The basis of Paper by FiftyThree is simplicity. When starting the app, Paper by FiftyThree shows your different notebooks which can be easily selected. You are given a set number of pages per notebook and swiping the screen moves the pages. Double tapping will full-screen the current pages so you can create what you want.

Paper by FiftyThree is responsive in detecting strokes on the iPad. Depending on the surface, your finger or stylus, Paper by FiftyThree can accurately create the stroke you want. Unlike other productivity apps, Paper by FiftyThree can easily translate strokes into legible script.

The app also has multi-touch support so you can open and close individual notebooks, rewind to erase mistakes, and bring up the toolbar on the bottom of the screen. Extra brushes or functions have to be purchased in-app like sketch, writing, and color tools.

Paper by FiftyThree is one of the best digital note-taking apps available. The ease of use is amazing and the response from the app with on-screen actions is great.

Paper by FiftyThree is a must-have app for people who want simple and amazing digital notebooks.

Download Paper by FiftyThree 1.0.6 in Softonic

Once you've installed the program on your device, you'll need to sign up for a free Evernote account. After this short registration process you'll be presented with a very clear and touch-friendly interface. From here, you're just a tap away from adding a text note, a handwritten ink note, taking a snapshot on your camera, recording an audio note, or uploading a file.

The revamped Evernote interface in this fourth version of the app makes adding and managing notes very simple. Touch the plus button and you can add a quick note, with one-click options for adding tags, location tagging, in-line voice recording and adding pictures by taking a snapshot or browsing your Camera Roll.

Evernote for iPhone makes it so easy to peruse your notes. You can view all notes in a timeline, browse by notebook or tags, or search through all your notes using keywords.

Now, whenever you don't have your iPhone in hand you'll be able to access any notes or files you've added in Evernote from any web browser. These can then be edited, deleted, printed or emailed at your leisure. Personally, I found the layout of the online interface quite uncomfortable - unlike the hand-held version of Evernote, the text is very small, and the strange menu system makes browsing through your items overly complicated.

From the browser-based version of Evernote you can add notes and files like with the device version. There's also a 'web clipping' tool, available as a Firefox plug-in, which lets you quickly grab web pages as you browse and save them to Evernote.

All in all, Evernote is a powerful productivity app that ensures you're never far away from your important information.

Download Evernote 5.2 in Softonic

This free app records your voice and converts it into text in a very simple fashion. After loading Dragon Dictation just click on the record button and start talking. Press the 'Done' button when you're finished and after a few seconds a transcript of what you said will be shown.

At least, that's the theory. In reality, I have to question the accuracy of Dragon Dictation because it never recognized any of the phrases I said during my extensive tests (evidence of which you'll see in the garbled nonsense written in a couple of the screenshots). Perhaps this could be because of my regional British accent, because many reviewers on the App Store are praising the accuracy of Dragon Dictation. I tried to talk very slowly and even attempted an American accent but to no avail.

Luckily, Dragon Dictation has a text editing feature that lets you go back over your transcripts and correct them manually, but if it makes as many mistakes with you as it did with me you'll probably give up after a while.

Another issue that many people have noted is the way Dragon Dictation takes users' phone contacts and uploads them to their server. This is mentioned in the EULA, but it may not be clear to all users. The developer of Dragon Dictation said on a iTunes post: "we only upload names, not emails, phone numbers, or other personal details," insisting that they don't even know which of the names is the owner of the phone. It claims the reason the data is taken is to aid recognition of the names in your contacts. The app has now been updated to make this optional anyway.

If you have the right kind of accent and aren't suspicious of apps that mine your data then you should find Dragon Dictation a novel and easy-to-use way of taking notes on the fly.

Download Dragon Dictation 2.0.26 in Softonic

LogMeIn Ignition is a remote-control app for iPhone that lets you access your Windows or Mac OS X machine(s) while you're away from base. And I don't mean you can just see the files - the software actually displays your computer's interface in real time and allows you to control it as if you were sat there!

Setting up LogMeIn Ignition isn't as painful as you might expect. You first need to set up an account at LogMeIn.com, before downloading the client to your PC or Mac. You can choose between a powerful subscription-based service or opt for the free remote access option. Then you just download LogMeIn Ignition from the App Store, enter your account credentials and you'll see a list of all the computers you have access to (remember, you can install the LogMeIn client on multiple computers). Click on of the computers in the list and hey presto, you've got access.

Admittedly, it does take a while to get used to navigating your computer through the LogMeIn iPhone interface. The mouse pointer works in a strange way, whereby you need to drag whatever you want to click on to the cursor, rather than the other way around. The pinch-to-zoom feature works well though, and it won't take long before you're whizzing around your computer quite naturally.

