Here is my take on the most essential 3rd-party iPhone Apps. Stock apps like Mail, iPod, Photos, Safari, and web shortcuts  do not count.

Facebook

If you use Facebook, than Facebook App is a must-have. It lets you easily navigate and socialize on the world’s most popular and fastest growing social network.

Nimbuzz (and Skype)

Since the days of ICQ, we have been IMing. And we have been IMing on multiple networks. Nimbuzz has a great user interface, works with most of the networks out there and it is free. Since I haven’t been able to get VOIP to work, you can assist it with Skype too.

Twitterfon

The twitter frenzy is on. You must be living an offline life if you haven’t heard of the web’s latest craze. Get online or talk to some nerds around you and go to twitter.com (don’t forget to follow me @alpayerturkmen). Twitterfon is the best free twitter client for the iPhone IMHO. If you are more into it, try the Retweet app to follow the most re-tweeted. The app was free when I grabbed it, but may be paid at the momen

Wapedia

Oooh, the sweet satisfaction of reaching the information – fast. Wikiamo, Quickpedia and Wapedia are some of the apps that let you quickly and easily wander around Wikipedia. Wapedia, of all those three has the best looking and performing GUI.

Stanza (and Kindle)

Though not as full featured (in terms of functionality and screen size) as the Kindle, iPhone is a great place to read. Either grab great free titles accessible through Stanza, or use Kindle App for iPhone from Amazon.

Do you have more apps that you can’t live without? Please feel free to comment.