Reading PDF files on an iPad is pretty easy. While there isn’t a native way to view files, you can download and view PDF attachments on emails fairly easily.
But business users often require a little more than that and GoodReader delivers. This app is not only a useful document viewer – it’s actually a powerhouse full of features.
Users can connect to their DropBox, Google Docs and MobileMe accounts to view any type of attachment including PDF and Office document file. Once you download a file, you can go to the “Manage Files” option to rename it, delete it or email it on to someone. You can also transfer files when you’re on a WiFi network.
One of the best features of this app is the ability to make annotations. If you’re reading a PDF file you can draw and make notes on the file itself, save the file with those annotations attached and then email them on.
You can also read MS Office files but you’ll need a dedicated editor to play with and change them.
GoodReader is simply one of the best apps available on any platform and is an essential for any heavy iPad/iPhone user.
Price: $2.49
One of the main criticisms of the iPad is that it doesn’t have an internal file system, so you aren’t able to save files like documents directly to the gadget itself. The DropBox app is probably the best answer for that problem.
By setting up an account through DropBox and installing the software on both your computer and iPad, you’ll be able to transfer any file between the two gadgets, including documents, video files and any type of office presentation.
One of the better features of the DropBox software is the ability for multiple users to access the same account. So one person can change a document, edit it, and then place it back in the universal drop box account for multiple users to access.
It’s a must-have utility for any business with employees on the move.
Price: Free
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