LogMeIn Ignition includes it's own full pop-up QWERTY keyboard, and you can turn on specialized keyboards for function keys, ESC, tab and navigation arrows. Some users have bemoaned the lack of international characters on the keyboard, so hopefully this is something that will be addressed in later versions.

There are some useful options and settings in LogMeIn Ignition, including the ability to lock your computer's keyboard remotely, black its screen, and alter the screen resolution.

In general, LogMeIn Ignition performs very well, although there were a couple times in my tests where it slowed down a bit and the actions were noticeably out of sync with the computer.

Some users may be put off by the price of LogMeIn Ignition, and there are cheaper remote control apps around, such as Jaadu VNC and NTRconnect.

However, if you're looking for a reliable way and easy to connect to your computer from your iPhone, you'd struggle to find anything better than LogMeIn Ignition.

Download LogMeIn Ignition 3.0.950 in Softonic

Using Penultimate is simple enough, as you'll see from the straightforward handwritten interactive tutorial that opens when you launch the app. Drawing is done by holding and dragging your finger around the screen. You can change the color and density of the pen, erase and undo writing, and choose from three different kinds of paper.

Penultimate automatically saves everything you enter, and you can have an unlimited amount of notebooks to store all your thoughts, ideas and musings. Penultimate gives you the option to share notebooks or individual pages by email, making it ideal for business use.

Although very simple to use, it's difficult to write with much precision using Penultimate due to the fact your finger always obstructs the line. Using large strokes or writing in block capitals can help to make things more clear, however.

Although it's a bit simplistic, Penultimate is a cool way to quickly make notes and sketches without having to reach for a notebook all the time.

Download Penultimate 3.3.1 in Softonic

Tablets make great devices for browsing the web and doing some online shopping. Google realizes this and has come out with Google Catalogs for iPad and Google Catalogs for Android tablets. Choose your favorite brands and stores too see their individual catalogs.

Depending on the catalog and store, there are different levels of interactivity. Google Catalogs features a price tag button overlay to see more information about a product and to buy it. Clicking the 'Buy Now' button will take you to the store's website within the Google Catalogs app. No jumping out to Safari.

Some catalogs also include video content from YouTube, which is a great way to learn more about a certain item or store. There is also the option to check stores near by to see if an item is in stock if you'd rather purchase from a brick and mortar store.

The interface of Google Catalogs is simple and intuitive. Catalogs function much like magazines. Swipe between pages or look at thumbnails for each page to quickly scan. Unfortunately Google Catalogs isn't fully optimized for the new iPad's Retina Display. There is also some lag navigating Google Catalogs. Tapping on a catalog for the first time will take some time to load, although the wait isn't that bad.

Overall, Google Catalogs is a great application for window shopping from your iPad but has a few interface and performance issues to iron out.

Download Google Catalogs 1.3.5 in Softonic

No vector polygons, no dew point calibration and it won't remind you to wear a jacket. Just radiant, color-scapes to accurately help you size up your day.

A modern tech-cessory for the aesthetically-inspired, new-fashioned adventurer.

Download Solar : Weather 1.2 in Softonic

Trello is an iOS productivity app that will keep you connected with your colleagues. This iOS version of Trello shares many of the features of its web app counterpart. With the use of lists and cards you can inform others of your work ideas and plans. Trello easily lets you update information on your iPhone and iPad, or communicate with people on computers and other smartphones.

Features

After creating or logging into your Trello account you will first need to select a board. You may create your own Trello board and invite others to collaborate, join a colleague’s board, or play around with the default board. Once on a board you will be able to make lists to categorize your plans, goals, and actives. Within a list you can add cards for specific tasks. Cards are the most detailed part of Trello. Here you will be able to add notes, tags, due dates, attachments, and assign members. When a card is updated the assigned members will receive notification e-mails.

You can also inform others of your Trello activity by sharing across social media and web services. By default the iOS version allows sharing on Twitter or opening links in Safari. Trello will also scan for other social media apps installed on your device and allow sharing across them. When a task card is completed it can saved into a Trello archive. If your assignment is canceled it can also be deleted to remove clutter.

Usability

Trello on iOS uses an interface similar to the web app version. You can scroll across lists with swipes, move cards by holding and dragging, and edit cards with simple taps. Within a card there are many dropdown menus to add comments, change due dates, and add labels. Unique to the iOS version of Trello are individual popup menus to add members, attachments, and vote.

At the bottom of the app are quick buttons to check board activity, view members, and share your cards. If you’re new to Trello the app also provides guides and help menus to get you started. The iOS version also has buttons to quickly change settings or access your archived items. One strange aspect of the iOS version are rather large and easy to hit deletion buttons, making it easier to accidentally delete content.

