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Apps for Paperless Living

As I mentioned at the end of my previous post, I'll need the right set of apps if this paperless experiment is going to work. The following are an initial set of apps I have invested in. Most are paid apps. One or two are free. I'll start with the iPad-specific apps, but I'll also mention a few 'universal' apps (ie those which you purchase once, and which will run at full resolution on both the iPhone and on the iPad).

So, the iPad-specific apps I will start with are as follows:

Citrix Receiver: This free app is first cab off the rank for me. As part of the Citrix suite of virtualisation and remote access products, this app will allow me to use the iPad 2 to connect to my virtual office desktop, giving me access to a full Windows experience, and full, secure file access while on the move.

Drawing Pad: While this art-box app looks like it could be a bit of fun, it also looks like it could do some serious work in terms of creative drawing and illustration. Useful in creative thinking and workshop scenarios.

Flipboard: This app looks like a great way to consolidate my social network feeds in a magazine style format, to make the most of the iPad screen.

iThoughts HD: This is the HD / iPad sibling to the very capable mindmapping app I already use on my iPhone. The app sync's with Dropbox (among others), and as a result I am easily able to keep my mindmaps in sync with iThoughts on all of my iOS devices, and with Freemind on the desktop.

Keynote: This Apple presentation program (combine with a suitable video-out accessory) will allow me to run presentations from the iPad. Keynote for iPad will also run Microsoft Powerpoint presentations.

Notesplus: An interesting looking freehand note taking app

Noteshelf: Another interesting looking freehand note taking app

Pages: The iPad version of the Apple word processor. What more do I need to say?

Penultimate: A well reputed freehand note taking app.

Phatpad: Another freehand note taking app. This one has the added interest of handwriting to text conversion, which should make for a very interesting experiment.

Touch Hockey: Hmmm, how did that one get in there? Good for a game with the kids, friends or during an especially boring presentation

UPad Lite: The free version of another contender for the freehand note taking app.

As you can see from the above apps, I am particularly interested in getting a working electronic freehand note taking system working. I plan to try all of the above freehand writing apps, and will report back here on the pros and cons of each.

I'll also conduct a review of each of the other apps as time allows.