9 iPad Apps To Justify Your Purchase and Wow Your Friends
By: Hillel Fuld
If I had a dime for every person who asked me whether the iPad was nothing more than a large iPod Touch, I would probably have a small fortune by now. Truth be told, in theory, there is something to that claim. However, once you have used an iPad, you know that in this case, size matters.
The dimensions of the iPad’s screen make all the difference and putting aside the full size keyboard, the stunning apps on the App store, and the full size Web browser, the screen itself makes it all worth it.
Having said that, every iPad owner needs some apps he can show his friends when asked that famous question. As soon as your friends see these apps, you can answer their “Isn’t it just a big iPod” question with “Can an iPod do this and look THIS good”?
In addition to answering that question, I have also heard quite a few people say that after using the Retina display on the iPhone 4, the iPad just didn’t do it for them anymore. I will be the first to admit that the iPhone 4′s resolution is absolutely amazing, but once again, what you can do on the iPad’s 10 inch screen, is just not the same on a 3.5 incher, Retina or not.
If you are looking for useful and productivity-enhancing apps, you will not find them here. These apps are on my iPad for the “Wow” factor. If you want to find some great iPad apps, check out “8 Best iPad Apps (Free and Paid)“, “5 Awesome iPad Apps you Did Not Know about“, and “9 Apps Every iPad Owner Must Download“.
The following are some of the most impressive apps on the iPad that truly take advantage of the real estate that the 10 inch screen provides:
- Fruit Ninja HD: The concept could not be simpler. You need to cut the flying fruit in half using your finger, which acts as a sword. There are different color blades, multi player options, and a few other goodies, but the bottom line is, this game offers some seriously awesome graphics with simple and addictive gameplay. Highly recommended.
- Real RacIng HD: In every iPad post I have written, this app is mentioned. Why? Because it is awesome on so many levels. Whenever I show this app to someone, their first reaction is always “wow”. Stunning graphics, a real life driving experience (hence the name), and a highly engaging overall game.
- Flipboard: If you have an iPad, you have most probably heard of Flipoard. You can also read my full Flipboard review. This app does magazine better than most magazines. Add your social networks to that, plus the fact that it’s free, and you got yourself a winner. This should be the first app you download on your new iPad.
- Multipong: I found this app when it was featured on the App Store, paid for it, and never regretted it for a second. This offers an amazing multiplayer experience you just could not get on an iPhone screen. The game is simple. All you need to do is keep the ball alive by hitting it with your “racket”. You can play with up to four people comfortably. Awesome app!
- Hit N’Run: I know I already mentioned Real Racing, but I had to talk about Hit N’Run as well. The graphics are absolutely stunning and the game does not get much simpler than this. You are driving a car that changes colors and the object is to crash into cars of the same color. Addictive, fun, and well designed app.
- Jamboxx: Brilliant app. Jamboxx turns your iPad into a boombox. Yes, the kind from the 80′s that people put on their shoulders. However, it is not just cool looks, it actually functions as a full fledged music player replacement for the default player. It has many different options and is sure to make your friends smile. Once again, just not the same on a 3.5 inch display.
- Eyewitness: There are many photo apps on the iPad that all try to make use of the vibrant display, but this one does it best. The Guardian Eyewitness displays current pictures from all around the world with a small caption about the pictures. Nothing else to say here besides absolutely gorgeous photos. Did I mention it is free?
- N.O.V.A: This game will blow your mind. It is one of the many games in which you are a shooter and need to defend yourself. The thing about this game is that the graphics are unbelievable. Seriously something straight out of the future. The game has a cute little plot to it, but being as I am not the big gamer type, I love playing N.O.V.A just for the experience it provides.
- Parcel Panic: One more racing app, although this one is a little different. You are in charge of a delivery truck that needs to deliver boxes to different destinations. I am sure there is more to the story line, but again, the experience is more what I am looking for. The graphics here are 3d and as real as they get. This app is a little less well known than the other racing ones I mentioned, but I do not know why. It is truly amazing in a way you can only experience on the iPad.
To summarize, I am waiting to get my iPhone 4 and I might feel differently when I start using it, after all, it is a lot easier to carry around than the iPad. Having said that, I do not see myself stopping to use the iPad mainly because of apps like I mentioned here.
So next time you get the question “Isn’t it just a larger iPod?”, make sure to give the person asking five minutes alone with N.O.V.A or Hit N’Run and let the apps sell the iPad for you.
If you have other apps to add to this collection, please drop a comment below or hit me up on Twitter here.
