Best iPhone and iPad Apps and Games for 2011

In 2011, we expect a lot from our mobile apps!  Here are the best apps so far.

The games and apps I list here work on both the iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as the iPad.  Sometimes the app works differently on the iPad, since you have more room on the top and bottom of the screen.

For reading mail: The best is still the built-in Mail app.  I haven't found anything better, and I like that it works with my Yahoo! e-mail account.  Price: FREE  Pre-installed.

For viewing PDFs: MyPDFs Mobile is great!  It's free and I can quickly store PDFs.  It's perfect for reading e-books or if I want to show my 'virtual' business card (which is a PDF with 60 point fonts, printed in landscape).  I have tried most of them, and I really didn't need the power of Goodreader (#2), but your requirements for features will vary.  Price: FREE  MyPDFs Mobile PDF Viewer on iTunes

For checking the weather: I like The Weather Channel's app presentation better than the built-in Yahoo! Weather app.  Also it's handy to click Local Weather Video and get a quick automated voice summary of the weather report.  Then I can do other things, like finish breakfast.  Price: FREE  TWC App on iTunes  Also check out The Weather Channel Max for more features. Price: $3.99

For puzzle, board and card games: Most people seem to like the puzzle game Angry Birds, but I prefer the card game Card Shark Solitaire, with Bejeweled at #2, since it reminds me of an elaborate slot machine.  Puzzles require skill, but I always come back to Klondike Solitaire.  Card Shark can also be upgraded if you like other card games.  Price: FREE  Card Shark Solitaire on iTunes  Also check out Card Shark Collection Deluxe for more variety and features. Price: $1.99

For action, arcade and fighting games: The most addictive game I have found is the Amazing Blue Fugu from Titanbase Productions.  The concept of the game and weaving through the mine fields is great.  The controls are intuitive, and it doesn't ask you to click fake buttons or balance the phone at odd angles.  It's a new release, so I can't wait to see new baddies.  Price: $0.99  Amazing Blue Fugu on iTunes

For doing something besides listening to my MP3s: Maybe you want to unwind, but you're not sure what you want to listen to.  Or you could be at work and there is a lot of hustle and bustle.  The deadline is approaching and you need to concentrate.  Try White Noise Lite.  Helps mask background noise so you can focus, without the 3 o'clock cup of coffee.  Price: FREE  White Noise Lite on iTunes

Best popular website with a fun App interface: It's a tie!  There are two that are better than anything else.  There are good ones, but these are apps I use all the time.  IMDB Movies & TV and Wikipanion.  Both rely on the web for content, but provide it in a quick-search App format.  Not only do I save a click on Safari, then Bookmarks, then finally the website, but the layouts seem polished.  Price: FREE  IMDB Movies & TV on iTunes  Wikipanion on iTunes

Prices could change in the future, but these are great deals for now.  Total cost of the top apps list is 99 cents, and only a couple bucks more if you want all the features.  That's amazing, but it is 2011, so who knows what we'll see as the year unfolds?  I will look back at this list at the end of the year and compare my "Top Apps".

These reviews are my own opinion, based on my experience, but I'd like to hear about the apps you can't live without.  Share yours in the Comments section.  What are your "must have" apps and games for 2011?