I have recently delved into the world of mobile web apps. I am doing research for my job on mobile marketing and app development. Having said that I have been downloading apps like crazy over the past week or 2 and here I would like to share my top 5 list.

1. Pandora Internet Radio
I was blown away to find this app. Nothing inspires me to work like a good song playing on the radio. The difference with Pandora is that it learns what songs you like to hear based on your initial choices. It is (for me at least) very accurate in suggesting a new song to listen to. You can create countless radio stations that cater to your individual tastes. You can also add variety to your stations by selecting more artists that Pandora will then use a template for what you like. And the best thing is – its FREE!

2. Google Earth
I have always loved exploring Google Earth on my computer, but now being able to explore the world in 3D on the go is a new level of coolness. I am surprised at how well the iPhone handles the graphics, rendering maps in high resolution within seconds of zooming in on an area. Its entertaining as well as being actually very handy for figuring out a the best route to take to a place of interest.

3. Flickr
Being an avid photographer, I was glad to learn that the photo sharing site Flickr was available. I can now check up on my own photo stream as well as my know immediately when any of my contacts have added new material to their own respective streams. I can instantly comment on photos I find interesting as well as respond to feedback left on my own stream. This app is a must for anyone that loves photography and new technology.

4. Flixster
I am a self professed movie buff, having watched movies my entire life I have amassed a staggering amount of useless but humorous movie quotes and trivia that are on permanent standby in the back of my mind. Flixster keep you up to date with the newest releases at the box office as well as keeping you informed of upcoming DVD releases. Also, you can search its vast database of movies from the past and watch trailers for many movies (which I love to do). You can also browse whats playing at cinemas in your local area and even bookmark favorite theaters that you can instantly check out at the touch of a button. You can also view trailers of upcoming movies (up to almost a year down the line). If you love movies, then Flixster is the app for you.

5. Twitterrific
Twitterrific as you might guess is an app that keeps you in constant contact with your twitter account. You can find out what your friends are doing instantly, as well as search tweets in your area. Its the perfect way to use Twitter to its full potential as the quickfire nature of micro blogging is often difficult to keep up with if you aren’t able to make posts as and when you need to.

Honorable mention – Flashlight.
This sounds like a stupid app, but essentially what it does is fill your display screen with a bright white light (this is actually changeable to different colors etc). After downloading this I was in my basement looking for something in a dark corner that the light didn’t reach to. I then remembered that i had just downloaded this app and tried it out. It worked great and I found what I was searching for within a few seconds. For that reason I feel it deserves a mention here. It could come in handy for situations such as walking into a dark movie theater when you would normally be stumbling your way into your seat. Cool idea and it serves its purpose very well.