Start Pages

Netvibes (www.netvibes.com)
Netvibes is a start page that is AJAX to the max. Draggable windows you can edit are what you start with, and no account is required to start using it right away. You can have a price watcher, your Gmail account readily available, RSS from any site to keep updated with news, and many more features. My favorite is the Flickr slideshow with any tag you give it. No refreshing at all, thanks to the AJAX technology being fully utilized. A to-do list and Google search are also readily available at your fingertips. Netvibes is the best start page for those getting into the Web 2.0 movement; nothing out there beats it.

Collaboration / Word Processing

Writeboard (www.writeboard.com)
Have you ever wanted a web-based word processor where multiple people can login and share ideas? Writeboard does that and a whole lot more. You can start a board very quickly and easily and invite your co-writers to join in and help brainstorm with you. RSS updates are available for your board so you know when changes have been made, a very nice feature. Another great feature is the ability to have multiple versions of a document so you can roll back if needed. You can export your board into a text file or e-mail, too, for quick access and sharing.

Maps/Directions

Google Maps (maps.google.com)
The search giant takes the cake here with their insanely cool map software. All AJAX-based, Google Maps allows you to view the layout of any city or place in the world. You can view a satellite photo of the area and zoom in, or just see which roads and streets are where. Directions are now easier to read and find because the software works so well. The Google Maps' API allows web developers endless creativity with their mapping software. Used with Google Local (see below), it's an unstoppable tool you'll always come back to.

Local Directories

Google Local (www.google.com/local)
Enter your address and a keyword and that's all. You're done. Google will do the rest. If you're looking for Mexican food in the area, just use Google Local. A list will go down the left hand side of the page, while a Google Map on the right hand side shows markers of restaurants near you. It's great for finding places you never knew existed in your area. Google Local is an excellent way to find restaurants and places to go that are close to you or in an area you've never been to.

Chat/IM

Meebo (www.meebo.com)
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to have a great idea; Meebo is an awesome example. Meebo is an AJAX-based chat client with which you can use AIM, Google Talk, Jabber, ICQ, and more. A great aqua-like interface and the ability to do all of this without technology such as Java is a real asset when on the go. No refreshing occurs while dragging around IM windows or viewing your friend's information. The chat works great, too, and is perfect for people who are not allowed to install chat clients on work computers. You can even set messages away and leave your browser window open. It's a very valuable tool that won't leave any breadcrumbs, letting people know you were chatting it up.