You just Jailbroke your iPhone/iPad running iOS 5 and you open Cydia to find thousands of apps staring you in the face. What do you install? What will work with your phone? Well, I hope I can shed some light on this for you.

I have a minimalist approach to Cydia because you can create some issues by doing too much. The following collection of apps I have tested myself and have not had any conflicts. Most of these apps are to help you with day to day tasks and overall improve your iOS experience. 

SBSettings

(Free, Default repos)

This is an absolute must have for any iDevice. SBSettings offers an easy way to access most iPhone Settings from any app without going through the hassle of exiting the app and launching the Settings app or digging through setting menus.

This tweak has only gotten better with iOS 5 now that you can integrate it with your Notification Center. To enable this go to Settings > Notifications > SBSettings > Notification Center.

 

FakeClockUp 

(Free, Add repo repo.insanelyi.com)

This is another absolute must have for any iDevice, especially if you are using an iPad. This tweak will make your iOS experience seem snappier without overclocking. The tweak will not change any hardware settings, but rather alters the UI animation speeds so that transitions and other animations will occur quicker. You have multiple options for speeds, but I prefer the standard x2.5. You can adjust this under  Settings > FakeUpClock

 

ManualCorrect Pro

($0.99, Default repos)

This is the last absolute must have for any iDevice. With this you can take 100% control of your autocorrect from what, how, and when it does it. I mainly use this app for the custom dictionary. You can simply Settings > ManualCorrect > Add Dictionary Item.. and never send an awkward text message again.

 

Remove Background + SBSettings Toggle

(Free, Default repos)

I hate opening my task switcher and seeing a list of unused apps. Remove Background easily and in one step removes all apps from the task switcher. This will also kill all app processes too. I added Remove Background SBSettings Toggle so I can easily access this from the SBSettings drop down in Notification Center. If you do not have SBSettings installed, WeeKillBackground is a great, simple, free alternative.

 

BiteSMS

(Free, Default repos)

This is simply the best texting client for any iDevice.  BiteSMS has more features and it is much quicker to compose or reply to messages. Some of the extra features are Quick Reply, Quick Compose, Scheduled Messages, Auto-Forward, Auto-Retry, Passcode Lock, Privacy, Delivery Reports, Contact Pics, Easy Pick Smileys, Templates, Signatures… Use biteSMS as a complete souped-up replacement to the built-in Messages application on iPhone and iPod devices.

 

MyWi

($19.99, Default repos)

Must have internet tethering app. Create an iPhone WiFi HotSpot or iPad WiFi HotSpot with a press of a finger. You can connect your laptop or other mobile device to your iPhone/iPad easily to use your iPhone/iPad’s data connection. MyWi 5.0 will work with all jailbroken iPhones and iPad on iOS5.

 

WinterBoard

(Free, Default repos)

This is a very powerful theming tool used to customize and transform the look and feel of your iDevice. This application runs in the background and handles everything from basic SpringBoard themes (Wallpaper, Dock, StatusBar, & Icons) all the way up to complete themes that customize the entire system UI (Buttons, Backgrounds, & Sounds). WinterBoard also has the ability to theme individual applications which are usually referred to as App Themes.

 

Infinifolders

($1.99, Default repos)

Don’t get stuck with only 12 icons in your folders. Infinifolders removes that restriction and lets you add as many as you want to any folder. It also comes with a lot of other options for full customization.

 

Barrel

($2.99, Default repos)

This is a great tweak that adds some character to your iDevice. Barrel adds transition effects to your springboard (Icon Grid) when switching pages.  You have many to choose from under Settings > Barrel