Definitive apps or tips for using iPad Pro on business travel?

[sracer]

I've designed a workaround that won't slow me down, but why exactly CAN'T you open multiple WORD or PAGES documents on the iPad? Some kind of technical limitation? Safari can open two windows right? in side by side (or whatever it's called) mode? Seems like it'd be a pretty useful feature.

eV

It's because the support for multiple apps isn't entirely dependent upon iOS (it is still a mobile OS after all), but requires the apps themselves to be "aware" and support that function. This is why iOS will never be a proper replacement for macOS (or any other desktop OS).

 

[JD2015]

Apps
Drafts 5 though involves a subscription. Am finding this useful for text input and then sharing to relevant app or apps at a later stage. Has a lot more functionality than I have explained.

PDF expert is my favourite PDF manager, though PDF elements is also good.

If you like mind mapping then iThoughts or Mindnode are best.

Microsoft office apps are the best in my opinion though you cannot have documents open side by side within same app, though tabs are becoming more frequently seen in apps like PDF expert where you can have multiple files open and just switch between them easily. Scrivener is also a decent app for document creation.

Email client - I tend to stick with stock apple one though also use Google as well. However, probably better ones out there. Mimecast offers secure email and is free.

OmniGraffle offers some really good apps such as OmniGraffle (like Microsoft Visio), Outliner, OmniPlan (project manager).

Project management apps range from OmniPlan, quick plan, trello and many more.

Calendar - I prefer Fantastical 2 for its natural language input and that it adds your tasks into calendar. Readdle Clalender 5 is a alternative which offers similar features and is less costly.

The native notes app is very good in my opinion and meets my needs. However, as some have pointed out good notes and Evernote are other alternatives.

To be honest loads of really good apps that offer desktop functionality these days. Some limitations still for those who roles include video editing, music creation, coding and anything requires movement to and from of very large files. But you can remotely log in to your own desktop servers and use some mouse functionality there to help navigate.

Hardware
Keyboard - Either apple Smart Keyboard or Logitech one which make use of smart connector. Just more confident than Bluetooth. I use apple Smart Keyboard as is lighter. Many though prefer Logitech one.

Apple Pencil - helps with some precise work or navigating but not essential.

Cables - make sure have plenty of good cables and dongles.

Apple AirPods - best wireless earbuds imho.

Power - Anker portable power bank. Essential for times where power is low and not near a power socket.