iPhone 5
$199-$399 with two-year contract
Apple has been making beautiful devices for more than a decade, but with the iPhone 5, they just might have reached a new level of excellence. Between the flawless manufacturing tolerances to the stunning finish on both the black and white models, the new iPhone is really at the top of the heap when it comes to smartphones, no matter what the competitors try to say.
Major improvements include LTE connectivity, a larger 4-inch screen and the aluminum construction that replaces the glass back found on the iPhone 4 and 4S. That front screen is made of Gorilla Glass 2, which is 20 percent stronger than the previous version, making it more resistant to accidental drops. There’s also an improved camera and faster processor.
That’s not to say the device is without flaws. IOS 6, the operating system that ships with all iPhone 5’s, has seen its share of criticism. The new Maps app is all fresh from Apple and free of any sign of Google’s influence. Problem is, it’s also inaccurate at times, particularly when traveling overseas. And although the case itself is made from aluminum and then anodized either black or a natural finish, the black models tend to show scratches and chips fairly easily, to the point that some customers are less than thrilled.
Still, there’s not a better phone on the market today, and if you’re already a part of Apple’s ecosystem of apps and music, there’s no reason not to hop onboard.
Mitzvah Project for iPhone
Free
Planning a bar or bat mitzvah can be quite the rite of passage, particularly when you don’t really know where to start. For those who are about to go through the process, Mitzvah Project for iPhone is here to offer some guidance.
Start by filling out your information: who you are, what you like and a few other tidbits. Then you can start to work on your project. The app comes with several different ideas and concepts, and tells you a little bit about each one so you can narrow down the best option for your interests. Once you’ve picked an option, the app walks you through the rest of the way, setting you up for success with your Mitzvah Project.
No app would be complete without social settings, and Mitzvah Project allows you to mail or share your projects on Facebook. There are also helpful links if you need more assistance.
Organizing a mitzvah project can be difficult, but Mitzvah Project for iPhone aims to make it easier.
Hebrew Immersion HD for iPad
$3.99
Looking to learn Hebrew for the first time or just brush up on your skills? Hebrew Immersion HD for the iPad is designed to make the learning process natural. Play a game to test your knowledge, or pick an item and match it to the appropriate word.
This isn’t a light game, either. There are more than 700 everyday words and phrases, and the app teaches you spoken Hebrew, not just words that you may never use. It also has a fun and energetic look for an app about learning a language, which is something you don’t see every day.
