Right before the iPad launched and after it came out, we rounded up some apps we found intriguing. After diving into this media-savvy device, we've added a few more apps we consider to be gems, ranging from a web browser that's better than Safari to a sheet music reader that teaches you piano.
Reeder
The makers of Reeder borrowed heavily from the interface of Apples built-in Photos app, but were sure Steve Jobs doesn't mind. This apps makes news-reading look darn gorgeous something that newspapers still haven't figured out how to do and it offers one of those experiences that reminds you why you bought an iPad in the first place.
Reeder displays all your RSS feeds in an album-like interface; each feed gets its own rectangular tile. Pinch outward on a feed and it launches its list of headlines on the left and the article in a right-hand window. Pinch inward to close the feed and go back to your main menu.
Here's how good it is:
Both Wired.com's Charlie Sorrel and I love it, and we mostly read tech news RSS feeds for our jobs. (See Sorrels gushy review of Reeder for a closer look.) Yes, it even makes reading news for work more fun. ($5, download)
Craigslist Pro
Craig Newmark hasn't upgraded the look of Craigslist since the last millennium, but this iPad app gives the bare-bones site a fresh appearance and makes it easier to use. Craigslist Pro automates a lot of the tedious chores you have to go through to search for a new job, motorcycle, one-night stand and so on with Craigslist.
Start by setting up your location, then choose a category (e.g. jobs, personals or housing) and type in a keyword.
The best part is you can see a preview of each ad description below its corresponding title. So rather than clicking and going back and forth between each ad, you can get a nice scan of all the options with a quick swipe. Tapping an ad quickly loads its copy and photos (if available). In the upper-right corner is a Save Srch button in case you want to perform a search regularly. Sweet app for an excellent, albeit outdated, web service. ($1, download)
Etude
Learning the piano used to be one of those things only nerdy Chinese boys did while all the cool kids played sports after school (weep), but Etude might change that. The app displays piano scores and plays the sheet music in real time. Here's the kicker: On the bottom of the screen, a virtual keyboard plays along with the song, highlighting the proper keys to teach you where to position your hands on a piano. Plus, you can download additional scores and lessons. The app is a universal download that works on both the iPhone and the iPad, but its best on the latter; it shows the iPads potential to replace a music stand, and maybe even an instructor. ($5, download)
For more information contact All About Jazz.
