As a project manager, you are always on the move. With the advent of the iPad and other tablets, it is now possible to bring all your information with you on the go. Plus, browsing the internet and carrying out tasks is way more fun on an iPad than a standard computer. Here are 4 free killer project management apps. Don’t blame me if you ditch your computer.

1)      Evernote

Evernote is a fantastic app that lets you perform a variety of functions on your iPad and automatically synchronizes your information across platforms. Available for the Mac, PC, Android, iPhone/iPad, this app lets you store text, images, and audio recordings. Evernote also allows you to clip web pages for future viewing, jot notes, and create to-do lists. All of your information is synched to the cloud, and can be accessed with any of the devices listed above. Here are some useful ways a project manager can use this app. You can take notes on an important client meeting and review it on your cell phone on your way home (for the record, we don’t condone Evernot’ing and driving at the same time!). You can also use Evernote as a time management tool by creating to-do lists, so you can complete high priority tasks first. Want to share a useful web page with a colleague? No problem. Clip the web page and synch it to the cloud.

There are two pricing options for Evernote; free and premium.  The free account only allows you a 40 mb monthly upload allowance. The premium account, on the other hand, allows you 500 mb/month, SSL security, priority image recognition, and premium support. If you plan to use Evernote in a corporate setting, I would highly recommend paying the $5 per month for the premium account.

2)       Dropbox

Have access to your most important files on the go! Dropbox allows you 2GB of free space to upload your most important files to their cloud. Create a Dropbox folder on your computer (supports Mac, Linux and PC) and drop your files in the folder. Dropbox will automatically detect these changes and miraculously sync these files to their servers, enabling you to view these documents on your iPad/iPhone, Droid, and Blackberry. Dropbox supports almost any file type including pictures! For some serious collaboration, make your Dropbox folder public so others can work on the same files.

This is a very useful tool. Want to go on vacation and review some of your documents, but don’t want to bring your computer? Would you like to review a PowerPoint or Word document en route to your meeting? It’s all possible with Dropbox! For $10.00 you can have up to 50GB of cloud storage, and for $19.99, you can have 100GB.

3)       e-task Project

An essential app for project managers, e-task Project will blow you away—and it’s free! E-Task allows you to perform a variety of functions. Let’s start with the basics. You can create a list of leads, websites and contacts, and have access to this information on your iPad-allowing you to use your iPad as a mini CRM.  

Another awesome feature is the ability to create projects. This is where e-task shines.  Create a planned start date, planned completion date, set the status and priority, and choose your billing type (flat rate, hourly, along with the pricing information). From there, you can assign tasks to team members and set up quick notifications.  The quick notification feature enables the project manager and team member’s to receive emails when a task is added.  You can also create timesheets for your employees, so you can keep track of how often they’ve been sick, vacationed, or been on holiday.

Although it is clearly not as full-featured as project management software, this app has enough functionality to keep you satisfied. Plus it’s free! Think of this app as your project management app away from your project management software!  (or home away from home, something like that).

4)       Remote Desktop Lite

Ok, this one is really, really cool. Remote desktop Lite enables you to have full, secure access to your work computer through wifi or your phone/iPad network (EDGE). Using your iPad, you can connect to your Windows Computer and see the files, programs, and resources exactly as you would if you were sitting at your desk! Who said the iPad cannot be used for work?! RDL works with your iPhone or iPad.

5)       Can Knockdown

I know I said “4 project management apps”, but what good is an iPad without a little bit of fun?  This last app is so addicting, that your workflow may feel like a forgotten step child. The premise is simple; knock down all the cans. But it is surprisingly hard and extremely addicting. Try it, I bet you can’t beat my high score (if you must know, 550!).

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