Suggest iPad Pro Apps for Newbies?
October 29, 2022 3:23 PM Subscribe
I'm not too familiar with the iOS app world. What software should I put on a new iPad Pro to optimize my enjoyment of same?
I got myself an iPad Pro to try out as a replacement for an aging (and battery-bulging) ultrabook, since I realized that 99% of what I do with my old laptop is web browsing, or using VNC/SSH/RDP to remote into desktops and servers anyway, and I'm already in the Apple ecosystem otherwise. I also wanted to try the pencil for art.
Stuff I already set up: Blink (ssh), Screens (VNC-over-ssh), and the Microsoft RDP client (Windows remote desktop). Procreate (I mainly use Krita on my desktops, but there's no Krita for iOS). And that's really about it. I've used iPhones forever, but I'm not a heavy app user. I'll grab the same apps I have on the phone for streaming services and etc, but beyond that I'm somewhat at a loss due to lack of experience. I mostly use my desktops for esoteric simulation games, hobby art/music creation/fiddling, digital fabrication (CAD, 3d printing, etc), and software hacking.
So what's cool out there and makes your iPad-using life better?
I got myself an iPad Pro to try out as a replacement for an aging (and battery-bulging) ultrabook, since I realized that 99% of what I do with my old laptop is web browsing, or using VNC/SSH/RDP to remote into desktops and servers anyway, and I'm already in the Apple ecosystem otherwise. I also wanted to try the pencil for art.
Stuff I already set up: Blink (ssh), Screens (VNC-over-ssh), and the Microsoft RDP client (Windows remote desktop). Procreate (I mainly use Krita on my desktops, but there's no Krita for iOS). And that's really about it. I've used iPhones forever, but I'm not a heavy app user. I'll grab the same apps I have on the phone for streaming services and etc, but beyond that I'm somewhat at a loss due to lack of experience. I mostly use my desktops for esoteric simulation games, hobby art/music creation/fiddling, digital fabrication (CAD, 3d printing, etc), and software hacking.
So what's cool out there and makes your iPad-using life better?
There are lots of cool music and audio creating and editing apps. Geoshred is one that might interest you. It’s $25 but there is a lite version and (I think) a free starter version.
If you like to sketch and handwrite ideas, take a look at Goodnotes. There’s a free system app called Freeform coming to 16.2 that does something similar.
If you like Procreate, master it, but also, go crazy trying art apps. I like to think of my folder creative iPad apps as a palette that I can go to for different moods and types of projects.
posted by michaelh at 6:45 PM on October 29, 2022
If you like to sketch and handwrite ideas, take a look at Goodnotes. There’s a free system app called Freeform coming to 16.2 that does something similar.
If you like Procreate, master it, but also, go crazy trying art apps. I like to think of my folder creative iPad apps as a palette that I can go to for different moods and types of projects.
posted by michaelh at 6:45 PM on October 29, 2022
music creation/fiddling
The IOS version of GarageBand.
Minimoog Model D
KORG iKaossillator
AudoKit Synth One
BLEASS Monolit synth
Nebulous Theremin Synth
Synclavier Go! synth (OK, in all honesty I just got this and haven't really played with it.)
Bloom: 10 Worlds
iOptigan
Also, if you're a reader of e books or audiobook person and don't already have a device you use for those, the iPad is great for that. (And there's a damn good chance your local library is set up to lend e and audio books via an app.)
posted by soundguy99 at 11:02 PM on October 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
The IOS version of GarageBand.
Minimoog Model D
KORG iKaossillator
AudoKit Synth One
BLEASS Monolit synth
Nebulous Theremin Synth
Synclavier Go! synth (OK, in all honesty I just got this and haven't really played with it.)
Bloom: 10 Worlds
iOptigan
Also, if you're a reader of e books or audiobook person and don't already have a device you use for those, the iPad is great for that. (And there's a damn good chance your local library is set up to lend e and audio books via an app.)
posted by soundguy99 at 11:02 PM on October 29, 2022 [1 favorite]
People love Drafts for a reason. Apps with meaty scripting support (Drafts and OmniFocus come to mind) really shine on the iPad.
I also find that the iPad is a nice place for journaling. I use Day One for that.
posted by Ptrin at 10:40 AM on October 30, 2022
I also find that the iPad is a nice place for journaling. I use Day One for that.
posted by Ptrin at 10:40 AM on October 30, 2022
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posted by majick at 6:45 PM on October 29, 2022 [1 favorite]