Naturally, Apple iPads were a popular holiday gift this year. That means there are a lot of new iPad users out there this month…some of them who might still be confused about how to make the most of their new device. Getting started with a new iPad and learning all of the features can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t familiar with other Apple devices. If you’re a new iPad owner, you probably know that it can do a lot. But if the first thing you did with yours was an internet search for “how to use an iPad”, this post should help a little.

I want to use my new iPad for movies/music/eBooks/etc. What file formats does it support? This is only a concern if you plan to get a significant amount of your media from places other than iTunes. Naturally, Apple provides all iTunes content in a compatible format. If you aren’t using iTunes, here are the file formats supported by the iPad:

• iPad supported Music/Audio file formats: .mp3, .m4p, .m4a, .wav, .aiff
• iPad supported Image file formats: .jpg, .png, .gif
• iPad supported Video file formats: .m4v, .mp4, .mov, .avi
• iPad supported eBook file formats: .epub

This list is not entirely inclusive, however. These are the file formats supported by the iPad as is, but third partyy apps can allow you to view other files as well.

Can I read Kindle books on my iPad? Yes, you can. Get the Kindle app for iPad, and you will be able to buy and read any of the millions of titles available from the Kindle Store on your iPad.

Can I read textbooks on my iPad? Of course. Any textbook you can purchase via iTunes, Kindle, or another compatible eBook store can be read on your iPad. You can also sign up for a subscription textbook service, allowing you to access unlimited textbooks on your iPad for a one time fee.

Can I use my own accessories with my iPad? Where can I get iPad accessiories? Any headphones with a standard sized jack can be used with the iPad. The iPad also has bluetooth capability that allows it to pair with most bluetooth devices. The only accessories that might need to be tailored specifically for the iPad are iPad cases, docks, and keyboard accessories. When shopping for these accessories, make sure they are made to fit the size of your iPad. More about iPad accessories…

I need extra security. Where can I get an iPad VPN? If you’re worried about security risks or identity theft while using your iPad on public networks, you might be in the market for a VPN to keep your browsing safe. HidePad offers this security service for iPads, as do a handful of other providers.

Apps are so expensive! How can I jailbreak my iPad? Where can I get free iPad apps? iPads come with some unfortunate restrictions, one of which doesn’t allow you to use apps that aren’t sold in the iTunes App Store. Jailbreaking your iPad removes these restrictions, so that you can download and run free third-party apps without having to go through iTunes. If you don’t want to jailbreak, just keep your eyes open for special promotions in the App Store. Many apps are offered for free for a limited time, and we try to post some of them here. Read this post for more about jailbreaking/unlocking.

I have a great idea for a new app. How can I make my own iPad apps? Depending on how tech-savvy you are, making your own iPad app might not be as hard as you think. Enroll in the iOS developer program, check out Apple’s developer resources, pick up a iPad app guide book, or (if you want less of a challenge) sign up for a step-by-step app developer course.

I’m still lost! Where can I learn more about how to use my new iPad? Many people believe the included Apple manual to be lacking in clear and detailed information, so as a result there are thousands of webpages out there to provide more help with learning your way around the iPad. There’s even an iPad 2 “Missing Manual” that fills in all the holes in Apple’s guides (and then some!). If reading isn’t your thing, there’s even a series of iPad video lessons to help new iPad owners out.

Our friends at Big Fish Games are getting in the holiday spirit a little early this year. Today they are offering six free games available for iPad and iPhone. This offer expires at the end of the day, so be quick! The free games are:

• Chicken Invaders 3: Revenge of the Yolk Christmas Edition
• Christmas Eve Crisis
• Piggly Christmas Edition
• Loco Train: Christmas Edition
• Chicken Invaders 2 Christmas Edition
• Island Wars 2 Christmas Edition

To get your free games, click here or search for them on iTunes. Did you miss out on the giveaway? Big Fish Games always has a great deal going on, and My Free iPad Downloads will try to keep you updated.

