ipad

The OnLive Dekstop is an app for your iPad that gives you a virtual Windows 7 desktop environment, as well as Office 2010 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Reader and other basic Windows apps (Calculator, Notepad, Wordpad, Paint, Sticky Notes).

It seems like every time a major software revision comes along, it’s described as the “biggest ever.” In the case of iOS 5, though, that might not be hyperbole—there’s hardly a part of Apple’s mobile operating system that isn’t altered in some way by the latest update.

Whether you're an executive, a traveling sales rep, a student, or a soccer parent, a slate full of smart apps can help you manage the ever-changing demands of your daily life. It doesn't really matter whether you use an iPad or one of the new Android tablets; both platforms offer a wealth of options for staying on top of things. And in any case, it's not about having the most apps--it's about having the right apps for you.

I approach iOS-ified versions of classic arcade and console games with a healthy mixture of anticipation and trepidation. On the one hand, it's nice to see all those games I wasted all those hours playing in my misspent youth making an appearance in my slightly less misspent adulthood. On the other hand, the graphics and gameplay of two or three decades ago doesn't always translate well to Apple's state-of-the-art handhelds.

There are some good remote desktop apps out there for the iPad. Which ones rise to the top?

In our previous lab report on the iPad 2 that tested battery life and GarageBand performance, we asked for suggestions on tests you'd like us to run with new tablets. And you responded--as a result we have iPad 2 results in tests involving photo imports, iMovie, and GLBenchmark. We also have an update on our battery testing.

On Friday the iPad 2 arrives, meaning the first reviews of Apple's tablet are in. Several tech pundits got their hands on the iPad 2 and after a week or so of playing with it, they seem to agree Apple has on its hands yet another winner. Thin, light and sleek, the iPad 2 still has some caveats (like subpar cameras), the reviewers point out, but that doesn't mean the new tablet can't make a splash.

The iPad is an awesome mobile computing tool, and it can take the place of a PC for most tasks, but when push comes to shove, it's still not a PC. Citrix is bridging that gap, though, by enabling users to remotely connect to and work with their PC on the go from an iPad using the GoToMyPC for iPad app.

The AR.Drone from France-based Parrot is an exciting, fun-to-fly, four-rotor helicopter that can be piloted over Wi-Fi by an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone. But flying indoors proves tricky and may frustrate inexperienced pilots. The helicopter goes on sale in the U.S. at Brookstone stores on Sept. 3, 2010, for US$299 and is available for pre-order now.

Unlike the iPhone and iPod touch, the iPad doesn't come with its own weather app. Fortunately, third-party developers are ready to fill the gap, offering a number of weather-focused offerings for your downloading pleasure. But which one deserves your attention--and your dollars? I took a look at a handful of iPad weather apps, with one in particular standing out from the rest.

If you're looking for apps to put on your shiny new iPad, start with these -- and best of all they won't cost you a dime.