Once you unbox your iPad, you’ll immediately want to connect the iPad’s USB cable to your default home machine and open iTunes. When iTunes launches you’ll be asked to activate the iPad, agree to its Terms and Conditions, and register your device.
iTunes will serve as your iPad’s backup system and will suggest that you restore your iPad from a previous iPhone or iPod Touch backup if you have one of those devices or start with a clean content slate on your iPad. Given that there are now thousands of iPad-specific apps and a restore could take awhile, we recommend starting fresh.
Next, you can choose to automatically sync applications, photos, music and videos. Choose wisely — depending on your media inventory, the initial sync process could take awhile. We recommend deselecting the automatic sync options and customizing your iPad preferences via iTunes after this step (read the section below for further instructions).
You can also skip the iTunes process temporarily if your iPad was activated at the Apple Store. Simply fire up the App Store on the iPad to immediately immerse yourself in the app experience (here are a few we like). If you opt to download an app, you will need to enter your iTunes account information.
As for setting up your email, the process on an iPad is similar to the email setup process for the iPhone and iPod touch. Select your email program, enter your login credentials and you’re good to go.
Now you’re pretty much ready for action, but before you go app crazy in the App Store, take a few moments to manage your iPad via iTunes.
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