The new iPad is inarguably the best tablet for most people, most of the time. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best tablet for everyone, or the best tablet for doing everything. One of the huge advantages of being part of a massive mobile network is that iMore can draw not only on our own staff of writers and editors, but on the very deep bench that makes up Mobile Nations, its sites and shows.

So here’s what the BlackBerry addict thinks of the new iPad, and the app designer and developer, and the webOS stalwart, the financial whiz, the cell phone junkie, and more.

Seth Clifford, co-host of Iterate, CIO of Nicklefish

The new iPad is – for me – a huge leap forward from my previous experience. As I’ve said many times, I passed over the iPad 2 after its release because I just didn’t see a compelling enough reason to upgrade. I continued using my first-gen iPad well into its second year, and for the most part, my experience was fine. Certainly, I noticed that web pages rendered slowly, that it did feel heavier as time wore on, and that web-based applications (like the App Store itself) were kind of pokey. Eventually, a few months ago, the need arose to have another test device in the office, and I donated it to the pool, content to wait on the new iPad’s expected release in the spring.

Well, those few months were both enlightening and trying. I spent a lot of time with my Kindle Fire, and with my TouchPad, using both WebOS and Android 4.0 ICS, courtesy of CyanogenMod. Ultimately, I enjoyed playing with other devices, but I think it’s only because I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. For me, no tablet device fits the space left by the iPad in my life, largely because of my investment both in the App Store ecosystem, and my well-worn workflows, developed over the past few years. It was only a matter of time before I brought the iPad back into the mix, and I think I’m able to appreciate it even more because I really did spend time with a lot of other devices in its absence.

And the newest iteration is just spectacular. Going from a first-gen iPad to the new one is like standing in the cockpit when the Millennium Falcon makes the jump to hyperspace (“loading web pages quickly ain’t like dusting crops, boy!”). The processor and GPU bump alone makes a massive difference in my use of the device and how I feel it performs, not to mention the amazing retina display. I loved the change to retina on the iPhone and was prepared to be impressed, but I was taken aback at how profoundly this display changes the overall experience you have with the device. Throw in super fast LTE data (which I eventually caved to, exchanging my original wi-fi only model for a Verizon model a day after receiving it) and (still!) unbelievable battery life and this is a device package that simply can’t be beat. The entry price, the compelling features, the upgraded hardware, it’s staggering how good this thing really is. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead with it, confident that it’s going to easily become a must-have support in my computing life (again).

Marc Edwards, co-host of Iterate, Director of Bjango.com

The iPad is a giant multitouch display, networking and a bunch of sensors, like GPS and gyro. The current task takes over the entire experience, filling the display. With that in mind, the display is the most critical part of the iPad, by far. To users, it is the iPad. The new iPad’s display has improved so drastically that there’s no need for Apple to ever increase the resolution. It looks far more like a backlit poster print than a computer monitor.

The most important part of the iPad is now so good that Apple may never be able to significantly improve it again. I’d call that a decent update.

Ally Kazmucha, Editor of iMore

I’ve been using my new iPad day in and day out since I un-boxed it. I also used my iPad 2 on a daily basis. Even though my usage hasn’t changed, my experience has and “how” I use my iPad. I’ve been more drawn to reading on my new iPad than I ever was on my iPad 2 because of the retina display. I’ve always been a fan of reading actual books. The iPhone is too small of a screen to read a book on comfortably and I just never took to eBooks. The new iPad may be changing that for me. I find myself picking it up to read everything from news feeds to actual books.

I haven’t really noticed any speed difference between my old iPad 2 and new iPad but I didn’t really expect one. I assumed the new processor and bigger battery would mainly be dedicated to the retina display and graphics processing. My iPad 2 was fast enough for me. For anyone upgrading from a first generation iPad, you will definitely notice a boost in speed and overall performance.

I haven’t found myself using the camera in the iPad since my iPhone 4S has a better one. And I still think using an iPad for a camera makes you look idiotic in public so I refuse to do it. But it is nice for FaceTime when at home if the need arises. I also haven’t experienced any of the overheating issues many have been reporting. Then again, my most graphics intensive game is probably Bejeweled Blitz so that may be why.

I’d have to say I’m happy with my purchase and couldn’t go back to my iPad 2 after using the retina display. I didn’t expect a complete overhaul or design change. I feel like I got exactly what I expected and that made it a worthy upgrade for me personally.

