The
iPad has arrived – and that means deciding which apps you should purchase and download right away.
We tested the launch apps when the iPad became available in the US and we've ranked them below based on how they test out, if they make use of the larger screen, and any added perks.
When the iPad became available in the UK, we trawled the UK App Store to pick our favourite free iPad apps, paid-for iPad apps, free iPad games and paid-for iPad games. You'll find links to all those round-ups at the end of this article.
1. Kindle for iPad
Why list a free e-book reader as the top pick when Apple's own iBook is included? Ask anyone who owns a Kindle – with
this free app, you can download every book and magazine you have ever purchased for free and read them on the iPad.
The Kindle reader doesn't have the annoying grayscale book spine of the iBook reader, and books through Amazon are cheaper. There's also a much wider selection. And, one of the best ways to use the iPad is for reading books, mags, and newspapers.
2. Blackboard Mobile Learn
The second free app that tops our list,
Blackboard Mobile Learn is a classroom learning tool where teachers can make assignments, interact with students, write blogs, and post grades. It requires a backend infrastructure. Currently available only for higher-ed schools, Blackboard will add K-12 support by June.
3. Scrabble
Scrabble is another app that is just an ideal fit for the iPad. The classic word-cross board game is well-designed with wooden tiles that look realistic. With the accurate touchscreen control, it is easy to slide tiles around on screen.
4. Groovemaker
Groovemaker is like having a DJ on your iPad. There's an easy to way to record and mix loops, add drum parts, and adjust sound levels to make a song. Samples clips sound great, especially on earbuds. The app is ideal for live music at parties as well.
5. Things
We know all about
Things – the well-regarded task manager for iPhone and Mac. On the iPad, once again the app just has a new life because it's like carrying around a clipboard with all your to-do items in one easy-to-access bucket.
6. Fieldrunners
Fieldrunners – the classic tower defense game for iPhone where you drop cannons to shoot advancing armies – has always needed some extra screen real estate. On iPad, the game looks crisp and colorful, but most importantly there is more room to plan out your strategy and divide up your units in a logical array.
7. Netflix
Netflix is on so many devices it is becoming a legitimate standard for streaming movies over the internet. (It's on the Roku player, Samsung BD-C6500 Blu-Ray player, and many others.) Now,
it is on the iPad, and it works: you can even set up a movie queue and search for films and shows, unlike other embedded devices that force you to add instant movies to your queue on your PC only.
8. Pianist Pro
MooCowMusic got an early jump with its iPhone port of
this useful piano tool. On the iPad, the keys are large enough to actually play a real song. There's plenty of sampled piano sounds – even a church organ – and a quick way to record.
9. WeatherBug Elite
WeatherBug Elite is a perfect example of why the iPad is changing computing: it shows a well-detailed map of your exact location, forecasts, video, and even camera feeds from your area. There are even contour maps for wind speed and temp.
10. FlightTrack Pro
This iPhone port works exceptionally well on the iPad, mostly because you can see a large map that shows your flight departure and arrival. Pop-ups after you enter the flight info remind you about when the flight is ready to take off.
10:41
Mike
