13 lucky apps for the iPad mini

iPad mini apps

My new iPad mini with 4G/LTE is already getting a solid workout due to the svelte form factor that makes it a joy to use.

The 13 apps in this list have already become my favorite for using on the iPad mini. They may not be for everyone but they work well for me.

Update: added a 14th app that I couldn't overlook.

DirecTV

This app has turned my iPad mini into the smartest remote control ever. It provides complete control over my DirecTV setup in a configurable way that makes the most sense to me.

In addition to making my DirecTV system easy to control, I can watch streaming TV on the iPad mini anywhere.

If you are a DirecTV customer you need to get this free app.

Free

TouchDocs

If you use Google Docs on your iPad then check out this app. The interface is perfectly tailored to the iPad mini and it is the easiest way to create/edit Google Docs.

$3.99

Mr. Reader

I've stated this app is my favorite on the big iPad, and it is rapidly becoming the same on the mini. It syncs RSS feeds with Google Reader and has a superb user interface for working with lots of items.

$3.99

PDF Expert

The iPad mini display is perfect for working with PDF files and this app is a great way to do so.

It is a great way to fill out forms in PDF format, even using a stylus to sign documents.

$9.99

Linkedin

I've been a Linkedin member for years but admit I've never used the service much. That has changed with the app on the iPad mini.

It's a great way to keep up with the network and especially to see changes in my colleagues' employment situations.

Free

Downcast

There is a podcast app on iOS but I prefer the features of Downcast. It makes keeping up with podcast subscriptions easy, and I especially like the way I can turn listening speed up a notch to get the full benefit of podcasts in less time.

$1.99

Tunein Radio Pro

I like to listen to streaming radio stations from around the world, and this app is my favorite way to do so.

It can find radio stations by location or genre and lets me save them as presets just like a real radio.

Free version available but Pro is $0.99

Skype

The iPad has Facetime and while it is a nice video chatting app many of my colleagues use Skype.

The Skype app is a great mobile chatting solution on the iPad mini and I use it a lot.

Free

Tweetbot

This app is my favorite Twitter app on any platform and using it on the iPad mini has become my preferred method.

It handles all normal Twitter functions in an outstanding interface. I love this app.

$2.99

Flipboard

This app was one of the first to show what the iPad is capable of, and it's a joy to use on the iPad mini. I keep track of my preferred news sources and also my Twitter and Facebook friends using the app.

Free

Kindle

If I am using a mobile device you can bet I'm using the Kindle app to read books. That's true of the iPad mini, in fact it has become my preferred device for reading ebooks.

Free

Zite

This app is a stellar news magazine and it is a joy to use on the iPad mini. I can follow lots of news sources with a few taps and swipes using Zite.

The display on the iPad mini is the perfect size for using Zite, much better than the mini's larger sibling.

Free

Gmail

The iOS Mail app is OK but is not the best way to use Gmail. Google has improved the Gmail app on the iPad and it is my default app for using Gmail on the iPad mini.

The display fits the screen perfectly and it is a joy to use.

Free