Here is a brief list of iPad apps that still need to evolve further (or have yet to be made):
1. Facebook. There is no official facebook app yet. There are some decent pseudo facebook apps, but none that have all the features we've come to love in facebook yet.
2. Prezi. Yes, Prezi has an app! Yes, you can access your prezi's on the app. But prezi is mostly flash-based. iPad is flash un-friendly. So the prezi's I have made online using a computer only show the words from the prezi, nothing else. Lame. Reminds me of when web pages wouldn't load an image because the image was too big or 'broken'. AMENDMENT: Since this was posted, Prezi has fixed this issue! It now works almost exactly like you'd see it on a desktop or laptop. (The prezi folk must have been reading this blog)
3. iWork Suite. Although it is very nice to be able to access Pages, Keynote and Numbers on the iPad, the app versions are quite limited. After making the switch back to windows at my current school (de-evolution), I had many iWork docs that I couldn't access. The iWork Suite was my bridge to getting those files back. So in this regard, it is a nice tool... but creating docs on it isn't so much.
4. Skype. The iPad is setup perfectly already for skyping, yet there is no official iPad Skype app. There is only an iPod app that can be used on iPad, which works but does not take advantage of the bigger screen and power of the iPad. AMENDMENT: Since this was posted, Skype has been released for iPad!
forScore ($4.99) This is in my opinion the best music reader out there. My initial complaint was the lack of drop box integration within the program itself. HOWEVER - by opening dropbox, finding the .pdf to view, then selecting "open with", any .pdf file can be then opened in forScore. The best part about this music reader is the programs ability to pre-load the pages before you turn them, making for very quick page turns. Plus it just looks good. If you have ever played in a dark-lit room where you need a music stand light - eliminate this need by getting forScore app where your iPad IS the light.
iReal b($7.99)Previously iReal Book (changed to iReal b due to copyright issues), this lil' app is a MUST for the jazzers out there. It has many features in common with band-in-a-box. iReal b is an app that plays chord changes by providing the bass, drums and comping together so you can practice soloing. In order for this app to remain legal, they had to do 2 things: 1. Not include the melodies to any of the tunes (chord changes only) and 2. Not include any actual tunes. The only thing it comes with is patterns like ii-V-I in each key and rhythm changes, etc... HOWEVER - by visiting the iReal b forums on their web site using the iPad Safari browser, you can instantly add thousands of tunes right to the application in seconds.
Garage Band($4.99) I have to include this app simply because it is a great, fun app to mess around with. The best part about it is how it can appeal to musicians and non-musicians alike. For those who enjoy having control of every single aspect of making a recording to those who want the 'smart' versions of the instruments, all will enjoy making music on garage band. Those who want complete control can simply play the piano/guitar/drum set as they are. Those who need more help can select a groove, have the guitar play chords (rather than having to finger/fret them) and play piano chords (rather than actually playing the chords). So all levels are sure to enjoy it.
My favorite NON-MUSIC apps:
Animation Creator HD($1.99) The best 2 bucks I ever spent. This app is fantastic. Probably the favorite in the list. This time-killer app lets you channel your inner flip book maker. It lets you see the previous frame shadowed so you can see what the next step in the animation is.
Here is my first attempt:
Drop Box(Free) Say goodbye to the flash drive. They are unnecessary with dropbox. This app is so versatile, it works on iPads, iPods, laptops, desktops, even my android phone. And I use it on all of them. Dropbox lets you access and share files between all your devices. Try it and see why - check out this video for more info about it. Drop a file from your computer into the dropbox folder, and now you have that same file on your laptop, school computer, phone, or iPad. Can't live w/out it. Comes with a few gigs for the free account, but that will be used up quickly. I use it to back up files that are precious as well.
Evernote(Free) So many uses for this, at first I didn't see why it would be necessary. Now, I love it. I mainly use it for to-do lists, grocery lists, and purchase lists. However, it can be used for much more. Find out what it can do by watching this:
That's about all for now, kids. I will add more as I discover more! What are your fav apps? Comment below!
