Let me just look it up on my phone...

PC Magazine encyclopedia

Smartphone: A cellular telephone with built-in applications and Internet access. Smartphones provide digital voice service as well as any combination of text messaging, e-mail, Web browsing, still camera, video camera, MP3 player, video player, television and organizer. In addition to their built-in functions, smartphones have become application delivery platforms, turning the once single-minded cellphone into a mobile computer.

PCWorld and comScore report that more than 42 million Americans use smartphones. (Read the article.) We figure there are bound to be a couple Central Texans in that count. If you are one of them, then it's your lucky day. Here are some of the best parent and volunteer friendly apps out there. Enjoy!

For the iPhone
From Mashable

• Time-Out FREE
• SitorSquat: Bathroom Finder
• KidStatz Lite

For Blackberry phones
From Crackberry

• Shortcovers
• Got-2pro
• WeatherEye

For Google Android
From SpeckyBoy

• Waze: Way to go
• PayPal Application
• Places Directory

This isn't a comprehensive list but it's a start for some of the most popular smartphones. What other apps make your life way easier? What needs do you have but haven't found the right tool for yet? Which apps are your absolute favorites, whether they help with the kids or not?

-Cheryl Black

P.S. As an iPhone user my favorite apps are Bank of America personal banking, MyFitnessPal and YellowPages. I'd love to hear your favs!