome. within 1 tweet you will be able to geotag your location, send a picture, and update. It has a great interface with avatars and all, alowing you to do everything you can on the Twitter site. In my eyes the only flaw with this application is it is not all that reliable. Although very intuitive with great UI, 50% percent of the time that i open it, i get that message “we are having some technical difficulties”. I always want to blame it on Twitter, but when i check, Twitter is not down and it is just the poor API app. Great idea, and it is worth a try.

-The last application which I will stand by and say is the absolute best is Mobile Twitter. I actually stumbled upon in it in the list of Installer Apps and decided to try it out. I’m so glad i did. Its fast, has photo support, using camera or photos in your photo album, and lets you do EVERYTHING you need to Twitter-wise, straight on your iPhone. Works amazing with EDGE or Wi-Fi. Not to mention, it has a great UI.

For all other social network sites i would just use the direct site web applications. I have tested them all and they do the job, so for any of the following just go to the URL on mobile Safari (these will also make awesome home screen icons for you if you bookmark):

-Twitter

-Pownce

-SocialThing!

-BrightKite

-Myspace and Facebook (bleh)

-Jake

Everyday, there are a bunch of Apple stories that hit the web, bu  tI only like to cover what I feel is the most intriguing. I think i have tried all of the 3rd party applications known to man, and what it comes down to when choosing the ones that will stay on your springboard, is “which one will provide the most swift and efficient satisfaction?” Today the 2nd beta for IntelliScreen was released for the iPhone. IntelliScreen, pretty much takes out the only good thing about Windows Mobile, and gives you a “Today Screen” which displays:

-SMS

-Email

-iCal

-News Feeds

-Weather

-Sports

You choose the ones you want to show up (I only use, SMS, Mail, and Weather) but its a great way to summarize all of your “need to know” info in an instant. Whats great about this application is that you can also LAUNCH from the mini feed menu! so lets say you see and SMS or email you dont really need to rush to, you can view it on IntelliScreen and just shrug it off. But if you see an email or SMS come in that you want to get to immediately, just “swipe” and click “launch ***” (see photo). This will also auto-refresh your email.

Hopefully in final release we can see some additions like:

-RSS

-opacity settings

-iTunes controller

Installation instructions and video after the jump

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First and foremost, the reason I am giving these needed suggestions on protection is i have got plenty of emails asking what’s good, what sucks, and what’s unnecessary. Ok here we go. After investing in something beautiful like a Macbook Pro, you will want to treat it like its your kid…a very expensive kid. Those of you owners know what I’m talking about. After spending lots of time and money i think a have come up with the perfect bundle that will take care of your laptop and make it look good at the same time. All of these products can be purchased from their websites, or get a deal on eBay. I will also go over what the best kind of carrying case is. Click story for the list…

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