The world of Apple iPad apps is wonderful with more and more being created for all aspects of work, entertainment and for keeping in touch. Right now, there are over 400,000 apps available for download at the Apple iTunes Store. However, as can be expected, there will be lots of duds among the gems and everyone has their own favorites. So here is our pick of some of the more useful apps you can consider getting from their 8 categories, namely Social Networking, Business, Communication, Games, Entertainment, Creativity, News, Reference, and Information, and Reading.
1. Things
What this nifty app does is to organize your day to day activities such as things to do and errands to run. You can add a list for future errands and project lists with its well designed and easy to use interface. Best of all, you can sync Things app with your iPhone or Mac which is a god-send for Mac users who are always busy and need an integrated user experience.
2. Moviefone Movies
If you are a movie fan who loves watching movie trailers, this app is for you. But it is not just getting new trailers and information on date releases on your iPad as this app supports AirPlay to watch trailers on Apple TV. You can read reviews about the movie, news and social media blogs including tweets about the movie. Its continuous play mode is an added plus that movie lovers can appreciate for a smooth user experience. Users can also share a movie they like on Facebook or Twitter. And of course, if you want to book tickets, you can check which theatres are playing the movie.
3. Calorie Counter
Staying healthy is big these days and more of us are becoming very health conscious, seeking more information on a certain type of food or checking the product contents before deciding on our purchase. With this app, iPad and iPhone users can create their health plans and diet lists. Besides telling you your daily needs for vitamins and nutrients, there are also over 50,000 recipes for you to try, so your healthy meals need never be boring. This health app can monitor important aspects of your health such as your blood pressure, blood sugar and daily water consumption presented in colourful graphs.
4. Google Apps Browser
With this app, you have instant access to over 20 Google apps on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Besides checking Gmail, you can chat with friends using Gtalk in addition to keeping in touch via Facebook and Twitter. And of course, you join in Google Plus, the social media site to share Youtube videos and enjoy free text messages, not to mention other cool Google apps such as Google Maps, Google Doc and many others.
5. PhotoToaster
Almost all hand-held devices come with a built-in camera and not some third rate toy camera either. The iPad 2 for instance, is equipped with not one but two cameras designed for FaceTime video conferencing. Additionally, you can also use the iPad to take pictures or HD video so it makes sense to have an app that allows you to edit and process your photos. Its interface is easy to use for applying effects in a non-destructive mode, so go wild with your creativity as you edit your photos. After you are done, you can share your photos with friends on the many social media sharing options.
6. World Of Goo
Tired of Angry Birds? Plants and Zombies becoming lame? Welcome to the World of Goo where you use, you guessed it - goo to help in building structures, bridges, cannonballs, zepplins and giant tongues. The wonderful weirdness does not stop there. Every level introduces new creatures in literally out-of-this-world environments. You can also compete with players from around the world to build the highest towers of goo.
7. SoundPrism
Who doesn't love music? Many not only listen to music but also want to make their own music and this app helps you do just that, without the need to have a music background. Using the iPad as your own personal music studio is an experience that budding composers will love. It is like hiring a group of musicians to jam with. But this app is not just for the novice. Professional musicians will appreciate features such as pitch control, chord patterns and intuitive controls. Plus you can save your music creation as a ringtone or share with friends.
8. Experts And Consultants
There are times when we find outselves in situations when we could use some professional advice on things that you would rather not discuss with friends. Here is where this app comes in handy as it connects you to consultants from all over the world who are experts in their field to help you with some advice. There are over 1265 categories of experts available so it's quite unlikely that you would not be able to find one that can help you out.
9. Jump Desktop
Say you are out and about with your iPad and need something from your PC. This app lets you access and use your laptop or desktop from anywhere. You can even use your iPad while connected to your PC. The process is painless too. Simply log onto your Google account and download the app onto your iPad and you can get connected to your PC in minutes. This remote desktop app is a great way to help friends who are have trouble with their PCs too.
10. Google Earth
Travel the world where ever you are without incurring the cost of an air ticket, nor being stuck in an airplane for hours. This app has been around for a while and is now available on the iPad. If you have used it before, See the earth with a few swipes in high resolution graphics. Enhanced search features for the iPad makes the experience even better than on your PC.
And there you have it - our top picks for iPad apps. You probably have a very different list of favorites but you will definitely find it worthwhile to check out the above.
See how you can try for free iPads here.