30 Must-Have iPad Apps for New Owners

Things to put on your iPad if you get one as a holiday gift

So, you’ve received an iPad for the holidays, or are planning to get one or buy one. Now that you have the device, the next big decision you need to make is, “What do I put on this thing?” With thousands of apps to choose from, figuring out which ones will truly make the device as magical as Steve Jobs says it is could become a daunting task.

Luckily, the editors here at IDG Enterprise are willing to help. We’ve compiled a list of 30 Must-Have iPad Apps for New Owners. Having tried and sampled many iPad apps in the past seven months, we are sure that these 30 apps will get you well on your way to enjoying your new iPad. Note: Prices were as of Nov. 4, 2010. Apps can change their prices on a moment's notice.

1. Pandora Radio (Free): The must-have audio streaming service for the iPad – the app lets you access your Pandora account and stream all of your stations, or you can choose from Pandora’s pre-selected station depending on your mood.

So, you’ve received an iPad for the holidays, or are planning to get one or buy one. Now that you have the device, the next big decision you need to make is, “What do I put on this thing?” With thousands of apps to choose from, figuring out which ones will truly make the device as magical as Steve Jobs says it is could become a daunting task.

Luckily, the editors here at IDG Enterprise are willing to help. We’ve compiled a list of 30 Must-Have iPad Apps for New Owners. Having tried and sampled many iPad apps in the past seven months, we are sure that these 30 apps will get you well on your way to enjoying your new iPad. Note: Prices were as of Nov. 4, 2010. Apps can change their prices on a moment's notice.

1. Pandora Radio (Free): The must-have audio streaming service for the iPad – the app lets you access your Pandora account and stream all of your stations, or you can choose from Pandora’s pre-selected station depending on your mood.

2. Amazon Kindle (Free): Sure, the iBooks app from Apple that you can download for free is good, but the Kindle app from Amazon has a greater selection of books available for download.

3. Netflix (Free): We’re assuming that you have a Netflix account – if you don’t, run out and get one, and then access your Instant Queue via the iPad. Easy to use and access thousands of TV and movie choices from Netflix.

4. Remote (Free): This app is a must-have if you also get an AppleTV. This app turns your iPad into a remote control that can operate the AppleTV. Also works with iTunes on your computer.

5. AOL AIM (Free): If you’re used to using AOL instant messenger on your computer, then you’ll want this app for doing the same thing on the go. It offers buddy lists, status updates and it offers integration with Facebook friends.

6. Weather Channel (Free): This beats looking outside the window. The app takes your GPS position from the iPad, or you can type in your location yourself, and gives you a weather forecast, local radar, storm alerts, and more.

7. RadarScope ($9.99): For the weather junkie, this offers much more weather information, letting you view NEXRAD Level 3 radar data rendered in its original radial format. The app also includes severe weather warnings (Tornado, Thunderstorm, Flash Floods) from the National Weather Service.

8. FlipBoard (Free): This could be the future of the newspaper. FlipBoard allows you to access your social media accounts and news feeds into a format that’s more traditional – articles are laid out newspaper style, and you flip the pages as if you were reading a newspaper or magazine.

9. Meteor Blitz ($2.99): This little space shooter game is like a 21st century update the popular Asteroids arcade game from the early '80s. High-quality graphics, sound effects and a range of weapons to defend your ship with make it a must have for gamers.

10. Star Walk for iPad ($4.99): This app turns your iPad into a planetarium in your hands. Not only is it perfect for anyone interested in astronomy, but it takes advantage of the iPad’s internal digital compass to show you what’s in the sky above you in real-time. Impressive graphics and a night vision mode showcase some 9,000 objects – everything from stars and planets to messier objects and constellations.