My existing iPad is overrun. Anytime I want to download something, it’s a negotiation of what goes. Now with a chance to start fresh and a goal of moving up the SAMR scale, I’ve got some priorities.

Here are my picks that I know I’ll use on a regular basis:

• Dropbox = file transfer
• Google Drive = viewing
• Google Docs = editing
• GoodReader 4 ($2.99) = PDF reader/annotation app Notability ($2.99; after talking with Carol and seeing it in action, I’m sold.)
• Flipboard = news, blogs and social media aggregator
• Twitter = tweet feed
• TED = TED Talks

And these are the ones I have been meaning to use and now have a nudge to do so:

• Evernote = notes, photos, links, to-do lists, etc.
• Feedly = RSS aggregator
• Skitch = image annotation
• Penultimate = sketchbook
• Pocket or Instapaper ($3.99) = save articles to read later
• Dragon Dictation = voice to text, faster than typing

For the wow factor on an iPad, I recommend the following:

• WWF Together
• The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore ($4.99)

The above lists don’t even touch the surface of content creation tools, games or discipline-specific apps. Go explore and have fun.

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And because some of us do have kids at home, these are my favorite picks for the little set (my boys are 2 and 5):

• Peekaboo Barn ($1.99)
• Monkey Preschool Lunchbox ($1.99)
• Sago Mini Forest Flyer ($2.99)
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Run This App! ($5.99)
• Draw a Stickman (Episode 1 & 2 are free; EPIC is $2.99)
• any TocaBoca app: Toca Hair Salon ($2.99), Toca Robot Lab ($2.99), Toca Kitchen Monsters
• any Originator app: Endless Alphabet ($6.99), Endless Reader, Endless Numbers
• The Three Little Pigs (Nosy Crow, $4.99)
• A Charlie Brown Christmas (Loud Crow Interactive, $4.99)

Yes, these are worth every penny. I’d be happy to demo if you’re not sure.