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All the hoopla has passed now since Apple's iPad has been released. I was
very skeptical in my first review of the
iPad, but I have changed my views. (Sigh)
The iPad is like leather interior on a car, you don't need it, but it sure is nice if you have it. There are
numerous reviews on the functionality and specifications on the iPad so I figured I would review the key ways I use my iPad.
32 GB iPad Wi-Fi (I would suggest to purchase the 3G though)
Main uses: reading, surfing the web, email and creating short presentations, notes, and gaming.
My favorite apps (in no particular order)
Updated April 24, 2010
AirVideo -Some apps just solve issues and this one does it well. I have a lot of movies in .avi format and I didn't want to convert all of them to the .m4v format for the iPad now I don't need to copy your videos to the device just to watch them.
Netflix-streaming movies right to your iPad and ordering DVD's from the app. This has to be in my top 3 list off iPad apps. This is one of the main reasons to love the iPad.
TweetDeck--I use this to access all of my twitter accounts on my desktop, iPhone and now it moves to my iPad. Tweetie, I like you but for now TweetDeck has it.
Keynote-I recently did a presentation and uses my iPad and it worked flawlessly. Now if you are doing major presentations I wouldn't use this, but for a few slides it works very well. I think the negative reviews are because people are expecting this to replace the keynote program on their laptop- and its not, but another way to do some quick presentations.
Goodreader--allows me to read and archive pdf's and transfer them back and forth to my Mac. It's a good utility app.
NPR--I am a news junkie and this app looks beautiful and works flawlessly and you can catch up with all the news of the day.
Pandora--free Radio, need I say more?
Games
Scrabble--I could play this all day, it's a great app on the iPhone and it gets better on the iPad.
Asphalt 5-I usually don't like racing games, but this game holds my attention and keeps it going.
iBooks--this app is what Steve Jobs debuted during his iPad keynote and it is very good, I just wish they had a better selection of books
Kindle--this app is ok, and the selection of books from Amazon.com is amazing, but I guess you can't really compete with an book app on Apple's device. I am sure they are retooling this.
For my kids
Doodle Buddy--keeps them drawing and quiet, but the app is really good.
Cat in the Hat--It reads the book to them and the graphics look so good.
A few more apps that I want to mention are:
WordBook XL-this app is very good especially if you like a good dictionary app and this one offers so much more.
AirSharing HD-this app offers you to share documents between computers.
Key vertical markets:
- Photographers-show off your work and portfolios easily at client meetings and presentations. Here is an interesting article that states more possibilities.
- Educators-Use it to download classic books and electronic textbooks.
Overall:
This device isn't necessary, but it is a nice addition, if you have the extra cash from your tax return or other income you may want to consider getting it. All in all, however, the iPad is an advance in making more-sophisticated computing possible via a simple touch interface on a light device. Only time will tell if it’s a real challenger to the laptop and netbook.
