(updated 29 December 2010)

Tonight (post Christmas 2010 where many iPads were in Santa’s sleigh) I received a final email that motivated me to go ahead and create an Amazon Store category with specific iPad accessories.  I’d supposedly receive some fraction as a commission. Those fractions add up after a while. So, if you find this info the least bit helpful, consider buying from my links.

First, I’m no Apple “Fan-boy”. I was able to justify the purchase of the iPad solely on it’s beautiful presentation via the included photo gallery app. Everything else as been a delightful bonus.  I’m confident that in mere months there will be more alternatives in this genre of device. It never ends, you know the drill. Now, all client facing personnel at LunaWeb are using iPads for a total of five of them (all wifi versions, no AT&T contracts).

I meet people that are new iPad owners frequently and they ask about my recommended apps for the workplace. After a few emails, I’ve decided to create a blogpost and just update it from time to time.

iPad Accessories

Case
Most (if not all) cases have some provision for propping the iPad up at an angle in both landscape and portrait orientations. I’m using the Apple Batman suit-type case.

Keyboard
I had the iPad a month before getting the bluetooth keyboard. It changes the whole experience completely. Most people I know use the hunt-peck method for the on-screen keyboard. One of my employees is petite enough to actually use the on-screen keyboard with no problem. This thin, light-weight keyboard is full size enough that it doesn’t require any “scrunching” my fingers to use.  Apple Wireless Keyboard in my Amazon store.

Stylus
Although you can get used to using the index finger for some programs, it still pales in comparison to the 40+ years of writing with a pen. This is very stylish, with pocket clip (usually used to clip on aforementioned case). I’ve had great luck with the Pogo Sketch.

Update: 10/25/10  (Original Post)

Business Apps for iPad

Penultimate
This app lets you write with your fingers or a stylus. It’s great for taking notes in meetings.  It reminds me of having a white board in your hand. You can also use a stylus. We’ve been using Pogo’s Sketch iPad pen.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/penultimate/id354098826?mt=8

Maptini
I almost hesitate to let you know how we’re using this so that I don’t rope you into our paradigm. This is a mind-map application.  It turns out it’s a great app for ToDo’s or any affinity type scenarios, multiple lists, visualizing hierarchy, and priorities. This isn’t a glorious app for everyone though. I’ve found that straight, vertical list people, prefer their nice straight vertical lists over mind-maps.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crowdmap/id368351155?mt=8

The greater part of this app is that you can collaboratively share mind-maps, and make them publicly viewable on the web.

Pages
I’ve found this to be an all around solid word processor that can import/export Microsoft Word.  The email as a pdf feature has not performed correctly for me yet (blank pages).
http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/pages.html

Keynote
I am the only one at LunaWeb with this app.  It’s like PowerPoint and is compatible for the most part as long as you’re not getting carried away with transitions or special effects.
http://www.apple.com/ipad/features/keynote.html

Notepad Pro
As diverse as this is, I’ve actually not used it much because when it first came out, the resolution of finger or stylus-entered content was terrible. However, they’ve now corrected this.  This app (unlike Penultimate) will also record audio, take typed input, and images.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/notepad-pro-for-ipad/id378734728?mt=8

Social Cast
If you aren’t using a microblogging (think Twitter) platform in your organization, you’re missing out.  We’re using SocialCast and there is no iPad app for it, but the iPhone app seems to do the trick. http://www.socialcast.com or you might be more drawn by the interface of http://www.Yammer.com.

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