In the months since its release, the iPad, in both its Wi-Fi and 3G flavors, has not only proven to be magical, but a powerful productivity tool, as well. However, exactly how magical or productive the tablet is for you is entirely dependant upon what software solutions you've chosen to roll with. You might be a Gmail user who prefers the options available to you via the platform's web interface over the meat-and-potato functionality of the iPad's Mail program, and now the new Gmail iPad interface will definitely keep you locked in.
Way back in May of 2009, Google introduced a number of changes to how Gmail was presented on iOS devices. The changes at the time were a welcome sight for sore, HTML-weary eyes of the users who were limited to browsing their email on the diminutive screen real estate afforded by the iPhone or iPod touch. Back then, the iPad was nothing more than vapor and unicorn tears being worked on under Apple's typical cone of silence. When it was introduced earlier this year, those directing their tablet's browsers to Google's Gmail page were greeted with an embiggened version of what iOS users had been utilizing since for the previous 11 months. Having been so busy not being evil, it took Google until June to sort out a new compose screen for tablet users. The update was nothing but win for iPad owners. And with the announcement released today on their Google Mobile Blog, that win has moved into the territory of a w00t, as the company announced that iPad users will now be able to enjoy a "stacked card interface" to organize and browse through conversation threads.
Having had a chance this morning to tinker with Google's latest hotness, we've got to say that browsing through our email conversations is indeed a much less jarring experience, and feels much more akin to playing with a native application than a web-based one. To give it a go for yourself, navigate to Gmail on your iPad and get the card shuffling party started.
