The iPad is one of the most talked about handheld device nowadays. All over the internet are various discussions wanting answers for various topics ranging from specifications and capabilities to its overall value. And in these discussions are several questions people ask. “Is it better than the Kindle?” “Is it worth the current price?” “Is it just a huge iPod Touch?” This article does not have answers to those questions. Instead, it answers a different, albeit equally important, set of questions which are catered to current owners of the iPad. As an owner of this device, a considerable amount of your time would certainly be in browsing the App Store and shopping for applications. This guide is not a basic introduction, but rather a list of common questions most people tend to ask. If you just purchased an iPad and are one of those who want to fully enjoy browsing the App Store, I would strongly recommend that you read on with this guide as it would most certainly answer at least one of your questions as you enter the iPad App Store.

App Store Questions #1: What is the + sign on an app’s icon?

Answers #1: This + icon debuted a few weeks after the launch of the iPad. The answer to this question is that it is a universal application. A universal application is one that is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and the iPad. When running a universal application on the iPad, you won't have to worry about zooming on 2X. The universal application automatically fills the entire screen and utilizes the resolution of the iPad. Most people, particularly owners of both an iPad and an iPhone/iPod Touch favor this because they won't have to buy the application twice. On the other hand, some iPad-specific applications (non-universal) sometimes offer exclusive features such as more levels, game modes, etc.

App Store Questions #2: How do I view iPhone/iPod Touch apps?

Answers #2: The App Store by default only lists iPad apps. In order to view the iPhone or iPod Touch apps, go to the Top Charts and tap “iPhone Apps,” which you should see at the bottom.

App Store Questions #3: How do I know if an app is specifically designed for the iPad?

Answers #3: The answer to this is very simple. If you see the words “HD”, “for iPad”, or “XL” at the end of an app’s name, then it is designed specifically for the iPad. Also, when you search for an app in the App Store, all iPad-specific applications are listed separately from iPhone applications.

App Store Questions #4: Why does it say “Your search had no results.”?

Answers #4: Usually this happens when you browse an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad website and see an application that you want to buy. You then type in the application’s name in the search field in the App Store (a drop-down even finds the exact match), but to your surprise, the page is empty except the words “Your search had no results.” The answer to this will frustrate you even more. It basically means that that particular application is only compatible with the iPod Touch or iPhone, and has not been optimized yet for your device.

There you have it. Those are 4 answers to the 4 most common questions iPad owners have when shopping at the App Store. Hopefully after reading this, you no longer have any questions. If you do, I’ll be sure to pick up on it and have answers for them on another guide, though I may not have all the answers. In the meantime, have fun with your cool device!

Note: This is part 3 of an on-going series of useful guides for the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad owners. Part 1 is a quick guide to the App Store, and part 2 is a list of issues and solutions for iPhone and iPod Touch.