Ah, the magic of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing, meeting smile after smile. Makes you want to break out in song. This blog tries to draw some attention to those who are doing good for others, be they charities or politically engaged organizations. We plan to do so throughout 2011 as well. But it’s Christmas eve, and as I put on my cap to prepare for a long winter’s nap after the office party, I just want to come out and say what many, many, people are wishing: Santa, I’ve tried to be good this year. Could I have an iPad under the tree? If it’s there, here are a few ideas of how some tech experts think you should stuff it (the iPad).
Bob Tedeschi of The New York Times has a Top-10 list that includes iWork (I promise to use it responsibly, Santa!), Evernote (which already simplifies the organization on my laptop and iPhone), the game Fruit Ninja HD (All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play…), and Star Walk “a jaw-dropping astronomy app. Hold the iPad toward the night sky and it labels everything. You can also preview the movement of tonight’s sky, or witness a particular night sky from centuries ago. Star Walk is billed as an educational app, but it’s as entertaining as anything on the market.” Yep, that one is definitely going on mine if/when I get it.
If free-ness is top of your list of good little features, check out AppConsumer.com and its list of free Christmas apps (though some will only prove to be really useful in about 330 days).
Mitch Wagner of ComputerWorld.com posted his Top-8 back in April, and confirmed his spring opinions a week or so ago. His list includes many of Mr. Tedeschi’s list, but also the much-needed 1Password to keep secure track of your social media and banking passwords. True, not a ‘magical’ app, but it will keep track of your receipts of the magical ones you must purchase. If you want my 2-cents: 1Password is the only software that I have bought as a gift for a number of my friends and family who, like me, want to have something besides ‘Password1’ for every password, yet who tend to forget which password goes where.
Oh, if you’re looking for that app to give a little back to your favorite charity before the end of the year, Apple has nothing but coal for you.
So as we finish decking the halls and stewing the figgy pudding in preparation of the first day of Christmas, here’s hoping you get what you are asking for. If it is an iPad, you will want to consider these people’s suggestions. If it isn’t, we hope the underwear doesn’t pinch.
Merry Christmas!
