The criticism of the iPad before its release was basically: what do I need it for? Having used it for a little while, I’m honestly not sure… Don’t get me wrong, I like my iPad, but I haven’t seen the (or even a) killer app for the iPad yet.
I’m generally using my iPad for things I used to do on my iPhone/iPod touch or laptop. I use it for email, web browsing, showing photos and videos, I brought it to a bar to show a fellow developer a system diagram1 – all useful things sure. However all things I would have done with my laptop/iPhone/iPod touch previously.
I think the answer is that there isn’t a killer app or killer activity for the iPad2 – it’s just a different way of computing. For many people, a device similar to the iPad will be their next computer. Like me, they will be able to do a number of things on it that they used to do on their old laptop or desktop – but they will enjoy it more on the more limited, focused and user-friendly device.
Alex,
Isn’t the initial “killer app” the screen and resolution (or lack there off when compared to a laptop)?
For me the benefit seems to be that it is big enough to show useful stuff to others (compared to iPhone), but way less of a headache to lug around than a laptop (even the 13″ MBP)..
Just my two cents..
-R
Try GoodReader for PDFs. It syncs a variety of ways including services like Dropbox.
I almost wrote a review for Instapaper this morning about how it is THE killer app in my life. Especially on the iPad.
Re: PDF’s — check out the new update for dropbox. Easily get the item on the iPad and it seems to do good at displaying them.