1. Informant HD: Ever since having a palm pilot in the 90’s I am quite particular about calendar/task applications that give as much information on the screen to help with time management. I started using informant on my iPhone and now also use the iPad version.
Likes: Its independent synchronisation of multiple calendars (including Google) and its synchronisation with Toodle Do tasks. Its month view that shows appointment details. The ability to use templates.
Dislikes: Recent updates (especially since the new overhaul last year) have slowed down the app and there have been some major bugs which have been fixed.
2. GMail: I have tried lots of email apps. I used iMailG for a long time but struggle to find something that is reliable, quick and works well offline. The built-in mail app is smooth but does not get the most out of gmail.
Likes: offline drafts and email (default mail app now does this). Quick and simple yet powerful. Good integration with google mail folders, starred items, saved drafts, conversation threads.
Dislikes: when I open attachments, I do not get the option to ‘open in’ another app – I need to open again in safari first. I’d like more signature options.
3. Notability: This is great for taking notes in meetings, sometimes it is much more ‘acceptable’ to take hand-written notes in a particular setting and also the ability to scribble, draw and sketch is perfect for filling in forms, etc. for these purposes I love Notability. I can be truly paperless! It has a magnify tool so handwriting can be reduced in size to look small neat on an A4 page.
Likes: Handwriting ability, paper backgrounds and being able to have squared or lined paper to guide you. Upload and download to cloud files is great. Automatically synchronise files to Dropbox or another storage space.
Dislikes: I struggle to get it to work well with a stylus, my finger workes much quicker for handwriting. If only it had handwriting recognition like my touchpad (in my dreams!).
4. Documents to Go: This is another remnant of my palm OS where DTG was ideal for taking MS files with you and performing light edits. The professional version synchronises with both your desktop and online cloud files.
Likes: Having a ‘back-up’ of key files on my iPad that I know are there for me to refer to, even if I do not have a connection. I like being able to work in word or excel files whilst out and be able to synchronise them back to either the cloud (I use Dropbox and Gdocs) or to the computer using wifi.
Dislikes: An update to the Documents to Go interface is very overdue. Editing in word and excel is VERY limited and the interface is now poor when compared with other apps which are more up-to-date. In general it just needs some tweaks to document editing.
5. SplashID: I have used pre-iOS too and I use it to store all my sensitive data: passwords, bank details, log-ins. It synchronises with my phone and desktop so I can access easily but is all encrypted.
Likes: Safe and convenient. Always have that code or detail from ages ago that you need NOW.
Dislikes: Synchronisation is not reliable, which might be due to me doing it 3-way. I’d like cloud backup & access (which has now been added but at a premium)
And the others worth a mention:
- GPS HD – Download maps for anywhere in the world – navigate and plan trips
- Lifecards – Digital postcards that look great
- Ignition – Logmein on the go
- Google Drive – A very well made app
- Flipboard – Like a magazine you make yourself
- TV Catchup – Only works in the UK
- Mouse – use your iphone/ipad as a mouse/keyboard
