iPad Connecting to a Computer

One of the great types of apps for the iPad are the RDP (built into certain windows versions) or VNC (need to download some software) applications that let you connect to your computer. These apps act as a window that let you connect to a computer and control it from the iPad. All of the functionality of your computer remains. You can open microsoft word and type a new document, visit a website with flash content, or whatever else you would want to get to that is not possible on the iPad.

The only thing you need to make sure of is the computer you are looking to connect to is on and running the connection software for the app you use. One good thing about Mac computers is that they have VNC built in to the OS, meaning there is nothing to install for apps that support VNC connections.

One of my favorite desktop connections apps is Jump desktop. Thanks to a recent update, it supports both RDP and VNC connections. It is also one of the only apps of its kind that will play back the sound on the iPad. The mouse control is nice with all of the functionality you would expect of a desktop mouse. The RDP setup is simple and uses a google account to connect your iPad to your desktop location.

Getting used to the mouse controls takes a little bit of learning, but after a few hours of use it becomes second nature. Something to note is that those looking to take advantage of flash video sites such as Hulu will be disappointed. The video streaming is not quite there yet to make this a smooth experience.

Final Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

iPad in the Kitchen

The iPad has turned out to be a great tool in the kitchen. One of the best apps to date for cooking is the Epicurious app. It gives you the full functionality of the website in a nicely designed touch based UI.

You can search for recipes by keyword, category, or a combination of both. It also has handy topics you can browse if you are looking for ideas, such as Summer Dinners. Lots of entries have a picture tied to it to give you a visual of the dish before you put in the effort of making it.

When in landscape mode the app puts the directions in the right portion of the screen and the ingredients list on the left. This is handy to be able to see quickly both the ingredients and directions on the page at the same time.

The app allows you to see ratings and user reviews/comments right on the screen. This is handy to see as some people will post their tips and tweaks in the comments. You can also email recipes via the app if you come across something you really enjoy and want to send to someone.

You can see ingredient lists for a recipe so you know what to pick up in the store. The app also gives you the ability to save a favorite lists for items you want to go back to in the future.

Final Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Taking Notes on the iPad

One of the things I was looking to accomplish with the iPad is ditching the paper notebook at home and at work. I ended up finding that there are a couple of ways to go with this. It all boils down to if you prefer typing or handwriting.

Apple has been very clear about their attitude towards a stylus and how useful they think it is. I agree that the iPad should be able to function on its own without the need for a stylus, however I think a stylus as an add on accessory has many great functions (including taking notes). I ended up purchasing the Pogo Sketch stylus after doing some research about available options and found this to be the best one at the time.

One of the first hand writing/note taking apps I purchase was Penultimate. This app had great tracking of the stylus pen and results smooth writing. A lot of the current apps has clumsy/blocky handwriting tracking that make it difficult to write quickly and efficiently. Penultimate also has a few feature upgrades since its release that makes it much more usable.

The first great improvement was to add wrist cancelling technology to the software. In theory this will take the input from your wrist/palm as you rest it on the screen and cancel it out from the page. It is not quite 100 percent there yet, but it does pretty well most of the time. I find myself sometimes having to go back and erase random smudges, but much less since this improvement. The second nice improvement they made was to add varying pen width and colors to the app. This allows thick underlining and colors such as red that really stand out. When you are finished you share share notes via email as a PDF with others.

If you don't want to go the stylus route the iPad comes with a built in notes app that is great for those who like typing. It will allow you to create and store digitally typed notes on what looks like standard college ruled yellow notebook paper. You can then email these notes to various recipients.

For work I have been using Penultimate most of the time and like the way it functions very much. I can write quickly on the screen and organize my notes into different notebooks based on the topic I am capturing. If I feel I am going to need to send out an email after to people and may want to do some corrections, such as meeting notes, I typically use the built in Apple Notes app. This allows me to email it to myself, format and make corrections before I send it out to groups.

Notes is lacking in bells and whistles but it gets the core job done without much clutter and confusion. Other text based note taking apps on the store may offer functionalty but the built in notes app is a great place to start.

Being able to carry a single device in a case that does not look much larger than a regular notebook has been great. It has cut down on the paper clutter and things I have to carry around with me.

Penultimate Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Notes Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Words With Friends HD

iPad edition:

For word game fans this app is a hit. It is very apparent which game this word game closely resembles. For fans of the original this game is a hit at a bargain price.

The options you have for game choices are great. You can get your word placing fix online versus random opponents or friends. Setting up an account for online play is quick and simple. If you prefer to play locally there is also a pass and play option for local word dueling.

The app will keep your games going in a window to show you all active games and past recently finished games.

The only drawback to this game is that it requires an internet/3g connection at all times to play (even locally). In my eyes this is the one drawback to this game, with a wifi only model you can not play this on the beach or in the park, which is a bummer at times.

At 2.99 this game offers a lot of value and is cheaper than the scrabble verison that is also on the app store.

Final Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Angry Birds HD Review

iPad edition:

Angry birds is one of those games that feels like it was built just right for the touch platform. The game is excellently controlled by finger input.

The premise of the game is you (the angry birds) are out to destory the enemy pigs. This is accomplished by launching various bird types, with various powers, to try and take down pigs on the screen. Various types of materials house these pigs and depend on different types of birds to knock them down.

The levels are spot on for challenge. Some you will breeze right through, others you play over and over trying to get the shot(s) just right.

I would highly reccomned this game for those who do not own the iPhone edition. The price is in the middle mark at 4.99, but is worth it in the long run.

Final Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars