This list is still pretty similar to my previous Essential iPhone apps, but if you have an iPad, you know the same app on the two devices are amazingly different for being the same.

Evernote
Still as indespensible as ever, Evernote for the iPad is an amazing addition to the various versions of the app across platforms. The viewing, sorting and editing of notes is flawless. The only needed addition is a system-wide “Add to Evernote” but that’s a flaw in iPad cross app interworkings.

Keynote
The golden ideal of how to take a complex desktop app and make it perfect for a touch-based interface. A bit hokey on the file handling and sharing (such as why can’t I open existing files on iwork.com) but overall amazing.

MindNode
A strong simple app for creating mind maps. If you’ve not used a mind map app, this is the one to start with; it’s easy creating and editing features make it one of my go-to apps.

Zinio
Magazines on an iPad? Don’t let Wired fool you into thinking there has to be some breakthrough, it’s already here. While most prices are about the same as mailed versions, I subscribe to two British music magazines for far less than I could otherwise.

SketchBook Pro
My favorite of the myriad of drawing programs. Amazing quality and quantity of brushes and effects, and strong support for layers (even exports as a PSD) combined with my Pogo Stylus (sorry, Steve… using a stylus on this thing rocks) actually make me feel raster-based art has a place in my world.

Air Sharing HD, Dropbox, and GoodReader
Do i need all three? Not really, but each one has features that don’t overlap with the other. If you only get one, spend the buck and get GoodReader. It’s amazingly quick, is able to connect with a bunch of server types (including Dropbox) and hasn’t come across a file yet that it wouldn’t open.

NewsRack
Not the greatest RSS reader I’ve ever seen, but the best on the iPad so far. It does what it’s supposed to do, and has Delicious and Instapaper support.

Sorted
I hate all this GTD bullshit. When your to-do list becomes a to-do item, you’re not going anywhere. That’s where Sorted comes in, simple lists, simple editing, simple priority. Get it if you have the need to keep track of stuff you need to get done.