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I am seriously considering buying an iPad and using it mainly for table top gaming. I have looked around at the different apps available for gaming and like several of them.
Currently liking:
Goodreader: Seems to be the PDF reader of choice. I might also use this for character sheets, as I only found one app for character records.
PFR: Really good reviews for this program make me think it would be worth the purchase. I know I would be able to look up the SRD on the internet but I won't be buying the 3G version of the iPad and I don't want to risk not having wifi available. Besides, it has a good a search function and note taking options.
RPG Sheets: A character sheet app, and honestly the only one I can find that would work with Pathfinder. The good thing is that I can play a wide variety of games with this app. I would like more information on this app though. Anything about its abilities would be appreciated. Also, if anyone has any better suggestions for character sheets, let me know.
GMToolKit: I will need a dice roller, and the other functions would useful as well. This looks fun, and it is free. Not sure if I really want it, so any comments here would help.
Dicealyzer: Not an app, but I could use it to tell my players they are wrong/right about certain dice hating/loving them.
There is an app that records sound but has a note pad for notes. As you take notes they become time stamped and when you go back over your notes you can easily listen to the recordings for additional study. Anyone know what I am talking about?
Also, I was wondering if there were any apps better then others for writing, game preparation, and initiative tracking. Also any apps that people feel would be useful in general or just fun to have.
Thanks.
I have been using my iPad more at the gaming table. Last session I probably did 80% of my GMing from the iPad. I primarily used Goodreader for PDFs and it works quite well. I also add bookmarks to the PDFs for sections I know I will need to reference frequently.
I use the Atomic Web browser with several tabs open to the PFSRD and also a special bookmark folder to creatures that will likely see action in a given night.
I use an initiative tracker that works very similar to a magnetic combat board would.
I also have NotesPlus with a stylus for scratch notes, keeping track of HP, etc.
The setup seemed to work pretty well. Gaming again tomorrow night and we will see how things go and see if last week was just a lucky session or if it will continue to work well.
I use my iPad and Windows laptop to run games. Don't really use any apps (though I've downloaded an iPad initiative tracker, dice rollers, etc.) on it and mostly use it either for my own reference (maps, character stats, etc.) while running encounters or for images and handouts to share with players by passing around the table. It's good for music and sound effects too, of course, since it has a built-in speaker.
Frankly, I find screen space limitations on both the laptop and iPad to be bothersome so, though I use my Paizo PDFs to run Runelords (on my laptop), for instance, I also keep actual books, a magnetic initiative tracker, notepad, etc. handy for when I want to look at/use multiple items at the same time - I can look at an encounter description or stats on my laptop, examine the map, show an NPC portrait to the players, manage initiative, and take notes on combatant status all at the same time. I just can't manage all of that with one "platform" (though I'm sure some people can).
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I guess I've always DMed with limited play space and have only ever been able to have one book open at a time anyways plus a small single pad for notes. The ability to keyword search and have chapter outlines has been a boon. What the iPad form factor does for me over a horizontal laptop screen is fit the whole page contents. It also gets me out from behind a screen while playing
I've started using Note Taker HD in a pinch for PC character sheets. While it isnt auto fill it can do very fine writing in the boxes. Almost like having a real character sheet in hand. I can even add images/artwork to it. I'll also take select sections for PDFs, such as BBEG NPC start block pages into Note Taker if I can't copy them neatly into a text box.
I've more or less defaulted to Numbers for intitivatvie tracking and other things. I've always liked having a full spreadsheet power available when I need it. Numbers has some nice quirks in a touch environment I'm coming to appreciate. The normal ability to move whole rows seems easier in touch from then by mouse.
PFR no duh.
Good Reader for PDFs and other reference items.