While Apple's own apps including Pages, Numbers and Keynote are among the top-selling paid iPad apps, independent applications for playing games, checking the weather and tapping into the ball games are among the top grossing iPad apps so far. Here are ten apps you should download immediately.
1. At Bat 2010 for iPad
Fans of America's pastime will want to pencil in this iPad app to their downloading lineup immediately. Developed by Major League Baseball, this $14.99 application lets subscribers of MLB.TV watch nearly every regular season game (the app does not bypass blackout restrictions). You can also listen to home and away audio broadcasts from every game, and tap into deep statistics, as well as real-time box score and pitch speeds.
Like the iPhone version, At Bat 2010 figures to be among the most accomplished and forward-thinking applications for the iPad. One buzz-kill is that there are separate download fees apply for the iPhone and iPad. Somebody has to pay that multimillion dollar salary for your team's utility infielder, right?
2. Weather HD
A great app to show off your new iPad to friends, Weather HD combines real-time market-by-market weather forecasts with stunning videos of what extreme weather conditions really look like. Save this one for hurricane season too! At 99 cents, Weather HD is worth an immediate download. Who knows, with the 9.7-inch screen size and faster processing speed the iPad provides, this application may render your evening news meteorologist obsolete.
3. Plants vs. Zombies HD
One of the most anticipated games to be released for the iPad and iPhone alike, Plants vs. Zombies is ready to be downloaded to your iPad for a very reasonable price of $9.99. I addition to the wider playing space, elements specific to the iPad include multi-touch gameplay and achievements that can only be earned on the new device.
4. TWITpad
This Week in Technology host Leo Laporte understands how to deliver news and insight on technology issues unlike anyone else. A perennial top-listed-to podcast and popular iPhone application, the 99-cent TWITpad will offer instant and easy access to the live video streams of the show's netcasts.
5. ScoreCenter XL
Over the past 30 years, ESPN has seemingly encroached upon every part of life. For just under five bucks, the company is now pushing for a position on your iPad. While other national, local and team/league-specific apps will probably be more relevant to you, it's always nice to know that the pioneer in 24/7 sports information coverage is only a tap away. This app is basically a Sports Center for your coffee table while you watch other games, with video highlights, box scores and statistics.
6. PAC-Man for iPad
While playing this classic arcade game on the iPhone is a fun novelty, the ghosts look much scarier and the fruit appear to be a lot juicier on PAC-Man for iPad. Sure, $4.99 is a lot to chew off for a game that hasn't evolved much since the early 80s. But when you consider that five bucks is only 20 quarters, it doesn't really seem that expensive.
7. World Atlas HD
Another beautifully-designed application you'll want to have in a pinch, World Atlas is an "iPad showoff" app that is a great resource for the entire family. Developed by the National Geographic Society, this $1.99 iPad app has nearly 7 million entries. Note: many of the best functions will only apply to iPads with GPS functionality. It may be worth waiting until "late April" to get your hands around that device.
8. Star Walk for iPad
Your virtual lens to the universe just got wider with this new iPad-specific application that is all about gazing at the stars. Enjoy 3D visuals and an array of more than 9,000 planets, stars and constellations.
9.Scrabble for iPad
A great aspect of the iPad that we will all realize soon is how compatible it is with board games. While the iPhone has terrific multi-player functionality, the size and shape of the iPad make it more of a social contraption where players can literally sit and face-off against one another around the device. Electronic Arts will do well with this $9.99 installment of the classic word game.
10. 1Password for iPad
One additional thing the iPad provides to anyone fortunate enough to own one is another password to remember! Already a great app for the iPhone, 1Password for iPad is one-stop shopping for login codes, credit card numbers and all other forms of sensitive information. While it's unclear how this service will translate to the iPad, you never have enough space to protect all of your digital information.
