TiPb checks out the best, most must-have apps to load up as soon as you get your new iPad 2
Just get a new iPad 2 and curious which are the best, most must-have apps and games you need to install first? Want to really show off those new cameras or put that new super fast Apple A4 processor to the test? Well read on for TiPb’s top 5 most recommended, most must-have iPad 2 apps to get your started.
If you're brand new to iPad, be sure to check out our Top 10 iPad Apps to get you started with all the basics, from social to casual to creative. If you really want to stun your friends and family, however -- if you want to blow them away with your new iPad 2, then grab/update these next!
iMovie
When Apple debuted the iPad 2 they wanted to raise the bar when it came to iPad 2 software as well, and iMovie was their first salvo. Pull in video and photos via the decidedly tepid built-in cameras, from the Camera Roll, or from your iPhone, point-and-shoot, vidcam, or DSLR via SD or USB and the Camera Connection Kit and you're on your way. If you're familiar with iMovie '11 on Mac it's the same basic concept but completely touch-centric. You can mould your video as if you're working with digital clay. Clip and transition and modify the audio and title -- all in multitouch. *Universal app – buy once, use on iPhone 4, iPod touch 4, and iPad 2.** [$4.99 - iTunes link]
GarageBand
Apple's second iPad 2 salvo is also arguably one of the best mobile apps ever made. While it also works on the original iPad it's even better on iPad 2. If you're familiar with GarageBand '11 on Mac... well this is a different animal almost entirely. You've got touch sensitive instruments that, thanks to the accelerometer, can even tell how hard you're hitting them. Strings, keyboards, and percussion from classic to electric are available both for you to play and in "smart" varieties to play along. You can also plug in your own instruments and record your own vocals and you've got 8 full tracks to mix it all down with. Even if you're not musically inclined, GarageBand will wow you. [$4.99 - iTunes link]
Real Racing 2 HD
Always on the cutting edge of Apple's latest hardware, the ADA award-winning team at Firemint wasted no time in releasing an iPad 2 optimized version of their flagship driving game. Gyroscope makes it steer better and the new PowerVR SGX 543 graphics chip in iPad 2 lets them turn the textures to overdrive. While the game may look and control better than ever before, it's still Real Racing 2 and that means great cars, exciting tracks, and more fun than you can throw a hyper car at. If only I could drive like the Stig! [$9.99 - iTunes link]
Infinity Blade
Not only did Epic provide great new content in the recent Deathless Kings update for their Unreal 3 Engine-powered fighter, they powered it up for iPad 2 as well. While the original Infinity Blade for iPad blew people away with its gorgeous, real-time 3D environments and kinetic gameplay, the iPad 2 version takes it not only to the next level, but the next generations. The textures look better than ever, the frame-rate is near flawless, and if it looked gorgeous before it looks darn well glorious now. (You can even plug in the HDMI adapter and let your friends watch the mayhem video mirrored on your big screen HDTV!). [$5.99 - iTunes link]
Dead Space HD
Dead Space HD was one of the best looking, most atmospheric, most intense first-person shooters (FPS) games we've experienced on iPad -- and now they've gone and enhanced the already impressive visuals for iPad 2. So yes, good things can get better... or scary things can get even scarier... either way! It's hardcore horror and that might not be for everyone but for those who've been aching for console quality FPS on iPad, we've taken then next big leap in that direction. [$6.99 - iTunes link]
Your top apps?
So there you have them, our top 5 best apps to show off your new iPad 2. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPad App and Games Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!
