Go racing on the iPad with PadRacer

The Apple iPad is looking more and more like a gaming device--in addition to the world-changing tablet we were promised. But no complaints here, the PadRacer game for the device looks like a perfect time-waster for people who are supposed to look busy.

PadRacer (www.itunes.com, $5) is a top-view racing game for four players similar to the old Ivan “Ironman” Stewart’s Super Off-Road arcade game. The only hitch is that players need to have an iPhone or iPod Touch to use as a controller.

The peripherals sync to the iPad via Bluetooth and control the cars using the motion sensor in the phone or Touch.

It’s no Forza Motorsport 3, but for five bucks it’s definitely worth checking out, just make sure your friends have iPhones too.

By Jake Lingeman