It's official. I need an iPhone.

In early 2008, when I bought my BlackBerry Pearl, I contemplated switching wireless networks so I could get an iPhone. But iPhone users had done an excellent job of convincing me to wait. The device was still relatively new and one big problem for most users I knew was dropped calls. Given I have been very satisfied with my Verizon Wireless coverage (it's true what they say in the commercials: even in well-known dead zones I have lost very few, if any, calls) I decided to wait.

I'm no longer in a contract with Verizon and I am thinking it's time for me and my petite little pink Pearl to part ways. I've had enough of the SureType keyboard. I need a full keyboard. Sending lengthy emails this way is beyond painful. On Friday afternoon I was pulled over trying to forward a business-related email while my four year-old screamed from the backseat "We're going to be late for the birthday party!" and I could not get the random string of letters in the email address entered properly.

Sure, Pearl has served me well this past year, but more than anything, I want the iPhone apps. Every time I see the iPhone commercial on television—the one where they say "there's an app for that"—I reach for my wallet. In fact, there are some 15,000 iPhone apps and more are being developed every day. In the productivity category alone I see several tool that could potentially improve my work/life "balance."

For 99 cents, the cost of a song, you can get the popular Shopper app. Top-rated by users and with more than 300 reviews, this app allows you to create multiple lists for specific stores, situations or recipes. Todo was ranked the top paid task management app of 2008. At $9.99 this is one for lovers of to-do lists. Currently the app syncs to iCal only, but Microsoft Outlook is reportedly on the horizon.

Of course you don't have to pay for all iPhone apps. There are several top-rated free apps including Evernote, the popular desktop and Web-based program that allows you to easily capture information in any environment using whatever device or platform you find most convenient—text, photo snapshot or voice memo—and makes this information searchable at any time, from anywhere.

There's even a new daily expense tracker.

Good news is there have been rumblings about potential pricing changes on service plans for the iPhone. That's welcome news for those of us looking to justify a switch.

Do you have a favorite iPhone app that makes your work or home life easier?