If you are shopping for a tablet owner or avid reader, eBooks can make a surprisingly good gift. In fact, there’s a long list of reasons why you should consider giving eBooks as gifts this year.

• They’re inexpensive, so you can gift more than one
• They’re great “stocking stuffers”
• Almost instant delivery – great last minute gifts
• Good gifts for coworkers and other acquaintances you might not know well
• No gift wrapping, tape, or boxes
• No clutter – buy a whole collection!

One of the more confusing parts of giving an eBook as a gift is how exactly to “give” the digital file. There are plenty of options for sending eBook gifts.

• If you’re giving Kindle eBooks, Amazon provides a great guide about how to send them as gifts.
• Download the eBook to a CD. Then you can decorate it, or attach a nice note or holiday image.
• Give two gifts in one – download the eBook to a thumb drive. They get the book, and can reuse the drive later.
• Unsure which books are best? Give a gift card to an eBook seller like Amazon or Kobo.

But what’s even better than giving one eBook? Giving unlimited eBooks! Consider making someone happy with an unlimited eBook subscription for their device. This saves you the hassle of having to pick a title for them. They will have millions of titles to pick from themselves, and will have lifetime membership in most cases (meaning they might not ever need to pay for an individual eBook again). Who wouldn’t want that this year?

For tablet, eReader, PC, and mobile phone owners:

For iPad, iPhone, and Mac owners:

As a special holiday treat for readers of My Free iPad Downloads, enter the coupon code “XMAS2011” to get 50% off the one-time membership fee for the Droid Library and/or MyPadMedia.

Do you need a gift for an iPad owner, or someone who might be recieving an iPad for Christmas this year? The iPad and other tablets are popular gifts, but unfortunately they usually come without accessories that many people consider vital to fully enjoying them. If you need some simple gift ideas for an iPad owner, you might want to consider one of these popular accessories.

Best iPad Cases to Gift

Anyone who owns an iPad knows that they are pretty expensive to repair or replace. The first line of defense to protect against iPad damage is a case, and anyone who wants to keep their device safe from harm will appreciate an iPad case for Christmas. There are many different types of cases out there, all of varying materials and quality. If you’re shopping for someone who is pretty careful with their iPad, but might want a little extra protection or perhaps added stand functionality, you might want to consider a high-quality “soft” case made of leather or a similar material. One popular example is the 100% Leather Folio Case by AYL. Although it won’t offer much protection from drops or spills, this sleek and well-built case is very highly rated by users and allows for 3 different stand positions.

If you’re shopping for someone a bit more accident prone, you’ll need a sturdier case. Gumdrop iPad Cases are built to absorb shock and protect from drops. Available in a number of colors and designs, they manage to be sturdy and attractive at the same time. Otterbox cases offer similar protection, with the added stan functionality (depending on the model). Unlike the soft cases, which are generally just sipped on, most of the tougher cases will “snap” on to your iPad.

Best iPad Screen Covers to Gift

Unfortunately, many of these cases will leave the screen of the iPad uncovered for convenience. While this might make it easier to insert and remove your iPad from the case, it leaves your screen prone to scratches and marks. There are plenty simple and cheap iPad screen protectors, but remember that you get what you pay for. If a screen cover comes in a pack of more than one, it means that the company isn’t expecting the first one to last very long.

A popular high-quality screen protector is the iVisor for iPad, which protects the entire front surface of your iPad instead of just the screen. It is more expensive that many other screen protection options, but it lasts a lifetime since it can be cleaned and reapplied easily (instead of thrown away and replaced).

If you want a gift for the iPad owner in your life that’s even more personal, you can buy or design your own unique iPad accessories. Whether you are gifting someone who has had their iPad for a while or someone who has just recieved one, they will certainly be happy to recieve some extra iPad accessories to help protect their prized gadget.  And don’t feel oblidged to follow these iPad accessory gift suggestions— the best gifts come from the heart!

