While the Blackberry is the mobile communications device of choice for many enterprise users, surveys reveal that iPhone users are happier and more satisfied with their choice. Surprisingly, studies have shown that the Blackberry has twice the failure rate of the iPhone. Besides being more reliable, the iPhone is user friendly and has a host of applications especially suited for business travelers. These applications have an international focus, allowing you to use them around the world—from Buenos Aires to New York to Mumbai. With over 900 applications to choose from, and new ones available every day, Via Her has picked those most suited to women business travelers.

Avoid Getting Lost

Often time, we find ourselves struggling to find our way through a new city (“directionally challenged” for the politically correct). Via Her recommends some helpful iPhone applications to ensure that you never get lost and also alleviate the need to ask strangers for directions. The most popular applications include:
InstaMapper (Free) – Has a mapping function to help you find your way around. Also, if you happen to lose your iPhone, you can track it using the instaMapper website.
Metropoliphone (Free) – Allows instant access to maps of over 70 subways and transit systems around the world.

Stay in Shape

Fretting about keeping tabs on your diet and fitness while on the road? Let your iPhone do that for you. Some good applications to help you stay in shape include:
MyNetDiary ($9.00) – Allows you to create and keep track of your own diet and exercise program on the iPhone.
LoseIt (Free) – Focusing only on your calorie count, this application helps you set your daily calorie goal and then calculates your calorie intake and burn rate.

Organize Your Trip

If you are wondering whether your flight is on time or how much in advance you need to check in at the airport, there are iPhone applications to help you. These include:
ASApp (Free) – Covering over 420 airports, provides information about security wait times, flight delays, or how to navigate through the airport to drop off a rental car.
TripIt (Free) – Crafts a master itinerary for you by compiling your flight information, hotel bookings, car rental information and more.

Consult the Weather Gods

Not sure whether you ought to carry an umbrella with you? Should you stay indoors rather than risk a scorcher of a day? 39% of iPhone users list weather-related applications as one of the top three most frequently used applications. The best include:
WeatherCyclopedia ($9.99) – In addition to providing weather forecasts for any part of the world, this application offers information on climate zones, geographical and seasonal changes, as well as health and safety precautions to take in different kinds of climate zones.
Weatherbug Elite ($0.99) – This application gives live local weather conditions of over 45,000 locations worldwide. You can also get seven-day and hourly weather forecasts.

Convert Conveniently

While shopping, have you found yourself doing some quick mental math to figure out how much 1,000 Indian Rupees works out to in USD? Or have you been in a shoe shop wondering whether US size 9.5 is the same as UK size 7? The best iPhone applications that can help you make conversions easily include:
a2z Pro (Free) – Converts more than 90 units in 11 categories including currencies based on the latest exchange rates, distance, time, temperature, clothing, bra sizes etc and more units are constantly being added.
myConvert ($0.99) – Although this application may not cover as many categories as a2z Pro, it is easy to use and provides handy conversions of currency, dress sizes, shoe sizes, and more.

Break Language Barriers

If you are in a country where English is not widely spoken or understood, some iPhone language translation applications can help you get around easier. These include:
Codesign Free Translator (Free) – Connects with Google’s powerful online Translate engine and accurately translates in more than a dozen languages.
Babelingo ($3.99) – Allows you to translate a phrase into 11 different languages. The translation shows up in a large script on your iPhone that you can just show someone rather than attempting to pronounce the words yourself.

Find Restaurants and Shops

If you are in an unfamiliar location and would like to know a good place to get a meal or shop, the best iPhone applications to help you include:
GoodFoodNearYou (Free) – Recommends nearby healthy food options by tracking your current location via GPS.
Zagat To Go ($9.99) – Includes restaurant, hotel, nightlife, and shopping information for hundreds of cities around the world.

Keep Tabs on Expenses

One of the hassles of business trips is keeping track of your expenses. The best iPhone applications that can help you record and track expenses include:
JetSet Expenses ($9.99) – Reports expenses covering 15 categories and more than 100 subcategories. It includes reporting on meals, mileage, entertainment etc. and is compatible with Google Spreadsheet and Excel.
iXpenseIt ($4.99) – Helps in daily expense tracking and monthly budgeting by allowing you to record and photograph your receipts from anywhere in a jiffy. 

Pack Without Forgetting Anything

Making a packing checklist before a trip ensures that you do not forget anything. For frequent travelers, you can conveniently save a customized packing list for each destination. One of the best iPhone applications for this is:
Packing Pro ($1.99) – Provides a gender-specific customizable checklist of all the items you may need including essentials, clothes, toiletries, medical requirements, accessories and more.

Kill Boredom While on the Go

If your flight is delayed, or if you have to kill time while commuting to your office, some of the best iPhone applications include:
Kindle for iPhone (Free) – Allows you to access Kindle books on your iPhone.
Zinio (Free) – Provides you with a variety of popular magazines to read on your iPhone, creating a mobile newsstand of sorts.
Note: Although the Kindle and Zinio readers are free, you will have to purchase the electronic books and magazines.

With so many versatile features it is no wonder that the iPhone is increasingly giving the Blackberry a hard run for its money in the business world. In fact, market research firm Gartner, which initially expressed concerns over the use of the iPhone for enterprise, has now recommended it for business use after recent software upgrades. It could only be a matter of time before the iPhone bridges the gap with the Blackberry for business use.