It has been around eight months since the Apple launched the iPad and during that time there’s no doubt that you have read tons of reviews praising and dismissing the iPad as a truly revolutionary product. Whatever your thoughts are, there is no doubt that the iPad has had a tremendous impact on the mobile computing industry, specifically mobile computing for the corporate world.
On the surface, the iPad doesn’t seem to have a lot of the features one would require in a device suited for the business environment. There are no built-in Ethernet or USB ports, limited storage, no multi-tasking, and the requirement to exist in iTunes. However, huge sales to corporate entities and literally thousands of productivity apps coupled with a 10 hour battery life and extreme portability may make you think twice if you’re in the market for a mobile device for your business.
If you’re reading this, chances are you already own an iPad or you are in the market for a mobile device. Either way I thought it would be a great idea to introduce you to nine must-have business apps for the iPad.
Omnigraffle – Omnigraffle is a great app which will basically convert your iPad to a drawing board. Want to draw a diagram, flow chart, a graph or just want to show your new idea to your colleagues? Omnigraffle can do all of this for you and a lot more. The app is priced at $49.99 and completely worth it. To learn more about Omnigraffle, check out the iTunes description and read the reviews.
Flight Track Pro– If you travel a lot for business then Flight Track Pro needs to be in your Home Screen. This $9.99 app imports real-time data from flights all around the world. You can set your flight’s schedule in the app and Flight tracker will keep you updated with the current flight times, weather reports and route. To learn more about this App visit the App Store.
LogMeIn Ignition– Instantly access your Mac or PC remotely from your iPad using LogMeIn ignition. You just need to install LogMeIn software on the PC or Mac you want to access and then log in to LogMeIn Ignition from your mobile device. The app costs $29.99 and is must if you want to be able to access your computers from anywhere in the world. Download from the App Store.
iWork Suite – iWork Suite as Apple calls it, is a set of apps similar to Office that allow you to create and edit documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. The three apps were designed for touch interfaces so they are really easy to use. The three apps are sold separately as Pages, Numbers and Keynote. Pages is the word processor, Numbers the spreadsheet app and Keynote is a presentation app. Each app is priced at $9.99 each and can be purchased on the App Store.
Download Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.
Quickoffice Connect – If you are not a fan of the iWork suite then you might want to try Quickoffice. Like iWork, Quickoffice allows you to edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The biggest difference between these two apps is that Quickoffice does have more features and doesn’t require three separate purchases. You can also access files from Google Docs, Box.net, Dropbox, and more. Quickoffice runs for $24.95 and can be purchased on the App Store.
iAnnotate PDF – As the name suggests iAnnotate PDF is an annotation tool and PDF reader/editor app for the iPad. With iAnnotate PDF you can open your PDF files and then edit, add notes, highlight the text, draw graphs, charts and a lot more. You can buy this app for $9.99 from the App Store.
Dropbox – If you are a fan of Dropbox and use it to access and synchronize your files remotely you are going to love Dropbox for the iPad. It’s free and allows you access all of your files with a push of a button. Download Dropbox for free from the App Store.
Time Master + Billing – A powerful time management app that will help you keep track of your time. The app contains a lot of useful features. You can track your time per client or project. You can categorize projects into tasks and subcategories. The app also tracks billing and other pertinent information. You can buy the app for $9.99 from the App Store.
Evernote – Forget taking notes on napkins, with Evernote on the iPad and on your phone you will never forget anything. Evernote is an app that makes it easy to keep track of your ideas, to-do’s, notes, snapshots, and more. Best of all you get to synchronize all of your notes across almost all devices, your iPad included. So next time you have that great big idea make sure to grab your iPad and jot it down in Evernote. Evernote is free and can be downloaded from the App Store.
David Smith works for Conversion Optimization Company Invesp and enjoys writing about SEO, landing pages, conversion rate optimization and affiliate marketing.
