So, the new iPad has finally been released and it has many wondering if an upgrade is necessary. While the first generation iPad is basically the equilivant to cell phones larger than our home phones, if you own an iPad 2, the decision can be quite difficult to make. For those of you wondering what exactly the new iPad has to offer, you may want to read the rest of this blog.

The biggest feature of the new iPad is the amazing retina display. The display for this new generation iPad is unlike anything we have seen from Apple thus far. Those who have compared it to the iPad 2, have stated that the change in the picture is very noticeable and the HD graphics are outstanding.

The speed for the new iPad is said to be absolutely lightening. It is connected to a new type of 4G and the speed when browsing the web or downloading is much faster than anything you may have experienced in the past.

The iPad 2 had a camera that was pretty much a joke and wasn’t even worth taking a picture with. For you photo lovers out there, the new iPad not only has an amazing front facing camera, but a back camera as well. The camera is 5MXP and takes great photos that are clear and sharp. If that weren’t enough, the new iPad comes loaded with Apple’s iOS photo software, allowing you to edit your images using this top of the line software.

The pricing is about the same as the iPad 2 when it was first released and the overall design is basically the same. The new iPad is slightly larger, but barely noticeable unless you’re looking for the size change. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the upgrade is worth it, but if you’re looking for better display, faster speed and real photo capibilty, the new iPad may be the night choice for you. 

When browsing through the Apple store, it can hard to decide which application looks like a good choice. Some apps offer a free version, allowing you to get an idea of the game before making a final purchase, which is great. I’d like to share three applications that have proven to be universally addictive and just a fun time to fly.

Angry birds. I’m sure you’ve heard of this application by now, and if you haven’t it’s about time you check it out. The idea of the game is to knock down different structures using ‘angry birds’. While the levels start off fairly simple, they get more complex and a lot harder and you make your way through them. There are so many levels available now, you’ll be playing forever. Although it sounds simple, the game is truly addicting and worth so much more than the price of 99cents.

Where’s my water is another game that is just as addictive, if not more addictive than Angry birds. The idea if to cut through the grass in order to get the water to ‘Crocky’, the cute crocodile. The levels keep addicting more and more obstacles in order to make getting the water to him much harder. You also want to be sure not to get the gooey purple goo in Crocky’s shower, as he doesn’t like it much at all.

Cut the rope is another game that will have you addicted. The idea is to ‘cut the rope’ and get the candy from the rope to the little frogs mouth. You have to decide which are the right ropes to cut and how to avoid losing the candy to a floating bubble. While all three of these games sound somewhat simple, words can’t even begin to describe the fun and addiction you’ll experience once you download these three applications. 

With so many neat Apple applications available, I was recently exploring the store looking for some new, and exciting applications to add to my collection. While searching, I found a few very expensive applications. Given the price of the applications, I wanted to test drive some of them and determine if they are really worth the cost. This is what I came up with.

The first application I came across is called ‘IRA pro’. I didn’t download this application, because I have no use for it, but spoke to someone who has. The application costs $900. It is used to control and view a large number of video surveillance cameras through the iPhone. The screen shows all cameras and gives you features only you can control with the program. From what I was told, it’s a good application for those who own a business with several surveillance cameras, but could definitely be priced a lot cheaper from the functions offered.

Song book DS is an application that is neat for those who are into music. The application is still being sold for $999.99, but an exact version is now sold for $25, which met my price range. The application allows you to set up your music in different rooms of the house, and then control the music using your iDevice. You can name your locations through the application, such as bedroom. An OK app, but definitely something I would never spend $999.99 on.

While these 2 are currently the most expensive apps available, a few years ago there was an application called IAmRich. This application cost $999.99 as well, but did absolutely nothing! It had 8 buyers before apple pulled it from the market and the buyers did not get their money back. I think the most I’ll ever spend in the app store is $25, for such occurrences as this. 

I think it’s quite obvious that the best feature of the iPod, iPhone and iPad is the apps. When apple first released the app store, there were only about 100 apps available and they were all very basic. Now, the app store has grown to housing over 50,000 apps. Between my iPhone and iPod I have close to a thousand apps. I search on a weekly basis for different Apple applications that catch my eye and thought I’d share a few of my recent finds with you readers.

One app I downloaded just a few days ago is called ‘My Social’. People are always asking to use my iPod to play games and while doing so, they think it’s an opportunity to look through my Facebook. Even though I don’t really have anything personal in there, it’s still my private space and I’d like to keep it that way. Well My Social is a password protected app that contains Facebook within it. It offers either a number or dot password protector and each time the password is entered incorrectly, it takes a snapshot of the culprits face. It was only 99 cents and was definitely one of my better app purchases.

An application that I find very useful on my iPhone is called ‘Task List’. I am a freelance writer and often have difficulty keeping track of my projects that are due, my house works and personal tasks. Well this app offers up to 10 different sections to create tasks within. I currently have 3 tabs; one for work, one for home and one for personal tasks. Once you complete a task you can cross it off the list and it even provides alerts when a task is overdue.

The last application I’d like to mention is called ‘Baby Monitor’. This is a really neat application that I use on a regular basis. We all know how expensive video monitors can be; well this app allows you to monitor your baby on your PC for just a few dollars. You just place the iPod towards the baby and access all movement through a provided link on the computer. It works great and allows me to have some peace of mind.