But you don't understand I'll...

When we were younger things were simpler. 

If we wanted something our parents thought was expensive we all uttered the same pointless sentence.... "But you don't understand, I'll use it all the time" and if they were still on the fence ... "I can use it for school". 

If you were lucky they might even give in and part from their hard earned cash for you. Then, 48 hours later, when they would walk into the front room and stand on that now discarded item you insisted on and probably only used twice, chase you around the room trying to re-enact that strangling scene from the Simpsons. 

Good times.

As you get older, things don't change that much, and the adult equivalent of "I can use it for school" must surely be "but dear, I'll use it for work" (If you have recently bought an iPad 2 and used this sentence on your partner and they are now reading this over your shoulder.....run). The thing is, you can use it for work, and used effectively it can be a real help whether you're working remotely on the go or just trying to impress that new client. Below is a list of Apps that should help you get the most out of that expensive new purchase... 

Luminant Software is a cracking app for those pesky board meeting when others in the room have the crazy idea that their opinions are more important (or relevant) that yours. This little gem allows you to combine hand written notes and drawings with voice recording, making the inevitable argument later in the week of "No No...but you said.." a thing of the past. 

Wyse Technology is that little app that allows all of us that work 9 to 5 in an office to do that thing we love.....sit on the sofa and play Halo online....sorry, I meant work remotely. Stay connected with your PC or terminal back in the office, with some reviewers saying they now leave there laptops back in the office all together. Now back to capture the flag.

Bloomberg for iPad is ideal for those who want to stay on top of the latest business news, market trends, stock options and much much more. The icon on your desktop also makes it look like you know what you're talking about and try leaving it open on the stand with the live market stock graphs running just as your boss walks past...you're welcome.

LinkedIn is a great way of networking and currently has over 135 million members. Setting up an account doesn't  take long and allows you to join groups of fellow professionals, follow technology news and leave recommendations of colleagues' work who might even return the favour. 

EasySign is excellent based on its simplicity and versatility. This app allows you to get contracts, NDAs, invoices or forms signed by clients in person then stores and organises them without the hassle of losing or misplacing the paperwork. Send copies via email back to the office before you get back from the extended client lunch and never have to worry about looking for a pen again.

Storage is always an issue with technology, whether it's for important client files or series 4 of Mad Men you have just downloaded from iTunes. Dropbox is a free service that allows you to upload all of your files, music or videos from your PC or Mac and with the app installed on your iPad, download then as and when you need them, eliminating the hassle of debating which is more important; the Jenkins file or episode 4.   

 

iTech Development Systems is key if you use emails on the iPad with attachments. Most of us now use PDF documents in one way shape or form and this app allows you to download and save those files and search for key words or page numbers in seconds. Combine this with the Office 2 HD app that allows you to create and edit Word or Excel documents on the go and your mobile office is now complete. Water cooler not included. 

The iPad is an expensive buy, there's no doubt, but used wisely, can be invaluable in both business and at home. See, and you thought all this mindless rambling didn't have a purpose. Now I'll let you get back to Plants vs Zombies.....