iPad FAQs: How to set up your iPad from scratch - reposted by Andre DiCioccio

So there it is, out of its packaging, unwrapped and ready to go. With all that potential at your fingertips where do you start? Here on iPad.net we have already shown you how to troubleshoot, how to fix problems and given you the low down on some of the more popular apps and accessories. There will certainly be a lot more of these useful features. But here is some advice of what to do from first switch on: how to get your iPad set up just for you.

Connecting to iTunes
You’ve plugged in and switched on. The first thing your iPad will attempt is to sync in to iTunes. You should get a screen prompt as this is happening. If not, you’ll need to download the latest version of iTunes onto your desktop first. Sign in or set up your iTunes account and you’re set.

Syncing your iPhone apps
Rule number one: don’t download them all! For a start, some of them won’t work at all, or not very well. For example, there’s no use in downloading any camera apps as there’s no camera on the iPad. Rather than scrolling down your countless apps on you iPhone, do this via iTunes, its much more user friendly.

Save Space
Even if you’ve bought the most expensive iPad, you still need to be aware of spatial limitations on your hard drive. Be choosy which apps to download that are going to eat up loads of space. It’s usually the media apps that are most memory hungry. Space is a premium because iPad apps are distinctly larger than their iPhone counterparts.

Setting up Email
You can set up as many email accounts as you have onto your iPad. From Hotmail to AOL, visit the ‘Mail, Contacts, Calendars’ section of the settings page and use the ‘Add Account’ to get all your email clients installed.

Battery
This has been covered elsewhere on iPad.net, but if you’re a brand new user its worth stressing this point. Basically, charging your iPad battery can be a pain. Apple claims that you are able to charge your iPad by hooking it into your desktop via the USB cable. Don’t bother. It either won’t charge at all or will charge so slowly it’s worse than watching paint dry. The best way to charge your iPad is to plug it into the mains before you go to bed!