Tablets are becoming smaller, lighter-weight and more fun than ever. Wouldn’t it be great if you knew how to make a call from an iPad, instead of having to carry multiple devices everywhere? Fortunately - you guessed it - there’s an app for that!

Actually, there’s more than one. The iPad’s connectivity to the internet makes it an excellent device for VoIP calling, where calls from an iPad and even to an iPad can be initiated and received using an internet connection.

Apps for making Phone Calls from iPad

Skype: Skype contacts will automatically appear on your iPad when you sign in. Skype for iPad works over Wi-Fi or 3G (operator data charges may apply). You can use Skype for iPad to call anyone else on Skype, or sign up for a monthly subscription or credits to make cheap calls to landlines or mobiles from your iPad.

Viber: this app claims to help users "avoid mobile phone bill shock”, allowing calls and texts over a 3G or Wi-Fi Internet connection to other Viber users. Viber is now compatible with the iPad, and synchs with your mobile phone number and contact list to instantly show who already has Viber (network charges may apply).

ICall: This is the official Apple App for making phone calls from iPad - it's just 99 cents for the app, and you can get free ad-supported USA & Canadian calling. It also features paid plans and premium features for power users.

The Best App for Making Calls from iPad

The main drawbacks of iPad calling apps is that they are simply adaptations of mobile calling apps and not specifically designed for the iPad. This means many of the functions of the iPad are ignored which brings us to our final app for iPad calling:

Rebtel: 

This app was developed specifically for use with the multi-functional iPad, featuring optimized navigation for both portrait and landscape views, higher resolution graphics and a new design. With Rebtel, calls flow effortlessly between Wi-Fi and 3G, your iPhone address book integrates seamlessly, and you can call any other Rebtel equipped device - including iPhones, Windows devices, Android phones and tablets.