A lot of you are asking me if you should download and install the new Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) beta that Microsoft has made available.

My take on it is this - unless you need it for comparability testing, don't bother.

Basically, SP1 for Windows 7 is a roll-up of all the updates and patches already released. If you've been keeping up with your Windows Updates, then you've already got everything you need.

It's worth pointing out that SP1 doesn't add anything new to the OS at all, so you've not missing anything out. In fact, you're saving yourself a 50 - 450MB download!

My advice, wait until the first quarter of 2011 for the final release and install it then.

Over on Hardware 2.0 I've posted my mammoth "Best Kit List" detailing the best hardware available, along with pricing.

If you are interested in upgrades or building your own system, you gotta check this out!

Hey, cool! BBC News app available for the iPhone/iPad!

This app was scheduled for release back in April but was delayed after concerns that the free app would damage the news market. Unlikely really since all you need to access the information was a web browser ...

Just got these iPod USB cables from an Amazon affiliate. On them is says "Designed by Apple in California and assembled in China" ...

I guess that's been printed on the cable to give them an air of "genuine-ness" ... thing is, none of the genuine ones seem to have this printed on them.

Fakey? I think so!

I've now been ad iPhone owner for a few months, and in that time one of the questions I get asked the most often is "What's your favorite app?" Well, I don't have a single favorite apps, but I do have a set of favorite apps.

Games

Let's begin with my favorite games!

• Plants vs. Zombies - There's zombies, and you use plants to defend your home. It doesn't make a lot of sense but it's a lot of fun. Link
• Cat Physics - There are cats, and you have to pass a ball from one to the other by making use of in-game physics. Again, it sounds odd, but it's entertaining. Link
• Angry Birds - You fire birds at pigs lining in houses made of wood and glass. Again, the premise makes no frickin' sense, but the game is a lot of fun. Link

Office apps

I don't just use my iPhone to play games on. I use it for work too!

• Pocket Informant - A great calendar tool that integrates with my Google Calendar. It also integrates Getting Things Done methodology. Helps me keep organized! Link
• Documents to Go - A great app that allows me to work with Word, Excel and Powerpoint files when on the move. Integrates with MobileMe iDisk. Link
• Air Sharing Pro - A great way to view and move documents when on the go. Duplicates some functionality of Documents to Go but adds the ability to share files over WiFi with other systems (including iPhone and iPad) as well as support for ZIP and PDF files. Link

Photography

I've taken more photos with my iPhone than with my digital camera this year. Two useful apps are:

• NightCamera - Let's you take great night photos! Link
• Pano - Creat stunning panoramas easily. Link

Other apps worth a mention

• Osfoora - Best in class Twitter client. Link
• Pzizz Sleep and Energize - For keeping me going! Link & Link