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Twitter has been up and running for over three years, and we have had mature iPhone apps supporting Twitter for just over one year. It’s safe to say that Twitter took a big leap when the first crop of iPhone apps came out allowing people with limited SMS accounts to join the fun. As we enter the summer of 2009, the number of Twitter apps for the iPhone has grown, offering plenty of options.

Owners of the iPhone appreciate its easy-to-use interface, functional Web browser, and the variety of apps available through iTunes, but one family from Carbondale, Illinois has a more important reason to love it. Earlier this year, Christine, Alan, Jordan and Claire Rankin had to endure some very harsh, Midwestern weather, which included high-speed winds, torrential rain, and baseball-sized hail. It damaged their home, and left the Rankin’s without power for over a week. I spoke with Christine afterwards, and she shared with me how the iPhone helped them get through this natural disaster.

In the two years since the introduction of the iPhone, a number of “iPhone killers” have been released. None of these smartphones have been able to stop, or even slow down, the iPhone’s momentum. With the release of the iPhone 3GS and OS 3.0, the iPhone has become a more powerful and feature-rich device. So much so, that it is moving beyond the “smartphone” niche and becoming more of a phone/pocket computer combo.

I read with interest your article on page 21 of the second issue of iPhone Life. I loved your point about making it easier to organize apps in the Home screen pages. I would also like to see Apple include a built-in zoom feature on the iPhone’s camera.