I’ve only had my iPad 2 for a couple months now and haven’t fully dove in and used it in my daily life. I plan to use it a lot at/for work. What’s the hold up? I’m waiting on my custom wood smart cover that’s just now on it’s way to me from the shop in Holland. I have tinkered around with the new iPad enough to find some great apps and am sharing those discoveries below.

Dropbox

Having free HD space in the cloud to keep files and documents close at hand, no matter what device I view it on, is a great thing for me as a designer, photographer and media junkie.

 

FIFA 11

I’ve been a long-time EA Sports FIFA fan. This iPad game was recently on sale for $0.99, so I snagged it and have been quite pleased with the controls, graphics and overall experience. Goal!

 

Flixster

I used to be a loyal IMDB user until I discovered Flixster. To me, it offers an easy, quick experience with access to reviews by Rotten Tomatoes and other viewers. Top notch app!

 

Flipboard

Flipboard is pretty much all the magazine I need. It’s really slick in how it pulls in all sorts of feeds into my personal, customized pubs for me to flip through. It may just be my overall favorite app.

 

Netflix

Have been very used to using Netflix on my iPhone. On the iPad that extra space and additional features are very much appreciated. This is a must-have.

 

Pinball HD

This is a great-looking, well-animated, simple to control pinball game. The physics seem true, the variety is there and the sounds are great. A fun way to pass time and sharpen reflexes.

 

Procreate

This finger painting/drawing app is slick. The interface is really intuitive and simple. Select brushes, colors, layers and other tools with ease and make great images in no time.

 

TED

Instant intrigue, education and inspiration. This app offers a boat load of great, short talks on a wide variety of interesting topics. A goldmine of nuggets for the brain!

 

Tiger Woods 12

This iPad game was recently on sale for $0.99 so I made it mine. It’s a solid golf game that is very nice on the eyes, easy to control and moves along at a good clip. Excellent way to spend a few spare minutes.

 

Zillow

Awesome real estate app that is very easy to control and zip through tons of properties. Only wish it was global (not just U.S.) and that the photos were higher quality. Still lots of fun.

 

I’ve had the iPhone 4 since it was released. I’ve gone bonkers downloading and trying out highly-rated free apps and the occasional paid ones. There are a bunch that I’d like to recommend here. These rock!

Cut The Rope

One of the most ingenious, simple, addicting puzzle games since Tetris, IMO. This game is very easy to understand, yet challenging to master. Great graphics, gameplay, animation and creativity. Woot!

 

DI Radio

Digitally Imported radio is a great music app with a good variety of categorized radio feeds for whatever (digital) mood you find yourself in. Audio quality and UI is great.

 

Dropbox

Having free HD space in the cloud to keep files and documents close at hand, no matter what device I view it on is a great thing for me as a designer, photographer and media junkie.

 

Flixster

I use this app in Google Chrome (desktop), on my iPad and on my iPhone. On the phone, I use this app mostly for checking new releases and movie times. My fave movie app.

 

GasBuddy

Cheapskates, unite! There are so many choices for where to fill up these days. Might as well get the best value, right? This app sniffs out the lowest prices in my vicinity. Love it. Savin’ money…

 

iMotivator

Leroy Smith is nuts – in the funniest way. This app is loaded with non-nonsensical goofiness in video and soundbite form. Always good for a grin or replay. “Two inch power punch, hyaaahhhh!”

 

Instagram

Makes dull smartphone pics a bit more interesting. Powerful to instantly share tidbits of daily life to your social circles. Love it when it’s embraced as an instant sharing tool – not so much when people post pics from existing SLR shots.

 

Mint

I use this app quite a bit – checking account balances, deposits, spending, stats, etc. This is my wallet. Such a great tool for up to the minute data. Really wish there was a version for the iPad with budgets. Waiting…

 

Netflix

Couldn’t imagine watching a full movie on a small screen, but this works great for 22-minute TV episodes. A great time filler. Must-have.

 

Peggle

Fun, colorful, simple game – loaded with lots of variety and additional challenges. Plays surprisingly well on the small screen. Great sound effects and dramatic end level sequences.

 

Photosynth

Capture a simple panoramic image or create a fully-interactive 360° experience with ease. I really love how it auto-detects during capture and how fast it is at stitching and creating the final image. Bravo!

 

Skee-Ball

My childhood summers involved a bunch of Skee-ball action at the area amusement parks. This little iPhone game helps me hold on to that nostalgia. Simple, good-looking, addictive!

 

Skobbler

What a great visual GPS app here! Full 3D graphics that update in real-time, simple interface and um… FREE. I’ve used this app quite a few times. It’s always rocked!

 

Viber

FREE phone calls and text messaging thanks to Viber. Great interface, no ads, no international charges, loaded with great features. A heck of an app here! Thanks, Eric.