I’ve never been crazy about location-based check-in apps. I’ve used them a few times to support friends in contests or to get a discount on food, but the reward has to be pretty good for me to open an app and actually check in.

About a month ago, I officially joined the ranks of iPhone users. Since then, I've been introduced to an entire new world of mobile phone apps, and on-the-go social networking. One of my favorite discoveries - and one of the major reasons why I purchased my iPhone in the first place is the abundance of location based iPhone apps. These applications help me find new restaurants, bars and other nightlife spots wherever I go, and they help me say in touch or meet up with friends in the area.