Derek Kessler, Editor-in-Chief, webOS Nation

The iPad 3, err HD, err… the new iPad is quite the impressive tablet. It doesn’t do much to change the iPad form – for all intents and purposes you won’t be able to tell the difference picking one up unless you have another iPad sitting nearby to compare. That is, until you turn it on. That screen, oh that screen. It’s absolutely astounding how many pixels Apple managed to cram into that panel, and the result is simply the most gorgeous screen on practically any device. I have to commend Apple for a number of design decisions. First is just straight pixel-doubling the display instead of going for something bigger or smaller or widescreen or whatever. Second is actually sacrificing thinness for usability. The new iPad is barely thicker than the older iPad 2, but that flies in the face of conventional wisdom amongst Apple’s competitors that each new device must be thinner than the one that came before it. With the ridiculous screen, faster processor and graphics chips, and a power hungry radio, Apple made the conscious decision to make the new iPad just a smidge thicker to maintain the comparable battery life as the older iPads. Is it competition for my beloved HP TouchPad? Are you kidding? As far as the hardware is concerned the new iPad bludgeons the year-old TouchPad into a zillion pieces. But it still runs iOS, with all of its advantages and handicaps. Multitasking on iOS is still the 2012-equivalent of Palm OS (quick save and restore, an app switcher, and limited background activity were all hallmarks of the Palm OS multitasking system), and to any dedicated webOS user it’s utterly frustrating. But oh, that screen…

Leanna Lofte, App and Photography Editor, iMore

I have been asked a countless number of times if the upgrade to the new iPad is worth it; if the new iPad is worth the extra $100 over the iPad 2. And my answer is — absolutely. The screen alone on this thing makes it worth every penny, but the quad-core graphics, LTE availability, and improved camera make the new iPad absolutely worth upgrading to. I don’t care that the design remained unchanged, this was no incremental upgrade.

Gary Mazo, Senior Editor, Mobile Nations

I hate my new iPad. Well, I don't really hate it…I love it…and that's what I hate about it! Let me try to explain. Every year I shell out lots of money for the latest and greatest from Cupertino. Every year I tell myself that this will be the last time – I prepare myself to be disappointed in the product and resolve to "cut back" on my Apple purchases.

Enter the new iPad into my arsenal of Apple devices. I can't put this thing down. The screen resolution is truly unlike any device I have seen – or will see (until the next version of the iPad next year!)

I love reading on this device; the New York Times, iBooks, websites – whatever I read just looks so much better than anything I have seen before. Movies, games and optimized apps also just look stunning on this device.

I would go as far as to say that the new iPad is as transformative to users today as the original iPad was when it first came out. Why this device matters is that it not only makes everything you do seemingly "come alive" and jump right out at you – it restores your sense of wonder.

I can't help but look at the new iPad and thin "what's next?" I'm excited about the promise of what can be in the new iPhone, in a new Apple TV product or in a new Apple computer. I'm also excited because I think the new iPad will force other manufacturers to step up their game and deliver some truly stunning tech products in the near future.

So, I'm hooked again. I'm already saving up for next year's version. I was the first to think this would just be a modest upgrade and I am not too proud to admit I was wrong. I hate that Apple has wowed me again, but don't even try to pry my new iPad from my hands.

Kevin Michauluk, Editor-in-Chief, CrackBerry.com

I owned the iPad 1 and 2 and I bought the new iPad literally the second it went on sale. it’s a slightly better iPad. Cool, but not exciting.

Mickey Papillon, co-host of Android Central Podcast, thecellphonejunkie.com

The new iPad has reinvigorated my interest in tablets once again. While I didn’t actually miss having a tablet for the week between when I sold my iPad 2 and when the new iPad arrived, the new model still makes me say “wow”. Think what you will about your original iPad or iPad 2 screen, I am 100% sold on retina. The new display just makes using the iPad so integrated into your workflow or downtime that you won’t even think you’re looking at a screen. Add into it that app developers are quickly updating their apps to take advantage of the new display, and things get even better.

And then there’s 4G. Oh sweet LTE. I can’t emphasize how great of an impact this new technology is going to have on our lives. Low latency, faster than home broadband speeds, and all over the air. Yes, this truly is a generational change. And because of the enhanced battery in the new iPad, LTE works like a champ, and there are no battery worries whatsoever. In fact, I find myself going 3 days between charges, exactly what I was doing with the iPad 2.

Bottom line – if you use, want to use, or are thinking about using a tablet or iPad of any generation, the only choice in my book is the new iPad.

Chris Parsons (Bla1ze), Editor-at-Large, CrackBerry.com

Ahh yes, new iPad. I stood in line, patiently waiting for it. Then I got it home, made some sweet technological love to it and then I realized, that while the display is amazing, the extra graphics power is great. I really didn’t need it in my life being an iPad 2 owner. Not trying to take anything away from it, it’s a glorious update. However, if you have an iPad 2 already I can’t wholeheartedly suggest a new iPad purchase unless you REALLY want it. That display though, oh my… so hard to pass up.

