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Apple announced on March 5, 2012 that Where's My Water? Free represented the 25 billionth app downloaded from the App Store—that's a lot of downloads. Of the over 550,000 apps that live in Apple's marketplace, over 170,000 are native iPad apps that run the gamut from news to business to entertainment. That's an extraordinary amount of software battling for a home within your iPad, iPad 2, or new third-generation iPad. There's no doubt that some are great and some are…not. So the vital question is: how do you find the gems among the garbage? The most basic answer is to read App Store user ratings and reviews, but that's a potential time-suck of massive proportions. Besides, the wisdom of crowds isn't always all that wise. The better answer would be to check out PCMag's picks for the 100 best iPad apps. We've dug through the sludge so that you don't have to do so.
It's Not Just About the HardwareConsidering its impact on the portable computing space, it's amazing to think that the iPad platform has been around only two years. Still, in its relatively brief existence, the iPad has revolutionized the tablet market—not only for its sleek form factor and ease of use, but for the wide variety of apps that are available for it.
What This List isOur list of the 100 best iPad apps focuses on native iPad apps (not iPhone apps running in 2X mode) that deliver unique and compelling tablet-based experiences all their own. And to make finding iPad apps even easier, we've broken our selections into seven categories: Social Networking, Business, Communication, Entertainment, Creativity, News, Reference, and Information, and Reading. Unless stated, all of the apps are compatible with the iPad, iPad 2, and third-generation iPad.
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It should be noted that iPad, iPad 2, and new iPad apps are sometimes pricier than iPhone apps. Still, many of the apps listed here are free, or cost less than $10. That may be pricey by iPhone standards, where .99 cents rules the roost, but, compared to desktop software it's a bargain—and there isn't a dud in the bunch. Install them all, and you'll be well on the way to an excellent tablet computer experience. We've included links to in-depth reviews when available.
More Coverage of the New Apple iPad
What This List Isn'tYou won't find pre-installed apps or games in this iPad app collection. The former wasn't included because default apps are easy to find—they live on your homescreen. The latter wasn't included because we've given the best iPad games their own dedicated, curated section that highlights the best iOS games.
You can either navigate our list via the 100 Best iPad Apps slideshow above or via the pages that follow. If a particular application catches your eye, click through to the full review to learn more.
Leave a comment below if you feel that our selections are dead-on or we've overlooked a potentially worthy candidate. And don't forget to check out our roundup of the best iPad business apps, and the best iPad games.—Next: Social Networking Apps >