The T-Mobile G1 Google phone is an excellent smartphone choice for journalists. The standard software and features that come with the phone will allow you to accomplish most tasks. You have a full web browser, email, a camera, a video recorder, notepad and full QWERTY keyboard, GPS, and quick access to Google search and Google Maps. But sometimes you need software that is not included with the phone, and the G1 Market has tons of free software to meet most of your needs.

This  is a list of my personal favorite G1 Applications that I think would be useful while working on a story on the go.

Qik

If you have never seen Qik before, it’s time you check it out. Qik allows you to broadcast live video directly from your G1 to the web. Go to http://www.qik.com and set up a free account, then download the Qik client and start broadcasting from your cell phone.

AK Notepad

This notepad application is far better than the standard that comes with the G1. AK Notepad has a reminder feature which allows you to set an alarm for a text file to remind you to update it.  It also gives you the option of sending your text files through email, SMS, or other applications such as a Twitter client you may have installed. You can change the appearance through themes and adjust the text size. AK Notepad also lets you put a sticky shortcut to a text file on your home screen.

Twidroid

This is by far my most favorite Twitter client for the G1. It has a nice user interface and gives you quick access to your profile, your favorites,  mentions, and direct messages.

Voice Recorder

Seemingly a simple voice recorder, the option that sets this one apart is the ability to email your recorded voice memo immediately. This can be useful if you simply don’t have a notepad handy, or if you want to walk around an event describing the scene and the people without drawing attention by speaking into a voice recorder. Once you’re done recording, this app gives you the option to title and send the recording right away, or to save it for later.

DroidTracker

DroidTracker allows you to publish your current location using Twitter or for people to send you a text with a pass-phrase and automatically get a response with your current location. This app can be useful when working in a team environment, covering a big event with multiple reporters, or if you are simply live-blogging from somewhere and want people to know your current location. Another cool feature of this app is that Lost/Stolen function, which lets you track the whereabouts of your phone and even force it to take pictures and upload them to Picasa.

Wapedia

A wikipedia client that gives you nicely formatted pages and a user interface that makes finding the right information a breeze.

Draw!

This is a simple paint application that let’s you make quick sketches and save or share them. You’ll have the option of sending your sketch through email, MMS, Picasa, and Twidroid (if it’s installed, of course).

PicSay

PicSay is a photo editor that lets you edit and share pictures from your G1. The free version limits the resolution of the picture, but it should still be enough if you are sharing pictures over mobile devices of sending them over Twitter. PicSay let’s you quickly add a title, highlight certain parts of the image, distort others, and then send the picture through email, MMS, or other applications such as a Twitter client (Twidroid recommended). Ok, I do admit that this application is more fun than productive, but it could be useful for some things.