Calls & Texting
Aside from the obvious music storage (thus replacing the iPod), what else can the iPad do? Not only can you make calls and send messages from your iPad, but you can do it for free. There are several options available for this, allowing you to replace your costly Apple or Verizon plan with your iPhone with free apps on your iPad.
Skype*
Skype was one of the first internet calling based applications, and undoubtedly still one of the best. Although they have yet to come out with an app specifically formatted for the iPad, the iPhone version works just as well. It offers free calls to other Skype users, regardless of whether they’re calling from a Mac, PC, iPod…and so on. Also, it offers free international calls to other Skype users. It has affordable credit purchasing options to use if you need to call a landline or cell phone, too. While the iPad can call both ways, it only receives video feedback, due to its lack of a camera. Only the iPad 2 offers true face-to-face chat over Skype.
EasyTalk*
EasyTalk offers free calls, both domestic and international, to fellow EasyTalk users. This app is based off of your Facebook contacts.
HeyWire
A popular texting option for not only fellow HeyWire users but for sending free SMS messages to anyone in over 45 countries, HeyWire has been a great replacement for paid texting services through the cellphone companies. HeyWire is also available for free on the iPad, making it the perfect alternative to texting on a cellphone.
TextNow
This is a widely-used app that allows users to send and receive unlimited text and picture messages for free. You are given a free phone number to use, and there are also free or cheap call services available.
Textie Messaging
This free app also allows you to send and receive text/picture messages from anyone. For Just $1.99, you can turn off the ads, too.
Tribair*
This free app is unique in that it not only allows users to make free calls over the internet to other fellow users, but it offers text, picture, and video messaging!
Other useful apps you may want to consider include: Vtok, textPlus (up to $4.99), Mobyler*, and GV Connect ($2.99). All in all, paying for monthly minutes and text message fees are becoming a thing of the past with these useful apps. The only advantage the smartphone has over an iPad would be its compact size.
Documents
Pages
At just $9.99, is one of the best investments you can make as an iPad owner. There are sixteen different page styles to help you create anything from normal documents, resumes, letters, flyers, reports, and more. Documents can be saved as Pages, PDF, or Word Documents, and easily exported to a variety of outlets. There is bluetooth technology available to those wishing to buy a separate keyboard, thus transforming your iPad into a full-blown laptop. Creating, working on, and saving documents is effortless with Pages, making it no different than a regular computer.
FileApp
For document viewing, FileApp offers fantastic storing capabilies, which also allow you to organize all of your documents in whichever way you please. It supports most file types and even allows you to archive webpages for easy offline viewing. It even includes a media player. Best of all: this is all completely free.
Keynote
For Powerpoint-type presentations, there is Keynote, a priceless app priced at just $9.99. There are hundreds of different design and animating options available, making this the go-to app for anyone needing to create a professional-looking presentation from their iPad.
Numbers
Numbers allows you to create extensive spreadsheets within minutes with your iPad. There are over 16 different templates currently available, and over 250 functions (including a practical guide for anyone needing help finding their way around the app). Finished spreadsheets can be saved in Numbers, Excel, or PDF formats. The price, like the others in its range, is $9.99.
Camera
With the iPad 2’s camera capabilities, you now have another option. Uploading photos to various sites and emailing them to family and friends takes just seconds, making memory cards and troublesome downloading a thing of the past.
Fun and useful apps to enhance your photography experience include:
Camera Flash Pro Effects HD ($0.99)
This app allows the user to changing the lighting settings on pictures for prime results.
Adobe Photoshop Express (free)
This adobe app allows the user to improve, edit, and customize pictures on the go.
Live FX Lite (free)
Live FX Lite allows you to add cool and interesting special effects to the pictures stored in your iPad.
E-Book Reader
For those looking to read electronic versions of their favorite books and newspapers, there are free Kindle apps from Amazon and Nook apps from Barnes and Noble available to iPad users. Other options include Kobo eBooks (free), QuickReader ($4.99), and Ebook Reader (free).
With the right apps, you can now make your iPad your go-to device for any need, be it texting a friend, calling a family member, or writing a business letter. With newer and better apps coming out everyday, your iPad’s usefulness will only improve over time.
* – iPhone apps that work on iPad
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Those look like good apps.
Here are some more:
AttachMe
It’s a special iPad attachment that hooks right onto your chest hairs for easy portability at the beach.
BonMots
How many times do you fervently wish you’d had a clever comeback or repartee when you needed it? BonMots supplies you with the wit you lack.
More whimsical apps are at Thinking Out Loud, http://marperl.blogspot.com/2011/03/latest-apps-for-ipad2.html