While the iPad is known for its entertainment value such as watching movies, playing games, it's also a great tool for productivity. However, this doesn't necessarily mean just word processing and spreadsheet apps.
In fact, there are a variety of utility apps that can make your life easier. Here are the best iPad utility apps.
Making Cheap Calls on Your iPad with Skype
Skype is a great way to make cheap phone calls on your iPad. The app offers a variety of pricing models to choose from, including free Skype-to-Skype calls, pay-as-you-go options for as little as 2.3 cents per minute, and a subscription model for unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada for just $4.49 per month. (Exact prices may change at Skype's discretion.)
One of the best features of the Skype app is its ability to remember your most recent calls and tag your contact list for easy searching. You can also send instant messages and add emoticons to your messages, all while using Wi-Fi.
So why choose Skype over FaceTime? While FaceTime is perfect for calling other iPhone and iPad users, Skype works on any platform, so you can easily connect with your Android-loving friends.
Boost iPad productivity with Scanner Pro
If you're someone who needs to scan documents regularly or occasionally, the Scanner Pro app is a great tool to have on your iPad. There are many scanning apps out there, but Scanner Pro stands out for its exceptional features and ease of use.
Scanner Pro automatically captures photos of your document as soon as it's in focus, and crops out any non-document region of the image. The app also uses cloud storage services like Dropbox to securely store your scanned documents, which can then be easily accessed on all your devices.
One of the best features of Scanner Pro is its ability to convert scanned documents into text, making it easy to edit and search for specific information.
The app also provides a sign-and-scan feature, which allows you to sign documents directly on your iPad and add them to your scanned files.
Block Unwanted Ads on Your iPad with Adblock Plus
Tired of waiting for web pages to load due to an overwhelming number of advertisements? You can now block these pesky ads on your iPad using Adblock Plus. This app can speed up your Safari browser by bypassing loading all of the extra advertisements, making pages pop up in lightning quick speeds.
Adblock Plus is one of the better ad blockers available for the iPad, and the best part is that it's free. To get started, you'll need to tweak your iPad's settings to install the software, but this is a simple fix that can make your browsing experience much more enjoyable. Say goodbye to unwanted ads and hello to a faster browsing experience on your iPad.
Kalkulilo Scientific Calculator
If you're looking for a versatile calculator app that can do more than just basic math, then look no further than this app.
With scientific functions, statistical calculations, and programming capabilities, this calculator is truly a powerhouse.
Not only can you do your standard multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, but you can also calculate logical operators, variances, and standard evaluations. In other words, it's a calculator fit for Nigel Tufnel and anyone who needs more than just a basic calculator app.
PrintCentral: Making Printing from iPad Easier
If you're someone who needs to print from your iPad, you've probably noticed that not all printers support AirPrint. Luckily, PrintCentral can help with that.
PrintCentral allows you to print to non-AirPrint printers, including wired printers, by using your PC or Mac as an intermediary. This saves you the cost of buying a new printer.
Additionally, PrintCentral can convert files like spreadsheets and web pages to PDF format for easier printing and print from cloud storage.
Dropbox
Cloud storage is a practical solution for iPad users who need to expand their device's storage capacity. By saving files, documents, photos, and videos to a remote server instead of the iPad, you can free up valuable space on your device.
One of the primary benefits of using cloud storage services like Dropbox is having your files accessible on all your devices. Whether you're using your iPad or laptop, you can easily access your files as long as you have an internet connection.
In addition to expanding your storage space, cloud storage also provides a secure way to back up your important files. For example, you can save your family photos to Dropbox, and even if your iPad gets lost or damaged, your photos will remain safe.
Dropbox is just one of several cloud storage options available to iPad users. Other options include Google Drive, Box.net, and Microsoft OneDrive. Regardless of which service you choose, cloud storage is a practical and efficient way to manage your files and ensure their safety.
Sticky
Sticky is a simple yet powerful app that is perfect for anyone who needs to jot down quick notes or reminders.
With Sticky, you can create notes out of text, attach photographs, or even pin web pages to your digital notepad. And best of all, it doesn't bombard you with a lot of unnecessary features or options, making it extremely easy to use.
One of the best things about Sticky is its simplicity. Unlike other note-taking apps that come with a ton of bells and whistles, Sticky keeps things simple and straightforward. This makes it ideal for anyone who just needs a no-nonsense app for jotting down quick notes.
Despite its simplicity, Sticky still comes with a wide range of features. You can add photographs to your notes, create reminders, and even pin web pages to your digital notepad. And because it syncs with iCloud, all of your notes are accessible across all of your devices.
Another great thing about Sticky is how easy it is to use. The app has a very intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and organize your notes. Plus, because it doesn't come with a lot of unnecessary features, you won't have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to use it.
Air Display 3
If you're someone who has always wanted to add a second monitor to your MacBook or iMac but didn't want to spend a lot of money, then AirDisplay is the solution for you. For just $10, AirDisplay allows you to use your iPad as a second monitor for your Mac.
The best part is that you won't lose the touch-screen controls on your iPad while it's being used as a second display.
You can easily manipulate the applications running on your Mac by using the touch controls on your iPad. This means that you can easily punch in numbers for a calculator or draw inside of a photo editing app.
While AirDisplay may not be the best solution for playing games or watching videos, it works perfectly fine for most normal apps. So, if you're looking for an affordable solution to extend your Mac's display, AirDisplay is definitely worth checking out.
Wi-Fi Map
Finding a reliable Wi-Fi hotspot while on the go can be a challenge. Thankfully, with Wi-Fi Map, you can easily locate the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots to your location. Whether you're on a work trip or a vacation, Wi-Fi Map helps you stay connected with ease.
With Wi-Fi Map, you can quickly scan for available hotspots near your hotel or location. Plus, the app even tracks passwords, so you won't have to check with the shop to get connected.
Whether you need to catch up on work, surf the web, or simply enjoy your favorite online activities, Wi-Fi Map is the perfect solution.