Android Smartphone: Top 5 Free Apps with Your Cricket Sanyo Zio by Kyocera

As I continue to see mobile companies rip-off the consumer by charging double the price on contracted service and monthly rates-for monthly minutes, talk, text and Web-along comes a new company called Cricket Communications that is raising the bar on what they offer in technology and the price-for the every day person who wants a little more for their buck. Meet the Zio by Kyocera, the first smartphone where all is included-talk, web, text for a low monthly (non-contracted) fee of $55.00. (Phone sells for $249.00)

There are some skeptics that say "Cricket?," all over the Web. I have been on the streets testing out 3 phones. The AT&T Blackberry Curve, the Boost Mobile Blackberry Curve and a simple Samsung with Cricket, and the side-by-sides are in, Cricket not only beats them in download speed time 2 to1, but in Chicago where the L Train is king, Cricket was the only network that did not loss connection under ground and known bad hotspots in local restaurants and bars. Yes, not even AT&T.

So why are people afraid to try Cricket services? Perhaps people are afraid of the No Contract, without realizing it's the Network. Also, many haven't caught on to the fact that now Cricket has nationwide service in all 50 states. Look out T-Mobile, I think you have competition.

Geek Play with Zio and Android Market

I picked up the new Zio for a couple of days now and I'm in love. This phone rocks along with Google Android Technology. Though, they need to upgrade from the 1.6 version to the 2.1 so I can hot sync my mail and contacts somewhat better-there's talk they will in the upcoming months. Brings us to the point of what apps should you download with this phone? Here's my top 5 favorites that I didn't waste time adding to my new smartphone, and why you should too!

Huffington Post: If you are into politics the best apps on the planet (if you are on the left) is Huffington Post. Not only can you add the icon, you can place the widget and get updated news right on your screen. (I would recommend adding it to the left side using the slide feature) Yahoo News isn't connected to Cricket at this time, but I"m hoping this changes soon.

Twidroyd: This was a test to understand which Twitter app to get, (there are many) but being a tech geek, I always search on the web for a few hours just to test the waters. I ended up with Twidroyd for a few reasons it's free, (Pro is 3.99) but if I go pro later, the features are very close to the live desktop site, that I can test the waters for a few months.

Pandora: No Avatar the movie, but a great online radio station you decide what music to listen to by adding your own stations from your favorite musicians. Great sound, without the headset. Got to try it.

Google Voice: If you are a small business of one, the best new tool is Google Voice as a second line. This app not only asks you which phone number to use, your mobile or your Google number, but you can also use International calling for a very low price.

Kindle: If you have Kindle PC it syncs right up and you can read on the go. Reading your favorite books just good a little easier.

Though I'm still looking for a CNN's App, if you know a good one, please add a comment. Also a good tip, if you are not use to touch screen technology, it takes 2-3 weeks to free comfortable with the new technology, but once you do, the phone will adapted to your touch and needs.

As I play with this phone, I will update you on why I think everyone should get this phone. Simple-for the fast network, low monthly price and great free apps in the land of Android smartphones. Why would you pay $130 bucks a month for service?