If you are reading this article, chances are strong that you are technologically savvy. Either you’ve bought an iPad, are thinking about it, or are dreaming of the possibility. In any case, you are likely wondering if the iPad is just a fancy toy, or if it is a powerful personal branding tool like we’ve never seen before. I’m leaning towards the latter – check out these ten iPad apps and decide for yourself.
[Note to you: Check out this similar article on Personal Branding Blog that beat me to the punch by a few hours. Note to self: Publish your posts immediately!]
1. WordPress (free)
Admittedly, blogging from the iPhone version of WordPress was a tall task due to the small size of the keyboard. Now, the experience is not unlike blogging from a desktop or laptop. Check out Ben Parr’s Mashable article detailing one of the first blog posts written via the iPad.
2. Tweetdeck (free)
Tweetdeck has always been my favorite desktop Twitter app. Given that the folks at Tweetdeck are always one step ahead of the curve, it comes as no surprise that their iPad app was ready immediately, and launched without a hitch. If your motto is “Give me Twitter or give me death”, this app is for you.
3. Sketchnotes ($2.99)
When I first heard of the iPad, I wondered how long it would take to create an app that allowed for both typing and manual “writing” of notes. The answer? It took no time at all, as Sketchnotes was available immediately. Here is a video of Sketchnotes in action.
4. Kindle (free)
In 2010, books aren’t dead – they are just “different”. In fact, technology like the iPad may actually help the book industry long-term, not hurt it. Going on a beach vacation? Bring one iPad, not a suitcase full of books. Which leads me to #5…
5. iBooks (free)
At the outset, many will stick with the Kindle app they know and love – but eventually, Apple’s own iBooks will likely rule the digital book scene. Incorporating with iTunes, your music, movie, and book libraries will all become one. Efficient, cheaper, and better for the environment. Can’t argue with that!
6. Box.net (free)
Today’s version of “the dog ate my homework” is “I can’t access the file”. And you know what? Box.net pretty much blows that excuse out of the water. With the web-based service of box.net, you can store all your content and access it via desktop, mobile, and yes…even iPad. Saving to desktop is out, storing “in the clouds” is in.
7. Evernote (free)
All the cool kids today are in love with Evernote, and the iPad version is only going to take that love to a new level. Evernote is a cloud-based application that allows you to take notes, pictures, and audio recordings, and store them by date, category, or location. Never let another brilliant idea slip into oblivion – capture it with Evernote.
8. Dragon Dication (free)
Dragon Dictation is a simple, yet brilliant, application that is truly the wave of the future. You speak, it types, you use the text however you like – text message, e-mail, blog post, whatever. With Dragon Dication, “write” your next blog article while laying on the couch. How is that for productivity!
My only caveat is that the speech-to-text function is not perfect. But, with the iPad’s larger keyboard, editing is now a breeze. Check it out in action.
9. Feeddler RSS (free)
My Google Reader feed has replaced any traditional outlet as my #1 source for news. Completely customizable, I cut through the clutter and read only what I want to read. Why use Feeddler RSS for iPad instead of simply accessing Google Reader directly? Because it stores and syncs your feeds for offline use while you are away from wifi or 3G. Brilliant!
10. iWork ($10 per app)
The iWork suite combines Keynote, Numbers, and Pages – roughly equivalent to PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. In a world where we demand everything be free, $30 seems like a steep price for the lot. But, the ability to create powerful documents and presentations from a park bench is priceless, so let’s not squabble.
Given the fluid and ever-changing nature of technology today, this list of top iPad apps might be outdated by the time you read this. Picture and video related apps are noticeably absent, as the iPad has no camera. Facebook and Linkedin do not presently offer official iPad apps. Expect that to change.
What do you think? Does owning an iPad offer a competitive advantage, or is it just another shiny toy that serves as a distraction?
Photo credit, www.Apple.com.
