Since Apple’s iPad exploded on the scene in 2010, competitors have been scrambling to come up with an answer to the sleek, multi-functional, touch screen tablet that has sold more than 15 million units since its release and followed up with the much-anticipated iPad 2 earlier this year.
The iPad offers an ideal solution for business owners who are always on the run and need a computer that is easy to store and to carry around, whether on public transportation, on an airplane, or in a hotel room. Users can easily customize their iPads to meet their specific needs by purchasing an array of business apps, including these popular, top apps:
iWork
The business application iWork provides users with a suite of office applications. iWork makes it easy for users to work with word documents and spreadsheets and to design presentations. The biggest feature of iWork is it’s compatible with other Mac products – including the iPod touch and the iPhone – and with Windows Office products, making it a truly global product.
One disadvantage to iWork is it currently does not provide a way for users to print from it.
Apple currently offers a free 30-day trial of iWork, so you can test it out before you decide to buy.
Twitter for iPad
Most businesses today have incorporated Twitter into their marketing campaigns, making it essential to be able to access the social media platform regardless of where they are in the world. The Twitter for iPad app, which can be downloaded for free through iTunes, lets iPad and iPod users keep track of and use their Twitter accounts as they would from their laptop or desktop.
Filemaker Go
FileMaker Go allows businesses to use their FileMaker Pro databases directly on their iPads and to email databases to the iPad. The business app also creates a digital signature and supports AirPrint. You can purchase FileMaker Go on iTunes, but you must have FileMaker Pro or FileMaker Pro Advanced if you want to create your own documents or modify your databases.
FileMaker Go is ideal for businesses that want to keep atop of information using their iPad and who want to edit or review their database information.
Evernote
One of the most popular features of the iPad is the ability to use it as a notepad. Evernote, voted one of the best apps, provides users with a plethora of benefits, including the ability to create audio, photo, and text notes; makes it easy to search notes, photos, and favorites; and offers file synchronization with the internet or your Mac or your PC. Evernote boasts among its many uses: taking notes in class or in business meetings, recording voice memos, and taking photographs.
Perhaps the best part of Evernote, besides it being multi-functional, is you can download it for free at iTunes.
WebEx
So much of today’s business is done virtually. If you need to hold a meeting with clients halfway around the world, you no longer have to hop a flight to meet them face-to-face. Popular business apps, like WebEx, allow you to host and to participate in video meetings from your iPad. The app, which is free to download, features two-way, real-time video. The video automatically focuses in on the person who’s speaking, and the conference can be projected on a full screen.
WebEx meeting hosts can use the application to invite people to the meeting, to schedule meetings, and to start or even delete a meeting.
Customizing your iPad to fit your needs is easy with the many apps available for free download or purchase. Taking a quick trip to iTunes will provide you with a smorgasbord of options, in addition to the top five best business apps we just discussed.
Frank Anderson is a technology writer and blogger. His main passion is virtual web hosting and other hosting related subjects.
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