Simon Sage, Editor-at-Large, Mobile Nations

Though the new iPad definitely raises the bar with its Retina display, I don’t think there was anything particularly surprising about it. If it was announced without LTE, or a Retina-quality screen, or more horsepower under the hood, folks would have been disappointed, but Apple really covered all of the important bases.

Now that the core experience is locked down, there are a few options I’d like to see included that are available elsewhere in the tablet world. For one, a full-sized USB slot would be really helpful for transferring files without needing bulky adapters. An SD card slot could dramatically increase storage capabilities. NFC would be a nice bit of future-proofing. DLNA support could connect the iPad to a wider range of devices. Of course, physical space is at a premium on a device like the new iPad; if it’s not battery or display, it better be really, really important, and these features are ultimately nice-to-haves, rather than essentials. At the end of the day, the new iPad is going to be the tablet to beat for at least the rest of the year.

Georgia, Senior Editor, iMore

The Retina display on the new iPad is absolutely stunning. But most of the time it doesn’t make a huge difference to me. I’m the type of person who’ll watch lower quality video just so it doesn’t take as much time to stream, and I would have much preferred an new iPad with the same screen an double again the performance. I’d also have liked a better speaker and full Siri support.

If I wasn’t a blogger who always needs to have the latest and greatest tech, I would have stayed with my iPad 2 and happily waited for the next generation.

Chris Umiastowksi, co-host of Stock Talk

I think Apple has done something really interesting in the marketplace. They’ve matured the tablet product segment to a degree that people are now complaining about the lack of “new”. Yet the market itself is only 2 years old and experiencing hyper growth. I can’t think of another example where a tech product hit maturity so far ahead of the demand curve flattening out.

It all goes to show just how strong Apple’s position is here. First they invent the tablet market, then they deliver a best in class store loaded with apps custom designed for tablets. Now we’ve reached the point where it’s just the “new” iPad. It’s similar to when Apple releases a “new” iMac or “new” Macbook Pro.

There are several popular social networks on the web and they all have iPhone apps, and many have iPad apps (or the iPhone app can be used in 2x mode on the iPad). Which ones do you use, and if you have both and iPhone or iPod touch and an iPad, do you use them all the same on both? Are there any you prefer using on on iPhone as opposed to iPad, or vice versa? Any you use on one you don’t use at all on the other?

I use Twitter almost exclusively from my iPhone and almost never from my iPad (or Mac). It just feels like something I enjoy doing while on-the-go, and my iPhone is always close at hand. The iPad is more of a relaxed reading device for me, so I can see how some might prefer browsing through Facebook there as opposed to iPhone.

I don’t use Google+ much (and when I go on, I mostly only see people from Android Central or Google posting — is that just me? — but they haven’t even made an iPad app yet so you’re stuck using the iPhone app in 2x mode if you want to be able to upload anything. Same goes for Path. It’s beautiful looking but it’s iPhone only still. Instagram is the same way, but at least the camera-centric nature of the app makes that a little more understandable. Still, I would be nice to be able to look at all the amazing Instragrams in an official Instagram app for iPad. Does it bother you if your favorite social network is iPhone only? Or are the iPhone apps in 2x mode fine for you?

I’ve said many times I’m not a big social network user in general. I don’t feel like I’m missing out, I feel like I’m engaging where and when it’s really important to me (and not just feeding an endless stream of personal information to a giant advertising company, but I won’t get into that rant again here!). Anyone else avoiding social networks as much as possible?

Vote up top to let us know which social networks you use the most, and then tell us why in the comments below, or jump into our Social Network Forum to find all the other iMore members on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and more!

There are many ways you can access Twitter from your new iPad, including the official Twitter for iPad app, some great alternatives like Tweetbot and Twitterrific, and even the Twitter.com website directly from Safari. Twitter integration is even built into iOS 5 so you can tweet pictures, for example, from right inside many other apps.

Whether you’re a power user or just an occasional browser, there are a lot of great ways to get tweeting from your iPad.

If you don’t already have a Twitter account but want to join up and see what all the “tweeting” and “trending” fuss is about, sign up here:

• twitter.com

To get all the latest news, reviews, and help from iMore right on Facebook, make sure to follow us as well!

