Wha? - Apple iPhone 4S: Here's how to get started

Apple iPhone 4S: Here's how to get started

Apple's iPhone 4S didn't see a design overhaul from the iPhone 4, so almost all cases and accessories built for the iPhone 4 will work with the newer one.

Apple boasts the most expansive and polished app catalog. There's a lot of good stuff to check out.

Apps to download

Instagram: This photo-sharing app has not-so-quietly become a community of more than 11 million iPhone users. The app creates those square, retro-styled photos you may have seen pop up on Facebook. The Free Press also posts photos with the app. Find it by searching users for "Detroit Free Press."

Twitter: Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 5, comes with system-wide Twitter integration, which means it's easier than ever to share links and photos on the social network. If you're new to the iPhone, you should check out Twitter, too. It's a great way to stay current on all sorts of news. There, you can find the Free Press -- @freep -- and me -- @markdubya. We'll get you started.

Remote: This underutilized app from Apple allows you to use the iPhone (or iPod Touch or iPad) as a remote for a computer's iTunes library or an Apple TV. It's a great way to manage music at a gathering without having to go to the source. You can adjust the volume from the iPhone, too.

Tips

Use folders to organize your apps into categories such as "Social," "Location," "Photo" and "News." To start a folder, hold your finger down on any app and wait until they all start to jiggle. Then take that app and drag it on top of another. Both apps will start a folder.

You're already hands-free: The white earbuds that come with the iPhone have a microphone in them, which means you can use them as a hands-free calling device. To pick up a phone call, click the center of the microphone that's on one of the wires.

Make a custom vibration: Loud, distracting ringtones are no friend to anyone. On the iPhone 4S, head to the Accessibility settings and turn on custom vibrations. Then, under "Sounds," you can pick from several vibration patterns. You can even create your own by tapping out a pattern on the iPhone's screen, giving each caller a different cadence.

Contact Mark W. Smith: 313-223-4424 or msmith@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @markdubya or subscribe to his posts on Facebook or on Google+.