This is the kind of Starbucks news I actually enjoy: A positive step into our lives. After so many months of beating up the company (Search “Starbucks” in blog), I’m pleased to see they entered the free world of iPhone Apps. Yes, it is becoming crystal clear that the Apps that grab the greatest headlines, and probably the most loyal customers are also Free. Those that are costly have a more defined, limited audience, and make you think long (and hard) about spending the money.

The first App, Starbucks Card Mobile, lets you do all the in-store/computer card applications with your mobile device: You can check your balance and, of course, reload. The latter option, if done with a Visa card, comes with a $5 bonus–Hurry, that’s true or as they say, “while supplies last.”

The other app is your personalized go-to App “myStarbucks.” You can test with a simple query: I’m at the corner of X and Y, help where is the closest Starbucks? Or you can keep track of your favorite drink configurations–who knew you liked a half-caff, skim latte with a shot of vanilla? Easy-peasy.

As we move further into our mobile universe, these are the types of Apps that make the transition easy.