Quality

Trello’s visual design is a mashup of the web app and Apple standards. Trello on iOS uses the same blue and white color scheme found on its web counterpart, along with text, boarders, and menus matching Apple designs. Trello does not have any obvious bugs, functionality issues, or slow down. When a card or list is changed on Trello for iOS it will also quickly update across all forms of Trello.

Conclusion

Trello is a great means of staying connected with coworkers and collaborators. The iOS version functions similar to other versions, making a smooth transition for Trello users. Even if you’re new to Trello, the app includes plenty of help to get you ready.

Download Trello 2.0 in Softonic

To do lists are great, especially if they can be added to your PC. The problem lies in their portability. Most planner tools are only useful if you're nearby your computer where you can check them on a regular basis. That's what makes TaskPad Lite such a great little app, actually. Not only can you take your to do list with you wherever you go, you can also sync it with your computer through TaskPad Lite's website.

The app also has a nice interface and a comprehensive tutorial on how to actually use it. You can organize your tasks into folders in TaskPad Lite, as well as by categories predetermined by TaskPad Lite itself. Choose a priority level on a scale of one to three stars, and even set a deadline for each individual task. Once you get back to the TaskPad Lite's home screen, you'll see your tasks organized both by folder and by priority level. The tasks that have the most immediate deadlines will also be displayed more prominently.

One little complaint some users might have about TaskPad Lite is that the app won't sync automatically when you plug it into your computer. Instead, you have to remember to click the sync button before heading out or else you won't have the most up-to-date tasks with you on your mobile device, assuming the last update came from your computer.

Apart from that, TaskPad Lite is a highly useful app for anyone who leads a busy, on-the-go life.

Download TaskPad Lite 1.6 in Softonic

With PaperDesk Lite you can create multiple notebooks with multiple pages. All your notebooks are stored on a cool home screen, designed like a real desk. You can customize the color and style of your notebooks. This Lite version allows you a maximum of three notebooks, each with just three pages. However, the full version of PaperDesk gives you unlimited notebooks and unlimited pages.

When you open a notebook in PaperDesk Lite, you’re presented with a blank page. You can choose between four different page designs from the Edit menu, including lined or blank 'paper'. Click on the page and you can type onto using the touch keyboard or draw and sketch by selecting the pen tool from the toolbar at the top. It’s possible to change the properties of the pen in PaperDesk Lite, adjusting the color, size, brightness and opacity. There’s also an eraser for scrubbing out mistakes.

Features of PaperDesk Lite

PaperDesk Lite is comfortable to write on, and the drawing feature is pretty accurate. You can work with notebooks in portrait or landscape mode. The latter gives you a zoomed-in view of the page, but strips the interface down to just three options (text, pen and eraser).

There are some other useful features of PaperDesk Lite, including a spell check, page bookmarking and the fact that it auto-saves your work when you exit. However, it is lacking quite a few tools, such as an Undo option, line tools and a zoom. It would also be nice if you could flick between pages by swiping, rather than having to use the arrow button.

Overall though, PaperDesk Lite makes for a handy way to take notes and draw sketches on your iPad.

Download PaperDesk Lite 2.4 for iPad in Softonic

As an iPod Touch owner myself, one of my biggest concerns was that CardStar might require a camera to scan in your card's bar codes. Fortunately, while CardStar does give you that option, it conveniently also gives you a second choice. If you don't have a camera on your device, you can always just input your card's numbers directly into the app. If CardStar recognizes the merchant and your membership number, you're done. In a matter of seconds, it will bring up a digital copy of your membership card, as well as a bar code.

CardStar has an expansive database of merchants already on file. All the user has to do is simply search for the name of the relevant merchant and type in your card number. It's really that simple. Merchants treat your digital card like they would a hard copy, scanning the bar code right from your device. You no longer have to pack your wallet full of cards.

The only issue with CardStar's app thus far is that sometimes you might not end up finding the card merchant's name in CardStar's database. If you want them to be added though, you can contact CardStar directly, requesting that they get in touch with the merchant and add the name to their files.

CardStar is a convenient app for people who want to store their membership cards in a single place.

Download CardStar 3.5 in Softonic

Handwritten grocery lists are easy to misplace, especially for people with busy lives. Grocery Gadget, on the other hand, is programmed into your mobile device, ready to go when you are. Add onto it whenever another food item you need to buy occurs to you.

Grocery Gadget's inventory is pretty impressive. Just search for the items you want to add to it, and a selection will appear with more specifications to choose from. If you type in that you need to buy milk, for example, Grocery Gadget gives you the option of choosing chocolate milk, nonfat, low-fat, and whole milk. From there you can also search for coupons to area stores with relative ease. If Grocery Gadget coupons are found, you can save them and have the grocery store's cashier scan them with a bar code that appears on your mobile device.

