I like the design of the iPad, iPhone and now iPads. The hardware is both good looking and functional, while the variety and performance of the "Apps" just keeps growing.

There are too many Apps to review or mention here, but I will mention the most notable I have used or use now.

Planetarium Apps

SkySafari: Having tried most of the other planetarium programmes, I think this one beats them all hands done. It comes in three versions - basic, Plus & Pro. Spend a while getting to grips with all the options and controls and you will be rewarded with the most amazing results. Like most other similar apps you can hold it up against the sky to identify objects, but as a serious astronomer I use the massive database of objects (including deep sky objects down to 18th magnitude in the Pro version).

Recently I added the wifi and wired connection modules to allow me to control my telescopes with SkySafari. With the iPad screen on minimum brightness, SkySafari in nightvision mode and a piece of self cling red gel over the screen (AstroGizmos), this combination makes a perfect observing aid with no detriment to my dark adaptation.

Recently at the Texas Star Party I had my 10" "Push to" Dobsonian connected to the iPad/SkySafari and it really showed its worth when I was able to visually observe and identify all 4 major segments of the Veil Nebula(Eastern, Western, NGC 6979 & NGC 6974) and make out significant structure even in the faintest regions.

It is also quite impressive to stand in my back garden, pick an object from the iPad or iPhone screen, tap it, and watch remotely as my 18" equatorial and dome slew to the object!

There is a support forum on Yahoo which the app writers maintain with superb feedback and support.  (iPhone & iPad)

GoSkyWatch, StarmapHD, Redshift, SpaceMap and pUniverseHD: These are all worthy Apps, GoSkyWatch and StarmapHD are very good advanced planetarium programmes; while the other three are a bit more basic but add some impressive 3D visualisations of the solar system and beyond. This would make them very good for introducing children or novices to astronomy. (all iPhone & iPad I think)

Miscellaneous Apps

3D Sun: This is a great App for solar astronomers and anyone hoping to catch an aurora. It has news, alerts and 3D solar images in multiple wavelengths. (iPhone & iPad)

Observatory: A really beautiful presentation of astronomy information, time (UTC, Solar, Siderial), planetary visibility, twilight times, Orrery, solar & moon position, lunar phase, and more. (iPad only)

Living Earth: Simple but effective 3D presentation of the Earth, showing the terminator and actual clouds. (iPhone & iPad)

SoLuna: Very simple table of lunar information. Essential for anyone planning any observing - both lunar and non-lunar observers! (iPhone)

Mars HD: A massive file producing a very detailed 3D representation of Mars. Lots of overlays (place names and landing sites for instance). (iPhone & iPad)

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