When you are on the move you need to make the most of your time. I prefer to carry around my iPad 2 and not my notebook. Making that decision I needed to select an Office suite to be able to edit and share documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Of course I have to option to create a VPN and work directly with my desktop computer but there is a risk that the connection may not be available all the time. To mitigate this risk I decided to install an office suite in my iPad.  I reviewed several applications before I choose the application I am currently using.

Numbers is an innovative spreadsheet app designed by Apple for a mobile device by Apple. Built from the ground up for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, it lets you make spreadsheets in short time— with tables, charts, photos, and graphics. It comes with over 250 easy-to-use functions.  Numbers works with iCloud.

Pages is a word processor designed by Apple for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. You can choose from 16 Apple-designed templates and styles to instantly create letters, reports, flyers, cards, and posters. You can easily morph your document with the colors, fonts, and textures you like. It is compatible with Microsoft Word. You can import files from Mail, the web, a WebDAV service, or your Mac or PC using iTunes File Sharing.
Keynote is a powerful presentation app designed by Apple for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. You can create a world-class presentation — complete with animated charts and transitions — by simply touching and tapping. Use full-screen view to present right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Keynote works with iCloud. Keynote comes with 12 Apple-designed themes including Gradient, Showroom, and Portfolio. Compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint.
Microsoft PowerPoint for iPad needs no introduction.

Documents To Go® Standard is an all-in-one application with support for Microsoft® Word, Excel, PDF, Apple iWork and other files. It includes a desktop application (Win and Mac) to provide 2-way file synchronization. It supports 2007/2010 Office format.

Documents To Go® Premium . allows you to EDIT, CREATE & VIEW Word, Excel & PowerPoint files (Office 2007/2008/2010). You can VIEW/EDIT/SYNC your cloud files. It includes support for Google Docs, Dropbox, Box.net, iDisk & SugarSync. Send & receive attached supported documents using the built-in Mail app. It is a great enhancement over the simple version of this app.

Quickoffice  allows you to create, edit, & share Microsoft® Office documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, as well as view PDF files.  Using the File Manager enables you to access, transfer, and manage files on your iPad and through Evernote, Dropbox, Google Docs, Box, Huddle, SugarSync, Egnyte, and Catch.  Sharing features allow you to publish your content using e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yammer, Slideshare, Scribd, and Docstoc. It has a very easy and intuitive interface. Supports also Office 2010 documents. The latest version of Quickoffice Pro HD allow you to Open, View, and Edit 2007-2010 PPTX files, View, Create, and Edit numbered lists. You can also email files using the native iPad email client.

The application I choose to use is Quickoffice Pro HD mainly because it offers a very easy to use interface. (Edit Jan 1, 2014) Quickoffice Pro HD is no longer available. There is a new free version offered by Google  here. Quickoffice Pro HD has problems with iOS 7.

What applications are you using on your iPad? Please feel free to share your experience and comments on the apps that you are using.

I used the built in application Maps. It is amazing. You press once the notification icon and you find your position, you press twice and you receive your bearing. It also has a digital compass.  You  know instantly if you are heading to the correct direction. The application has also a feature to give you instructions on how to get to your destination by foot, car or public transportation. It also provides time estimations from your current location to your destination.You can see a list of turn-by-turn directions or a highlighted map route with estimated travel time. You can also mark specific locations and find the best route between them. So you’ll be finding your own way right and left. So, using the iPad 2 you’re less likely to get lost. Unless, of course, you want to.

The other 2 applications we used were:

Make sure to download the Skype for iPad application.

TripAdvisor helps have the perfect trip with access to real traveler reviews, opinions, photos, maps, and forums that can answer even the most specific questions when you’re on the go. TripAdvisor is the world’s most trusted travel site with over 50 million reviews and opinions by travelers.

Recently, I visited Switzerland. I took the train from Geneva to Lausanne. I had my 3G off and I was not connected to any WiFi network. I had location services on and I could track my route using an offline map. It was great. I used it also when I took a cab to track the road.
The application is Europe – Offline map with directU – (free)

Other useful application when  traveling are:
 The app covers more than 5000 airports and 1400 airlines. See flight details on zoomable maps or get real-time departure info, delays and gate numbers at a glance. Full international coverage means you can track all your flights worldwide. It’ll even update you on cancellations and help you find an alternate flight. FlightTrack Pro works seamlessly with TripIt. Forward your airline confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com, and flights appear automatically in FlightTrack Pro. Works with over 1000 travel sites! It can also sync with your calendar. There is also a standard edition for this application.

What programs do you use on your iPad 2 or the new iPad when you travel?