Unfortunately, Grocery Gadget's lite version only lets you add 20 list items at a time. This is fine for small shopping trips, but might not quite work for larger expeditions. In order to use the coupon feature, you also need to sign up for another online program. This might be a turn-off for some users.

Grocery Gadget is both an efficient way to manage your shopping lists and a time-saving way to find coupons.

Download Grocery Gadget Lite 3.2.5 in Softonic

It's natural to draw comparisons between Grokr and Google Now on Android. While Google Now pulls information from your Google account, Grokr uses Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for social information and gives you the option to add interests to the main feed of the app. The default information is traffic conditions, weather, and suggested trends on the web.

Swiping to the right displays the sidebar, which contains places, accounts, and interests. This is where you can add places you have been, your social accounts, and browse and add different interests for Grokr to track.

Unfortunately, Grokr does not have the same seamless experience that Google Now offers on Android. While Grokr does use notifications, it relies heavily on GPS which can drain your battery. Notifications in iOS are disappointing as well because they simply display a single line of text without any additional information. These messages sit in the Notifications Center until you dismiss them.

Grokr is a polished product and is the best alternative for iOS users who want a Google Now experience.

If you want to experience a small slice of Google Now, Grokr is the only option on iOS.

Download Grokr 1.02 in Softonic

The application is ideal for anyone who regularly attends conferences, exhibitions, and the like, because it means business card details don't need to be entered manually. With Business Card Reader, you just snap a photo of the card and the program will scan it to retrieve the details.

It then opens a new contact page with all of the details pre-filled. This data can then be quickly checked and edited if necessary, before saving to your phone. Business Card Reader even has an option to find a person's LinkedIn account based on the information it collects.

The concept of Business Card Reader is a very innovative and it can make for a useful tool for the traveling businessman. The app recognizes English, French, Italian, German and Spanish cards. However, the program doesn't provide 100 percent accuracy every time. The card images need to be very sharp for Business Card Reader to recognize them. This means you either need to be using a 3G iPhone or have a third-party lens attached to your iPhone. Even then, the lighting and aspect needs to be just right in order to get a completely accurate reading.

Business Card Reader does have an option to select an image from your device. This means you could take pictures with a decent digital camera, transfer them to your iPhone, then import them into your contacts Business Card Reader's attractive leather-style user interface.

If you've got a bulging collection of business cards but don't have the time to sort through and store them, Business Card Reader could be godsend.

Download Business Card Reader 2.0 in Softonic

One of the least fun things about planning an evening out is trying to make reservations. No one likes sitting on hold, only to be told the night of your choosing is entirely booked already. That's where OpenTable steps in to make things easier for everyone involved.

OpenTable cuts out the restaurant host or hostess by allowing you to check table availabilities and make reservations online through your mobile device. You can give the app access to your location and search for restaurants nearby or else simply type in the city or restaurant name you're looking for. The app will then ask you for a date, time, and number of guests attending and take care of your reservation right away.

With a useful map feature, as well as restaurant descriptions, parking information, and user reviews, OpenTable really is a jack of all trades restaurant reservation app. You can even earn money towards future restaurant visits simply by booking through OpenTable. The only real downside is that if your restaurant isn't part of the OpenTable database, it won't be listed and you won't be able to book a reservation. Some restaurants also currently don't have any user reviews or ratings.

For a one-stop restaurant reservation app however, OpenTable should be your immediate go-to.

Download OpenTable 3.5 in Softonic

The app is easy to use and intuitive. The main screen shows the current weekly deals and other sales that the store is currently having. If you are searching for something specific, you can browse by category or search Target.com.

Included in the Target app is a barcode reader so you can find products sold at Target. You can browse and buy products through the app. Target's store locator will show the nearby locations on your phone by using your current location so you can visit a store to see the product in person.

You are also able to manage registries, your Target account, and prescriptions from inside the app as well. It mirrors much of what the website offers, but all in one simple app.

The Target app is perfect for frequent shoppers.

Download Target 5.5.2 in Softonic

These are the two services that the store is most known for, and the app focuses a lot on bridging your Walgreens account with the specialized services that it offers. You can access your prescriptions and photos from the app and also order refills or set up a pill reminder.

The app also offers the ability to look at other products, but the implementation in the app is slow and bloated. Each menu has to individually load, and there is a lag between making a category selection and seeing the products offered. Even exiting out to the main menu has the same lag.

Walgreens does offer mobile coupons and a store locator, which is great when searching for local stores. It is a specialized app that adds extra functions, but does not work as smoothly for things beyond prescriptions and photos.

Walgreens is perfect for people familiar with the services offered.

Download Walgreens 3.2.2 in Softonic