Not surprisingly, tablet PC’s are at the top of many holiday wishlists this year. They were a popular purchase on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and the popularity doesn’t seem to be fading away with the sales. If you’re looking to get a tablet for a friend, relative, or loved one, you’ll be happy (or perhaps a little worried) to know that there are many options on the table. Here are a few tablets that we think will make great gifts this year (in no particular order).

Apple iPad 2

We aren’t biased for pointing out the sheer number of people who are hoping to receive an Apple iPad 2 for Christmas this year. The newest model of the popular Apple tablet brings a number of new features to the table including a 9.7 inch screen, front and rear cameras, a long lasting battery, and the huge library of apps that iTunes is acclaimed for.

Pros: plenty of available apps, lots of features, large screen, faster than the iPad 1

Cons: lack of Flash support, pricier than many other options, requires an adapter for HDMI and USB usage

Perfect gift for: students, app fanatics, Apple fans, casual/social tablet users

Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire is a relative newcomer in the tablet market, but it’s low price and innovative interface have made it a popular holiday choice this year. For those who can’t afford an iPad 2 for Christmas, the Kindle Fire is a gift that’s more affordable while still offering plenty of popular features. Unlike the iPad, the Kindle Fire includes Flash support in addition to free cloud storage and Whispersync, a technology that automatically syncs where you left off in books and movies to your TV, PC, and otehr devices.

Pros: inexpensive for a tablet, multitouch display, access to millions of books, movies, and songs through Amazon, free cloud storage

Cons: fewer apps and smaller screen than the iPad, limited device storage compare to other tablets

Perfect gift for: ebook readers, business people, commuters, students, anyone frequently on the move

Samsung Galaxy Tab

 The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a popular Android-based tablet that features a larger screen and higher resolution than the iPad 2, while also supporting Flash. The library of apps for Android devices also competes with the iTunes library, making the Galaxy Tab a great gift, especially for those who want a little more versatility than the iPad offers.

Pros: Front and rear facing cameras, large 10.1 inch screen, 30% higher screen resolution than the iPad, business/productivity tools

Cons: More than twice the price of the Kindle Fire, requires adapters for flash drives and other USB devices

Perfect gift for: business people who need to stay connected and productive

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is essentially a less business oriented twist on the Samsung Galaxy Tab. While both are Android devices with 10.1 inch screens and rear and front facing cameras with higher quality than the iPad’s, the Eee Pad Transformer is less costly while offering much of the same functionality and a longer baterry life. Spend a little extra on the optional keyboard docking station to essentially “transform” your Eee Pad into a laptop with a full QWERTY keyboard and up to 16.5 hours of battery life.

Pros: less expensive than the iPad and Galaxy Tab, battery life, versatility, large 10.1 inch screen, expandable memory

Cons: the optional keyboard dock increases costs

Perfect gift for: multitaskers, SD card users, students, Google service (ie. Gmail, Picasa, Youtube, etc) users

BlackBerry Playbook
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The BlackBerry PlayBook marks RIM (the company behind BlackBerry smartphones) making their entrance into the tablet market. Early promotions emphasized a wide variety of multimedia capabilities, but the device still offers the business-friendly touch long associated with Blackberry. This, combined with a price that’s beaten by only the Kindle Fire, makes the PlayBook a well-rounded addition to the list of popular tablet gifts this year.

Pros: combines multimedia and productivity, less expensive than the iPad and many Android tablets, Flash support, great cameras

Cons: limited app library, smaller 7 inch screen

Perfect gift for: multitaskers, BlackBerry fans, smartphone owners (it can connect to your smartphone to access files or use 3G)

If you’re planning to get someone a tablet as a gift this year, hopefully this post has pointed out some of the more popular choices and pointed you in the way of what features might match the person you’re shopping for. Need gift ideas for someone who already own a tablet? Check back over the next few days for our suggestions.

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