Home Screens - Dan Benjamin

This week’s Home Screen post features Dan Benjamin (Twitter). Dan has quietly built a podcasting empire at 5by5 Studios with numerous quality shows. While I’ve not had the opportunity to meet Dan in person, he guested on the Mac Power Users and I’ve listened to enough of his podcasts that, at this point, he feels like an old friend. Dan recently bought a shiny new Verizon iPhone after spending a few years on Web OS and Android devices. So Dan, what is on your home screen.

What are your most interesting home screen apps?

Most of the apps I have on my home screen are task related, obviously the things I use most, so they tend to be less interesting and more practical or related to work and communication. The exception to this is Instagram, which would probably qualify as being the most interesting. I love it.

What is your favorite app?

The Camera app, if you can believe it. This app, and the iPhone 4’s photo and video capabilities are so great. I’m the parent of a 3-year old, and being able to use my phone to capture any moment is an incredible thing. And the app is just great.

Which app is your guilty pleasure?

Angry Birds, of course.

What is the app you are still missing?

The one that lets us sync everything without a physical connection to iTunes. Oh, it would be slow over wifi, you say? That’s fine, I’m patient.

How many times a day do you use your iPhone/iPad?

I use my iPhone and iPad as primary devices as part of my work, and whenever I’m out. It’s not constant, but it’s a lot.

What is your favorite feature of the iPhone/iPad?

The iOS operating system itself, and the benefits and constraints it places on developers. After spending about a year with Android and webOS, I can tell you first hand that iOS is much easier and more fun to use.

If you were in charge at Apple, what would you add or change?

The IAP thing is a bit frustrating for my developer friends, and I’d like to see that get worked out in a way that makes more sense for the long haul. I don’t have answers, though, as to how it should work, but it feels kind of wrong the way it is.

And now that there’s a Verizon iPhone 4, the only thing missing is the syncing over wifi.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I use my iPhone 10x more than I used my Android or Palm device. OK, so now I’m sounding like an Apple fanboy. Sorry, but it’s just the truth: Apple made a better, easier to use, and more fun tool. I feel lucky every time I use an iOS device, like I’m in the future. Now I just need a jet-car.

Thanks Dan!