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iTunes computer software that transfers the programs to a dockediPhone or iPod Touch, or directly via 3G or Wi-Fi.

I went nuts loading a loaner iPhone and iPod Touch with software(much of it free). Apps include ones for accessing the Flickr photosite, Facebook social network, TypePad blogging service, Twittermicroblogging service and the Google suite of Web services. There'sfun stuff, too, like a lightsaber simulator and other games usingthe accelerometer to turn the iPhone into a motion-sensitive gameconsole. You will definitely want to try Nintendo's Super MonkeyBall.

APPLE'S NEW E-SERVICES

To make its mobile Internet gadgets even more useful for averageowners, Apple is rolling out its MobileMe suite of Internetservices (subscription required). The goal is to make personalinformation — mail, schedules, contacts, photos, files andthe like — a breeze to access and update anywhere.

That is why there are on-screen switches to activate mail, calendarand contact syncing (Web bookmarks, too) on the iPhone and iPodTouch. Likewise, MobileMe content is viewable in a browser on acomputer, as well as in desktop apps like Microsoft Outlook on a PCand Apple Mail on a Mac. Changes in one place are quickly reflectedeverywhere.

Apple's MobileMe headquarters on the Web is elegant and easy tonavigate, but a bit sluggish and prone to viewing problems (themail interface looks jumbled on small PC screens, for instance). Itfaces stiff competition from Google's Gmail and Calendar, which aregreat. But Apple does a swell job with contacts, has gorgeous Webphoto albums that can be easily updated on any device and includesa generous 20 gigabytes of mail and file storage in its $99 yearlyfee.

If your workplace has Microsoft Exchange — server softwarefor centralized scheduling, contact management and mail —you're in luck. The iPhone and iPod Touch have Exchange support,meaning you can tap into your work info anywhere. I had full accessto my Pioneer Press e-mail, calendar and contacts after punching ina few simple settings.

HOW THEY COMPARE

LG'S DARE (on the Verizon network) How it beats the iPhone: Higher-resolution camera with flash; photo editing, annotating andpanorama building; video capture; voice dialing; voice-guideddriving directions; instant/multimedia messaging; drawing pad;stereo Bluetooth; expandable memory; removable battery; handwritingrecognition; tactile ("haptic") screen feedback; laptop-modemoption. Hardware cost: $200 (after $50 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year contract.Includes 8-gigabyte media card until July 31 (it's normally $40more). Wireless costs: $80 a month for 450 calling minutes and unlimited data andtexting. Details: estore.vzwshop.com/dare

SAMSUNG'S INSTINCT (on Sprint network) How it beats the iPhone: Voice control for dialing, searching and more; voice-guideddriving directions; video capture; multimedia messaging; expandablememory; haptic screen feedback; stereo Bluetooth; removable battery(with a spare and a charger at no extra cost); streaming live TVshows; more compact and easier to carry. Hardware cost: $230 with two-year contract. Ask about a $100 rebate (it may stillbe available). Includes 2-gigabyte media card (add $40 for 8-gigcard). Wireless costs: $70 a month for 450 calling minutes and unlimited data and texting. Details: samsunginstinct.com or instinctthephone.com