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No matter who you are, you’ve certainly had those moments where you’ve been waiting for something or on your way to somewhere and you just wanted something to do for 5 or 10 minutes to pass the time. With advances in computing, this is easy to do, you can jump into answering some emails, read the latest news on the web or, heaven forbid, play a game.

We live in a society where the expectation of constant productivity is all around us. From the 7 Habits to Time Management in an Instant, there are hundreds of sources that tell us we can get more done, if we just apply ourselves, manage our time a little better, sleep 1 minute less… Let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t feel like being productive, you just want an escape, even if it is only for a few minutes.

What’s the answer? Get a few games on your iPad and next time you’ve got a few minutes, jump into one and just let everything else go. Of course I can’t promise that once you get started you’ll be content just spending a little time playing, but that’s where all of the discipline from the many time management and productivity books you’ve read comes in. You can turn off that game anytime, right?

Here’s a list of 10 amazing iPad specific games to get you started.

Angry Birds HD

Unless you’ve had your head in the sand, you’ve certainly heard of Angry Birds. The iPhone app has been on the top of the app charts and there’s a very good chance that if you haven’t played it, at least one of your friends is. Angry Birds HD offers the same gameplay as the original iPhone version, but with graphics optimized to the larger screen size of the iPad. It’s simple, slingshot the birds at the smug porkers who’ve stolen their eggs. Kill ‘em all and you’re ready to advance to the next level. Of course with achievements and hidden golden eggs, this game will keep you going long after you finish the last level.

Geometry Wars: Touch

Like the classic game Asteroids, on crack. Geometry Wars is a port from console gaming and offers several different gameplay modes, crisp graphics and action that will keep you coming back to it time and again. You can run a session in just 5-10 minutes, which makes this a great game on the go. Fill the time gap waiting for the bus with some excitement rather than just a few mundane emails.

N.O.V.A. HD

No list of games would be complete without the inclusion of a classic first person shooter. There’s a backstory about the Earth needing help to survive and near-orbital satellites and some other stuff, but let’s be honest, you just want to walk around and shoot stuff, the plot is secondary. N.O.V.A. HD offers fantastic 3D graphics through 13 levels. Make your way through the various environments and shoot anything that gets in your way.

Real Racing HD

The most amazing features of Real Racing HD are the amazing graphics and the excellent quality. The game is not glitchy and offers a truly enjoyable racing experience. Multiple tracks, numerous car options and 5 different gameplay modes make Real Racing HD an excellent game, whether you’re looking to run a quick race or make a career of it. If you like racing games, this one does not disappoint.

Fieldrunners for iPad

Fieldrunners for iPad is another game that’s been upgraded from the iPhone version to match the graphics capability of the iPad. Can you control the field against the hordes of land-, sea-, and air-based attackers? Fieldrunners for iPhone is among the top rated game apps in the past several years and the iPad version is following the same path. Check it out for yourself.

Flight Control HD

At this point you’re probably wondering whether all of the good apps on the iPad are simply ported from the iPhone. Truth be told, there are a lot of really great iPhone games and so, porting them over to another Apple device simply makes sense. Flight Control HD is no different. You become the air traffic controller at a busy airport. Manage the flight directions, choose the runways and get the planes safely on the ground. The iPad version offers a few features that are new including a co-op and split screen mode for multiplayer entertainment.

MultiPong for iPad

It’s always a good idea to have a game that you can play with others, and board games are an obvious option, but what if you just want a little more action? MultiPong for iPad is a great alternative that allows up to 4 players to join the fray. This updated take on the first developed video game offers great graphics and challenging gameplay that will keep you and your friends entertained as you battle to be the last paddle standing.

Mirror’s Edge

Electronic Arts brings Mirror’s Edge to the iPad. A combination of Parkour and hand to hand combat, together with an interesting story line and you have a great game. Play through the campaign mode as you navigate the 14 levels of the game or challenge your friends to a head-to-head race with the splitscreen mode. The 3D graphics and the game motions are sure to impress in this action filled adventure.

Civilization Revolution for iPad

When it comes to strategic world building, one game comes to mind, Sid Meier’s Civilization. Now, with Civilization Revolution for iPad you can challenge your strategic side as you guide your people through the ages. Do you have what it takes to be the leader of the greatest empire on earth?

Plants Vs. Zombies HD

Another classic in the tower defence genere, Plants Vs. Zombies HD is a fast-paced game that pits you and your garden against hordes of hungry zombies. It will take everything you’ve got to keep the walking dead from invading your home as you choose the right defence options to slow down the variety of uniquely skilled zombies. Hours of entertainment and challenge to keep you going.

The iPad offers more than just a great productivity tool, it’s also great for those times when you just don’t feel like being productive. Sure, some will argue that the cost of apps on the iPad are too high, but when you consider that you could easily pay upwards of $50 for a similar console game, $9.99 really seems quite reasonable. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these games or others that you’ve found.