If you are lucky enough to have an iPad or iPad 2 and want to get the most out of it when running your small business, then I have got some great tips for you. Searching through the Appstore for the best Apps can be time consuming at the best of times. Luckily for you I’ve already spent hours (if not weeks) searching for what I believe to be the most useful applications on the market. Some are free, some are not, however none of them is what I would consider to be on the expensive side.

Take a look at the apps I have mentioned below and you will soon see how useful your iPad can be. To some, it may just be a glorified games console, but to the serious entrepreneurs and business orientated it’s a veritable banquet of timesaving applications.

1. Dropbox:
You may be already using the desktop version of this great application, if so the iPad version should definitely be top of your list. The app is free and syncs seamlessly with the cloud and your other devices. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Dropbox, it is a file storage application, which takes up little or no space on any device. No need for a hard drive or memory stick when you have this little genius installed. Simply log into your Dropbox account and all your files are there to update, share or edit. An app I could simply not live without.

2. Docs to Go:
A clever app, that allows you to view, edit and share any document regardless of the format. Use it to open Windows or Mac files in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations or PDFs. It also allows you to save your file in any format, so if you are a Mac user and the recipient is a Windows user you can save the document in a format that suits them. There is a free ‘lite’ version, but it’s well worth spending a small bit of money for the full version to get all the extras.

3. Paypal:
I’m sure you are familiar with Paypal, so I won’t go into too much detail here. This handy app for your iPad makes it easier to process payments and bills on the move. Free to everyone, whether you have an existing account or not.

4. Adobe Reader:
The new version of the Adobe Reader for iPad is a must have for anyone who uses their iPad to view business documents on the go. The unique interface makes it easy to use and allows you to view PDF documents straight from your inbox. No waiting for the file to download and read later. What I love about this is it allows me to access and read password protected PDF files, which other apps do not support. (Obviously you need the password!).

5. Quickvoice recorder:
This is a relatively new application, however it’s already storming up the Appstore charts. A nifty device that allows you to dictate files to your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. What particularly impressed me about this app is that you can use it to record short memos or to record whole interviews. I’m not 100% sure what the max record time is on it, but I have recorded hours of audio when conducting interviews and never had any problems. A great free app and a must have for anyone who relies on their Dictaphone on a regular basis.

I would also advise checking out the five apps below, I have used them all and can definitely recommend them to anyone who needs a little help with the day to day running of a small business.

6. IRemote Desktop – comes in a free ‘lite’ version and a paid version. Great for accessing your desktop when you are away from the office.

7. Zoho Invoice – My favourite business management application, purchase orders, invoices, expense tracking, it’s all here in one easy to use package.

8. PrintBureau – Allows you to print to any printer wirelessly. Whether you are using a Mac or a PC, this ones a little gem.

9. Percentages – percent calculator, If like me your head for figures isn’t what it used to be, this percentage calculator is a must have for quick and easy answers. A steal at .79c

10. AutoCAD WS – A great app for those of you who need to view, share or edit .DWG files. It’s also free so you can’t say better than that.

Matt runs a small business – an SEO Agency in London – and is never without his iPad. As well as blogging on all things digital, he blogs for his client who run Gatwick Airport Lounges, as well as lounges at other London airports.