12 Most Addictive iPad Apps

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Is the iPad cool? Certainly, however; what personalizes it and creates functionality are the apps. Honestly, narrowing this down to my favorite twelve was a chore. A self-described app-a-holic, I am always checking out the latest and greatest. The key is talking to other iPad users and finding out what they love as well as frequenting the mighty app store. My theory is if it is free try it, what do you have to lose?

Photo fun

1. Color Splash

Photo editing is a treat on iPad and color selection is a fabulous way to put an artistic spin on your photos. This app changes a color photo to black & white allowing you to select certain sections of the image to highlight with color. Imagine a black and white photo with sea green eyes enhanced: gorgeous!

2. Camera Bag

Takes your photos to the next level by adding a wide variety of lens to your photo. A flick of finger changes your image from one lens to the next with aplomb. With a 35mm camera, each lens would cost hundreds of dollars and you would have to lug them around, switching the lenses prior to taking the shot. This app is a photographer’s dream.

3. Shutterfly

One of my favorite websites turned apps brings its popular photo sharing to your iPad. Load your photos, create albums and email a link to friends and family. You can order photos and have them mailed to you or printed at a local Target in an hour for pick up. Grandma across the country can chose to order her own photos or just enjoy on the web. Reliable and reasonably priced: what’s not to love?

Social Media Sizzle

4. Flipboard

Is like reading your own personal Social Media magazine, content chosen by you and edited constantly by your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Photos are prominently displayed and status updates are presented in small tidbits which are enticing and easy to read.

5. TweetDeck

If you are on Twitter, you need Tweetdeck! You can easily set up columns and lists using this free service. Viewing your mentions, direct messages and lists of your choice makes this the go-to Twitter app for me in most instances. You can touch a tweet to make it a favorite or to show the whole conversation that relates to this tweet.

6. HootSuite

I use Hootsuite for my business Twitter account, I strongly recommend if you tweet for work that you use a separate platform. You can also set up columns, show mentions and direct messages. One downfall is the direct messages are shown as inbox & outbox but are mixed up so they are not as easy to read. I love the little owl that holds up little signs for me when I tweet or retweet. This is a practical and very solid Twitter platform.

Business Functions

7. Instapaper

Great way to get web content on your iPad and read at your leisure. Many times tweets contain great links & you just don’t have time read the blog or web link when it flies by, shoot it over to Instapaper and you are all set. Saving items from your RSS feed or website to read at your convenience is a gift. Simple, yet powerful this tool manages your reading materials and is customizable to boot. Another bonus is that the web content is stripped of ads.

8. Evernote

The beauty of Evernote is that with one account you can effortlessly sync info from your iPad, iPhone & computer! Take notes, create projects and insert photos by taking one or adding from your library. This hard working app allows you to take voice messages, tag items or cut & paste from the web. This app may be my top organizational tool on my iPad. Who doesn’t want to be more organized?

9. LinkedIn

This new app has boosted some of the web features and makes it easy to send or view invitations to connect on LinkedIn. The update feature makes it a snap to check on your LinkedIn connections. The news features with top headlines has been a good source of information thus far. I am expecting more features for this app in the future as LinkedIn attempts to move in to a little of Facebook’s territory.

Pure Entertainment

10. Angry Birds

This is the number one game app for a reason; your team of birds is at battle with the egg stealing pigs. Strategic use of birds with varying skills and levels increasing in difficultly keeps you busy and easily addicted. Angry Birds Seasons HD is especially enchanting. My apologies in advance if you haven’t played Angry Birds yet and you become addicted.

11. Kindle

The extensive Amazon library of books available for the Kindle is the reason that this comes in on top for reading. Ease of purchase and speed of download are impressive and noteworthy. For me, the app is an improvement over the stand-alone Kindle because it has the benefits of iPad functionality and fun. Turning the page with a swipe of the finger is easier than a click.

12. Netflix

What could be better than streaming videos on demand?  Plugging in your iPad & streaming them through your tv! Netflix’s offers a ginormous list of movies to choose from for a small monthly fee. You also have the option of receiving DVD’s and streaming through your iPad using a connector kit. Forget the late fees, this service is incomparable. These are my 12 most inspiring apps, I’m sure you have your favorites too. I’d love to know what you use and love. Yes, there is an app for that! Featured image courtesy of dennis licensed via creative commons.

Peg Fitzpatrick

http://pegfitzpatrick.com

Peg is proud to be a Managing Partner and writer for 12 Most. She is Director of Marketing and Social Media Manager for Kreussler Inc., and hosts the popular #MyBookClub chat on the 1st Monday of every month at 8 pm EST. Peggy is the Brand Sparker™ at re:DESIGN, a branding, design and social media firm that creates cohesive, custom brands. She has also started speaking at events such as the #140 Conference and is honored to be included on several “best of” online and blogging lists. Peggy loves to travel and enjoys photography as well. All about being positive and connecting, she is a true social butterfly. Tweet her and say hi at @pegfitzpatrick, find her Stumbling on StumbleUpon or happily pinning on Pinterest.