The iPad is a more capable device than a lot of people may realize.
Despite iOS being a scaled-down operating system, there are loads of features buried inside of it, and it's robust enough to run some powerful apps on top of it.
These are our favorite features and capabilities (whether native or app-assisted) in our iPads.
Access your home computer and use it from anywhere in the world
We've been using and loving iTeleport ($19.99) as a means to access our computer at home while we're out and about with our iPad. Start and stop large downloads, email yourself files you need while you're mobile, or scare your family by playing music from an empty room.
You'll come up with plenty of your own creative ways to use this app.
Remotely wake up your home computer
If you want to use the previously mentioned VNC software and your computer is set to go to sleep after a certain period of inactivity, you need to wake it up before remotely accessing it.
A number of apps support a protocol called "Wake On LAN." All this means is that they can push a signal from your router to your computer to wake it up. Then you can fire up your VNC app to take care of whatever you like.
We recommend iNet WOL ($1.99).
Use it as a media remote (Free Apps)
Your iPad can control your computer or other AirPlay compatible device and act as a remote for controlling your music and video. Just make sure everything's on the same WiFi network.
If you want to take advantage of this, pick up Apple's Remote app (free).
Split the keyboard in half
Some people prefer the split keyboard arrangement for more ergonomic typing. To see if you want to use this layout instead, tap and hold the keyboard button in the bottom right and select the "Split" option from the menu that pops up.
When the keyboard is split, you have access to invisible keys
With a split keyboard, some people prefer to type characters on the opposite side with the opposing hand. For these users, Apple has included some invisible keys -- check the picture to see what we mean.
Enable private browsing
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Whatever business you're taking care of in Safari, you can keep it off the record by enabling private browsing.
Start the Settings app and tap on "Safari." Under the Privacy setting, set the "Private Browsing" switch to the "on" position.
Now all your web activity will be off the record.
Switch between apps with a special gesture
Instead of activating the multitasking bar and searching for a recently used app, you can make a four-finger swipe to the left or right to switch between your apps.
Get to the home screen without pressing the home button
Similar to the four-finger gesture for switching between apps, a four-finger "pinch" will immediately return you to the home screen. We're not sure, but it feels like our iPad is more responsive to this gesture than to pressing the home button.
A faster way to reveal the multitasking bar
Take four fingers and swipe them up -- you have faster access to the multitasking bar than you would by double-tapping the home button.
Video out is easy to use
Squiggle on flickr
Want to watch iPad video content on a larger screen? Send it to a television with Apple's Lightning Digital AV Adapter ($49). You can also use AirPlay if you have an Apple TV.
Two spaces make a period
Double-tapping the space bar inserts a period. Use this little trick to make your typing on the iPad's virtual keyboard even easier.
Read comic books
Wikimedia Commons
There are a number of apps available for you to get your superhero fix. If you already have your own digital comic book files, use a standalone reader app like Comic Zeal ($4.99).
If you don't have any already, use an app that offers an in-app store to buy new comics. We recommend Comixology (free).
Data source: BI (By Dylan Love)
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