The iPad has generated quite a lot of buzz around the web. The device is more than just an enlarged iPod Touch. It gives web junkies a whole new way to surf the web and create/consume content on the go. It’s also going to be a killer device for social networking junkies. If you have tweeted or updated your Facebook status from iPhone, you probably know that your smartphone’s small screen does make life a bit harder. With the iPad, you’ll have more real estate to work with and a better chance to have more fun on the road. With that in mind, here are 5 iPad social networking apps that are a must have for social media junkies:

NewsRack: a very attractive and easy to use feed reader for iPad. It is very easy to work with and customize. It can be synchronized with your Google Reader account as well. It even has a mini browser to enable you to read your feeds more effectively.

Twitterrific for iPad: Twitter apps for iPad can be pricey. But Twitterrific is not only free but also powerful. Whether you are into retweeting, creating and managing lists, and shortening your URLs, this app has you covered.

IM+ For iPad: a comprehensive instant messaging solution for your iPad. It covers Twitter, Skype Chat, Facebook, Google Talk, Jabber, and many other chat services. Great tool to stay in touch with all your contacts.

Wordpress for iPad: needs no introduction. If you are into blogging and happen to own a Wordpress blog, this app has you covered. It does not matter whether you own a Wordpress.com blog or host it yourself.

Buzzie: into Google Buzz much? With Buzzie, you can see what’s going on in this social network and contribute to your community. You can receive messages from people and comment on them on the go. Also helps you find new people to follow. Decent Buzz app.

What’s your favorite social networking app for iPad?

Twitter is a great community to network with other folks and learn new things. It has truly revolutionized the way we communicate with others. But a lot of people spend most of their time writing tweets than watching what other folks are talking about on Twitter. In reality, Twitter is a great place to find out what people are looking for and even come up with ideas for new products. People are literally telling you what they need and want. All you got to do is listen.

Twistori is a great tool that lets you track what people love and hate. Listening to what people are talking about on Twitter can help you figure out how you can come up with a product or service to address their needs. If you know what people are thinking about, you can come up with a lot of information on what their needs may be. If you know what people are wishing for, you can not only create new products, but find a way to sell existing products on the market.

Twitter is not just about making money online. Maybe you are into helping others out regardless of how much money you would make. Twistori can help you do that as well. If someone is struggling with panic attacks, and you have some experience that can help, there is no reason not to help out by reaching out to these folks using Twistori. Maybe someone’s struggling with credit card debt. You can find them with Twistori and provide them with tips.

Twitter is a great place to share knowledge and listen at the same time. If you are doing only one of the two, you are only getting half of what you should be getting out of Twitter. Tools such as Twistori help you do both and get the maximum value out of this community.