Five top tricks for the Apple iPad

The Apple iPad has received a critical reception since it was launched last week – many people accept that it’s a cool piece of kit – but finding a use for it seems to be the main issue. Unlike the Apple iPhone or iPod, there’s no natural requirement for the Apple iPad, but you you’ll still be surprised at what it’s actually capable of. Follow our handy guide to get the best out of your Apple iPad.

With all the ability in the world, but no apparent use, you may be wondering exactly what the Apple iPad is for. It’s capable of so much, however, that it’s limits are purely down to developers, and already there are some pretty impressive things you’ll be able to do on your Apple iPad. We’ve put together five of the most impressive features:

iBooks
One service that could make or break the Apple iPad is Apple’s iBooks service. With publishers Penguin, Macmillon and Simon Schuster all currently signed up, iBooks can help the Apple iPad to take on the E-Reader market, and virtual books could be the ideal use for this slimline Tablet. Unlike existing e-Readers, however, the use of a full colour screen is a hindrance when compared to e-ink screens, with the higher contrast ratio proving less easy on the eye.

Apple App Store
One of the things that’s made the Apple iPhone the success it is, is the App store. Offering an incredibly convenient and easy to use online marketplace for apps and games, the App Store for the Apple iPad is set to be even better. The design and layout is enhanced, and it should make finding and downloading the best applications for your Apple iPad a great experience.

iPad keyboard
One of the biggest complaints aimed at Tablet PCs is the lack of physical keyboard, as the onscreen buttons can be fiddly and unresponsive to use. If it’s anything like the Apple iPhone, this won’t be the case with the Apple iPad, but even so those of you wanting to work will be able to add a highly portable keyboard, similar in style to the Apple iMac’s.

Work on the go
If you do opt for the physical keyboard, there will be loads of applications available for the Apple iPad that let you take full advantage. One of the best is iWork, a suite designed especially for the Apple iPad. The suite includes full versions of Pages – for word processing, Numbers – a spreadsheet application, and Keynote, for carrying out slide presentations. This handy suite means the Apple iPad will also be perfectly suited to business users.

Game on the go
We’ve already been impressed by games on the Apple iPhone, but with more power and a much larger screen the Apple iPad looks like an even more natural gaming platform. Gaming developers EA and Gameloft have both shown off demos of their games on the Apple iPad, and there’s no doubt that the future looks rosy. If you’re on the list for an Apple iPad, then it really does look like a great device for entertainment, work and play alike.