The dork-osphere went all a-flutter 2 weeks ago when not only was a new iPhone thrust out into the world (and three weeks later, you may actually be able to get one), but a new release of iPhone's software was released. A few major improvements were made, notably GPS on the iPhone and the opening of the iTunes Application store.

If you own an iPhone or its slimmer cousin, the iPod touch and are wondering if you should update (or in the case of the iPod touch, if you should shell out the extra $10 for it), I have an answer for you: Absolutely. The applications truly elevate both devices to new levels of awesomeness. Here are some of my favorite apps.

To make it on our list, the applications had to be pretty - as the iPhone is all about being cute - but free and useful:

1. Myspace & Facebook

I know, no one but our 12 year old cousins still use Myspace, but I was extremely impressed with how well, good the Myspace app looked so you can communicate with those pesky people in your life who still haven't moved on to Facebook in style and elegance (with as much elegance as Myspace will allow). The Facebook app is also nifty in its very own right and both applications allow you to manage your photos, messages and friend requests on the go with ease. Bonus points for Facebook for integrating chat into their application! I know these are two separate ones, but they are almost exactly the same.

2. Pandora

Pandora, the music sharing site, has created an application that is flawless and simple, integrating itself into your iPhone/iPod experience so easily you'll wonder why it wasn't always there to begin with. You can stream your stations from your WiFi, 3G or Edge connection.

3. Yelp Mobile

I have long been a fan of the fast loading Yelp Mobile site, which has saved me from many a bad meal when I am in unfamiliar surroundings. If you're just looking for reviews or information, the Yelp Mobile app will make it that just faster. Yelp addicts who are looking to participate in the social networking aspects of the site will still need to actually load the site on Safari, though and iPod Touch users are out of luck. This one is only for the iPhone.

4. Remote

Having an iPhone is about convenience (and looking cool), and what is more convenient than not even having to get up to switch songs when listening to music on your laptop? This nifty little app turns your phone or iPod into a remote! This one is very useful for those of you who, like me, lost their Macbook remote two apartments ago. Oops!

5. Coolgorrila's talking language guidebooks

This is the kind of thing I bring up to people who complain about Internet phones. Coolgorilla's apps, when download onto your phone or iPod, can not only tell you many common phrases which will save your ass while traveling - including my favorite: romantic phrases to help you pick up the vacation fling of your choice! You can actually listen to the different phrases so you can pronounce it correctly so people can understand you. Genius. I'm currently teaching myself basic French & German, but you can also learn Italian & Spanish!