Must Have iPad Applications #1-5

If you have recently bought a new iPad I have some “must have” apps you should start out with. Of course, some apps you may wonder why they are so “must have” and argue that you don’t need them. Ok, you just might not. This is my list and there may be more that you would suggest (please do so in the comments). This is the first 5 and I will post more in chunks of 5 in the future. For what it’s worth, here’s my list:

This is the app, next to Google, that will teach you pretty much anything. Wikipedia is very accurate and way more up to date than the Encyclopedia you have on your book shelf. There are things that may contain errors but it’s just as accurate as a traditional Encyclopedia. Here’s a article and links to studies on it. Anyway, I like it and it’s a great way to solve arguments or have ready to teach your kids when they have those repeating “Why?” moments. Price: Free

Simplenote. I love this app. Yes, it is simple. A lot like the stock notes app. What’s great about this app is it syncs between other iPads, iPhones, iPod touches and even a web browser app. Price: Free

Flipboard is one of the apps that if it were the only app on the iPad, it would still be worth having an iPad. This app gives you access to your RSS feeds, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and all kinds of news and websites. What’s great about it is the way it both displays the info and interacts with touchscreen technology. With this app, you can consume a lot of information fast and effortlessly. All of this and it’s free!

If you’re using the previously mentioned app, Wikipanion, to search for a actor, tv show or movie and just can’t get all the info you want, you need the IMDb app. IMDb stands for Internet Movie Database. The app connects you to their website with loads of info on TV shows, movies, actors, and a lot more. It’s free and it’s great to have while sitting on the couch when you’re trying to figure out an actor’s name or what other movies they’ve been in.

The best Twitter app is, of course, from Twitter themselves. Originally called Tweetie, Twitter bought them and hired their original developer. It’s a smooth flowing app and supports multiple accounts. The in app browser is full featured and again, this app is free!