We've only known about it for a few days, but already the iPad is making us wonder what kind of experience it will offer. One of its most compelling features is its ability to run iPhone applications without any changes being made to the original application. In other words, all 140,000 apps that already work on the iPhone and iPod Touch will work with the iPad when it's released.
But out of that group of 140,000 applications, there are far fewer than we would really like to see on the iPad. It's not that many of those applications are awful, but some certainly stand above the others as programs that would be ideal for a tablet computer. Realizing that, we've sifted through the App Store to find 10 applications that we just can't wait to see on the iPad. Some are fun, others are designed for productivity. But in either case, they would be ideal for any iPad user.
Let's take a look:
1. SmartNotes
SmartNotes is a fine application for the businessperson on the go. The app allows users to quickly input and arrange notes and to-do lists. It's an ideal application for the iPad. Apple is marketing the device as a mobile companion. When folks are going mobile and tasks come up, they need an application to help them keep tabs on their life. SmartNotes is a great candidate, especially since a version of the app is offered for free.
2. Twitterific
Although there is a paid version of Twitterific available for $4.99, the application's free version should satisfy any iPad user. Twitterific allows users to track what's happening on Twitter, respond to direct messages, and most importantly, tweet from the device. Twitterific is a fine mobile companion on the iPhone. There's no reason to suggest it wouldn't be just as useful on the iPad.
3. WifiTrak
WifiTrak is one of the most useful applications any user can have on their iPhone. And since the iPad will also boast Wi-Fi support, the $0.99 app should be just as useful on that device. WifiTrak finds Wi-Fi hotspots across the U.S. When a user searches for hotspots, all the available locations are listed. It also says if a connection can be trusted. It's a handy companion to have when traveling.
4. Evernote
Evernote is perfect for any iPad user. The app allows users to clip text from Web sites, capture audio, and even take pictures that can be used as notes for later use. Best of all, those saved notes are synced across all Evernote installations, meaning users who have it on the Web, on their iPhone, and on their iPad will be able to see all saved materials in each spot.
5. TomTom USA
TomTom USA might not seem like an obvious choice for the iPad, but it might be ideal for the device. The application, which costs $59.99, provides full TomTom navigation to any destination in the U.S. It even features Points of Interest and, of course, turn-by-turn directions. The app works well on the iPhone, but it's a small screen. It would be much better suited on the iPad's larger display.
6. Pandora
Pandora is one of the best free music applications in the App Store. The app asks users to pick an artist or song and plays other music that's similar to those choices. Typically, the app delivers an outstanding musical experience that similar applications can't match. The only problem with Pandora is that it's playing music on the iPhone's sub-par speakers. Chances are, all those tracks will sound much better on the iPad.
7. Zagat to Go
Zagat to Go might be a little expensive—it costs $9.99—but the application delivers an outstanding recommendation service that would be ideal for the iPad. When a user loads Zagat to Go, they can search for the organization's recommendations for restaurants based on cuisine, type of dinner, and much more. The app even has a Google StreetView element built-in, allowing users to see a location before they get there.
8. Google Earth
Google Earth is a fine companion to any smartphone or computer. The iPad would be no different. Thanks to the device's touch screen, iPad users could easily flip around the world to check out important locations. And since the application is free, its price shouldn't stop anyone from adding it to Apple's latest product.
9. WeatherBug
Finding accurate weather information isn't always easy. That's where WeatherBug comes in. The app is certainly not the most flashy application in the store, but it's the kind of service that would be perfect for the iPad. Apple iPad owners that are on-the-go will need to know what the weather is like at their destination. WeatherBug provides comprehensive information, including current condition, forecasts, and even radar. It's a must-have for the iPad. Plus, it's free.
10. iWallet
iWallet might cost $4.99, but it's one of the best income and expense trackers on the iPhone. The app allows users to input all the cash they have received over a period of time, as well as how much they've doled out to bills and other expenses. Users can also view graphs. Any computer needs a solid financial-management application and the iPad is no different. The iWallet can deliver that.
