6. Exporting documents from iWork is a pain
Exporting documents you've made changes to, or created, from any iWork app (like Pages, Keynote or Numbers) back to your PC or Mac can be a real pain.
Not only do you have to plug in your docking cable and wait for your iPad to sync pretty much everything (unless you've turned every other sync option off), but the whole implementation is a bit messy – the documents aren't actually synced at all in the true sense of the word – new versions are created instead.
You also have to manage the documents from within a small window inside the Apps tab of iTunes. If you're on a Wi-Fi network then it's actually a lot less hassle to simply email the document to yourself from within the iWork application.
All three of the iWork apps enable you to do this, and as a bonus feature, Pages enables you to email documents in Word file format, too.
7. iPad isn't recognised by iTunes
There have been reports of the iPad not being recognised by iTunes once you connect it to your Mac/PC. This is related to the USB charging issues mentioned in our first tip, and general USB flakery, so the first thing to do is to unplug all other USB devices on your Mac/PC, then reconnect the iPad to a different USB 2.0 port. Don't connect it to your keyboard's USB port – go straight for your Mac/PC.
If you've still got no joy then try the old hard restart trick – hold down the Sleep button until a red slider appears, then power off and restart by holding down the Sleep button again. Now restart your computer and reconnect your iPad. Of course, it almost goes without saying that you need the most recent version of iTunes installed as well.
8. I can't use the App Store on my iPad!
Apple recently sent around a media advisory that the international release of the iPad had slipped back to the end of May due to unprecedented demand.
While this is good news for the iPad as a platform, it's like having Christmas cancelled for many Apple fans who are left with no choice but to shake their fists in silent fury at their American counterparts as they continue to glory in a glut of iPads.
Of course, some brave, brave souls have taken matters into their own hands and either got an American friend to buy them an iPad and post it to them, or they've had to fly to New York for an urgent business meeting. However, these lucky few have then been thwarted by the functionality of Apple's App Store.
You see, you can't buy apps (even free ones) on the iPad itself using an iTunes account from a country where the iPad hasn't launched yet. If you find yourself find this dubious position then don't fret – there are workarounds. The easiest solution is to simply buy and download the apps in iTunes on your Mac/PC and then sync them over to the iPad. That works fine. The other solution is to create a US iTunes Store account.
9. I want the iPad on pay as you go!
The iPad comes in two flavours – Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G. While international pricing has yet to be announced, opting for a 3G model immediately puts $130 on the US price.
You're also on a contract that's restricted to just one provider. In the US that's AT&T (not everybody's first choice for a provider). International contracts will obviously be with other providers, but why limit yourself? Another solution is to get a MiFi.
This handy little gadget costs just £50 and has a pay-as-you-go 3G connection via 3. It creates a mini Wi-Fi hotspot that you can then connect your cheaper iPad Wi-Fi to, thus saving yourself the hassle of a contract and the extra expense of buying an iPad Wi-Fi + 3G.
7GB of data costs just £25, which might not sound like much, but would last a lot of people over a year, easily. The MiFi is also battery powered, which is handy, so it won't drain your iPad's battery. Be aware that it only works in areas of the country that have 3G coverage.
10. No phone calls!
The iPad might look like a giant iPhone, but that's where the similarity ends. It's not a phone… unless that is you install a VOiP app like the free Skype, that is.
The iPad has a microphone, so with Skype installed you can make calls and text at Skype's competitive rates, or call other Skype users for free. The only problem is that you end up looking like Dom Joly holding it up to your ear to talk, not that you have to do that, but everyone does the first time.
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Liked this? Then check out 10 things to know about the iPhone OS 4.0
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