• iMore on Twitter

To find more iMore Twitter friends, check out our Twitter name thread:

• iMore Twitter name exchange

Twitter for iPad

The official Twitter for iPad app can be installed right from the Twitter Settings of your iPhone. The current version has one of the most audacious, forward-thinking interfaces of any iPad app, using sliding panels to show multiple layers of content. Unfortunately, Twitter hasn’t put a lot of time and effort into adding features to it, and there’s a lot it simply doesn’t do. Since Twitter is busy redesigning all their apps to match their new website, it’s likely this version of Twitter isn’t long for the world either.

Still, it’s free, visually impressive, and a great way to look a lot of Twitter content quickly.

Free – Download Now

Tweetbot for iPad

Tweetbot is an iMore staff favorite. It’s a powerhouse of functionality and includes the best push notifications of any Twitter app, and great features like muting people, hashtags, and other tweets (so you don’t have to unfollow your boss or avoid Twitter so it doesn’t spoil a movie or big game for you.) If you’re looking for a beautiful client with tons of functionality, look no further than Tweetbot.

• Tweetbot for iPad review

$2.99 – Download Now

Twitterrific for iPad

Twitterrific is the original iOS Twitter app, and it was the first Twitter app out for the iPad as well. It features a unified timeline so you can see all your followers’ tweets, your mentions, and any direct messages all in the same place and in order. That makes it a great reading experience and a nice way to get started for brand new Twitter users. It’s also free for single account use.

Free – Download now

How to access Twitter from Safari

Maybe you just don’t need to use Twitter all that often and only feel the need to poke around when you’re bored or reading news. If that’s the case you may not want notifications or a native app cluttering up your homescreen real estate. Safari works just fine for Twitter. They’ve actually got a mobile website that allows you to navigate around quickly and easily.

1. Open up Safari on your iPad
2. Navigate to twitter.com
3. Sign in to your Twitter account

You can tweet, reply, check notifications, view profiles, and do pretty much the same things you’d be able to do from the computer based version of Twitter straight from your iPad. I have noticed the mobile web version of Twitter is a bit laggy at times. I recommend downloading the native Twitter app for free over using Safari if you plan on browsing Twitter regularly.

Additional resources:

• Everything you need to know about your new iPad
• Even more tips and tricks for new iPad users
• iMore new iPad discussion forums
• iMore Twitter and Social Networks forum

What’s your favorite way to use Twitter on your iPad?

The new iPad is simply one of the most enjoyable ways to keep up with your Facebook friends, share your status and location, post pictures and videos, and more. It’s instant-on, it has a big, beautiful screen, and the multitouch interface makes it a lot of fun for social networks where ever you are, whenever you’re in the mood.

If you don’t already have a Facebook account but want to join up and see what all the “friending” and “liking” fuss is about, sign up here:

• Facebook.com

To get all the latest news, reviews, and help from iMore right on Facebook, make sure to like us as well!

• iMore on Facebook

To find more iMore Facebook friends, check out our Facebook name thread:

• iMore Facebook names

Facebook for iPad

While you can always access Facebook.com directly through your iPad’s Safari browser (see below), due to the way iOS works, there are certain things you just can’t do over the web — like upload pictures and video. In order to do those things, and to get a more native, iPad-like experience, there’s the official Facebook for iPad app.

Download Facebook for iPad from the App Store (link below), sign in with your Facebook username and password, and you’re all set. You’ll receive push notifications and be able to update your status, add photos and videos (here’s how, check-in to places, and view all your friend’s profiles and activities as well.

While the Facebook for iPad app is extremely convenient, Facebook has an unfortunate reputation for buggy apps on iOS and all sorts of annoying issues remain unfixed. (Most recently, tagging photos or statuses). If you run into issue with the official Facebook for iPad app, you can check out some alternative suggestions below.

Free – Download Now

Alternative Facebook apps for iPad

While the Facebook app is free and is a decent solution, the interface may simply not be to your taste or you may be running into one or more of their infamous bugs. If that’s the case, you can always try some of the alternative Facebook apps available in the App Store.

MyPad for iPad

MyPad has been around for quite a while and, before Facebook released their official iPad app, filled the gap quite nicely. It’s also got Twitter integration and some other features that may make it more convenient for you than the official app.

Personally, I prefer the overall layout of the official Facebook for iPad app, but MyPad has been more stable and less buggy for me. They’ve got a free version available as well as a premium version with no ads.

Free – Download Now

$0.99 – Download Now

Friendly for iPad

Friendly for iPad is similar in terms of Facebook functionality to MyPad but the layouts are quite different. Friendly doesn’t feature the same integration that MyPad does to other social networks such as Twitter, however, so if that’s important to you, MyPad is probably the better choice. If it’s not, choose whichever one looks more visually appealing to you.

Just like MyPad – Friendly has a free version as well as a paid version with no ads.

