Apple's App Store has gone from strength to strength since its 2008 launch, with over 400 000 apps at last count. While many of them are free downloads, there are quite a few paid apps as well.

Although quite a few people are reluctant to pay for these mini-programs, there are plenty of applications worth the price-tag.

 

Instapaper ($4.99)

One of the more useful iOS applications, Instapaper lets users save articles and web-pages for later viewing. Really, that's all it does.

However, Instapaper is also supported in a variety of other iOS apps as well as from your computer, allowing you to save interesting articles as you come across them.

 

iMovie ($4.99)

Although the idea of video-editing on a smartphone isn't new thanks to Symbian's effort, Apple's solution takes it to a much more advanced level.

iMovie features support for photo, video, music, sound effects, themes, transitions and much more, making it the definitive smartphone and tablet editing suite.

 

Pano ($1.99)

Taking panoramic photos needn't be a convoluted process involving a computer and stitching, as Pano proves.

The recipient of numerous awards, Pano takes 360-degree panoramas with up to 16 photos for a maximum resolution of 6800 by 800.

 

Easy K53 ($3.99)

Many people don't have too much trouble passing their learner's licence test, but the K53 application is still useful nonetheless.

Easy K53 helps wannabe motorists practice while also giving users a few tests, making it a great alternative to the actual K53 handbook.

 

Camera+ ($0.99)

Although iOS 5 features most of the camera functionality of Camera+, the app still has plenty of other standout features.

Camera+ features 6X digital zoom, touch exposure and focus, grid support and a variety of visual effects, making it a great companion for budding photographers.

 

WolframAlpha ($1.99)

Although Google rules the roost when it comes to queries, WolframAlpha still a pretty fantastic piece of software.

The mobile application lets users submit a variety of queries, from crossword puzzle answers to chemical equations, making it worth the $2 price-tag.

 

White Noise ($1.99)

This nifty application, featured in the NY Times, Washington Post and other publications, claims to help users fall asleep.

White Noise features over 40 sounds, such as waves crashing, rain and ambient crowd noise, making it worth a look if you're suffering from insomnia.

 

WhatsApp (first year free)

While BlackBerry fans have BlackBerry Messenger, other smartphone owners have WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular mobile messaging platforms.

WhatsApp allows users to message each other across smartphone platforms, using a cheap data connection instead of the expensive SMS service.