Sometimes getting software for your iPad can be a real drag. After all, with thousands upon thousands of choices in the App Store, finding the right application takes time. Searching on iTunes isn't always the greatest experience, either. Luckily there are a variety of different websites that specialize in making sense of iPad apps.

What follows is a list of five incredibly useful sites that will help with your app search and make sure you get the most bang for your iPad buck. With more information at your fingertips you can find and download digital gems you may not have encountered otherwise.

Here are five of the top places to find the best iPad applications (in alphabetical order):

1. Appitalism.com is a community-driven site that uses a ratings system and social features to collectively determine the best apps. Appitalism provides a search engine in addition to community recommendations.

2. Appolicious.com makes it possible to get app recommendations based on apps you already own and love. Social features let you share apps with friends, and users can create app reviews and lists of favorite apps. Become a top member by contributing to Appolicious.

3. Appsfire.com provides software that scans your iTunes library for apps and allows you to share your favorites. Apps can be shared via social networking, widget, or email. Appsfire also offers an iPad app with Appstream, a visual way to discover new apps.

4. AppShopper.com also offers an iPad app, and highlights apps that have recently had price reductions or are available free for a limited time. Besides tracking prices, AppShopper provides iPad app ratings and a top 200 list.

5. Mimvi.com greets you with a search box. This is the Google of iPad apps. Although it may say iPhone, just use iPad as one of your search terms and you're off to the races.

With these tools, iPad owners can seek guidance from fellow users and discover new apps without getting bogged down in an overwhelming flood of mediocre iPad software.