Free – Download Now

$0.99 – Download Now

How to access Facebook from Safari

While the Facebook for iPad app has more functionality than the mobile web version, your iPad can actually load the full blown Facebook.com website. I’ve actually relied on it several times when the actual application wasn’t working well or kept timing out.

To access Facebook on the web from your iPad, just do the following –

1. Open Safari on your iPad
2. Go to facebook.com
3. Sign in to your account.

That’s it. You’ll be able to browse Facebook, comment on statuses, pictures, and more. The catch with using the web version of Facebook from your iPad is that you won’t be able to play games, upload photo, video, and other content like you can from the actual application.

How to play Facebook games on the iPad

Neither the Facebook.com website nor any of the Facebook apps will let you play your favorite Facebook games on the iPad. Fortunately, a lot of Facebook games can be found right on the App Store and downloaded and enjoyed right on your iPad. In many cases, you can even log into them and keep them in sync with your Facebook account so you don’t miss a friend or a turn.

Just head on over to the App Store and search for the name of your favorite Facebook game.

iSwifter

If you can’t find your favorite Facebook game in the iPad App Store, you can try the iSwifter app. It lets you access a lot of popular social games that don’t have App Store alternatives.

Free – Download now

Additional resources:

• Everything you need to know about your new iPad
• Even more tips and tricks for new iPad users
• iMore new iPad discussion forums
• iMore Facebook and Social Networks forum

What’s your favorite way to use Facebook on your iPad?

Marc, Rene, and Seth iterate about the new iPad Retina display, Photoshop touch, Jonathan Ive, the Android UI template, Android Niceties, and the Google Play rebranding, and interrogate Sebastiaan de With. This is Iterate!

• Our podcast feed
• Download Directly
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• iPad Retina display macro photos
• Photoshop Touch
• Android UI parts are now available from Android Design. 1000+ layer PS file!
• Android Niceties
• Mike Monteiro vs Fab
• Sir Jonathan Ive: The iMan cometh
• Google play branding
• From the Editor’s Desk: Privacy, Google Play, Nexus tablets and more

• Sebastiaan de With of DoubleTwist and dewith.com

Hosts

• Marc Edwards (@marcedwards) of Bjango
• Seth Clifford (@sethclifford) of Nickelfish
• Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) of iMore.com

Feedback

• Email: podcast@iterate.tv
• Twitter: @iteratetv
• Facebook: Iterate page

If you’re one of the best-of-the-best-of-the-best in mobile design for Android, BlackBerry, iOS, webOS, or Windows Phone, we’d love to get you on the show, or if you’ve found a drop-dead gorgeous app on any platform and really want us to talk about it, contact us and let us know.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The Hunger Games have landed in movie theaters everywhere, and while you can now watch the exploits of Katniss, Peeta, and all the tributes on the big screen, you can also enjoy a ton of related content right on your iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. That includes games, books, wallpapers, and more — If the odds are ever in your favor…

iPhone and iPad Games

Hunger Games: Girl on Fire is a free universal game for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad sponsored by Lion’s Gate films and made by the extremely talented people behind indie game sensation, Canabalt [$2.99 – Download now. It’s a bit of a prequel to the story in the first book and movie, and you play as Katniss as she tries to hunt for food for her family and avoid Tracker Jacker wasps from the Capitol. Game Center support means you can get some competition going too.

Free – Download now

Books and Audio books

While Apple’s iBooks doesn’t seem to have the Hunger Games available yet, Amazon’s Kindle sure does. It’s 388 Kindle pages and text-to-speech is enabled. There are also links to the hardcover, paperback, Audio CD, and Audible copy via Amazon right on the Kindle edition page. Convenience.

$5.00 – Download now

If you prefer to listen to the Hunger Games, iTunes offers it in an unabridged recording read by Carolyn McCormick. It weighs in at a hefty 11 hours, 12 minutes, so if you’re a big commuter, runner, walker, or just prefer to listen than to read, there’s a lot here to keep you busy.

$23.95 – Download now

More Hunger Games stuff

Amazon has an entire Hunger Games store set up, so if games and books aren’t enough and you want any number of t-shirts and tie-ins, emblems and action figures, they’re ready and waiting for you!

Variable – Shop now

Hunger Games Wallpapers

Just get a new iPad and to show your love for the movie (or books)? Here are your iPad Retina Hunger Games wallpapers. And never fear, if you have a previous generation iPad or an iPhone or iPod touch you can scale and position them to look perfect on your device as well.

Lastly, if you’ve watched it, jump into our Movies & TV Forum and give us your Hunger Games review. Good as the book? Better? Go see it in the theaters and wait and catch it on our iPhones and iPads via iTunes?