First steps with the New iPad

So you've finally saved up enough money and gotten your hands on a shiny New iPad of your very own. You're ecstatic to jump in and get started using it since you've heard all about all of the exciting features and functionality it has to offer. The only problem is that you're a beginner and not quite sure where to start. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of things that you should do first with your new iPad. Peruse the list and decide which option sounds like the best place to start for you.

1. Change it from AN iPad into YOUR iPad.

The iPad comes with opportunities to customize the device that the iPhone does not have (in its un-jailbroken state anyway). You are able to choose a custom background image for your iPad's Home screen and move apps and bookmarks to your liking. Also tap the Settings icon on the Home page to adjust the settings to fit your purposes. Consider purchasing a case of your choosing to keep the device safe as well.

2. Download apps from the Apple App Store.

To get the most out of your iPad, you will want to download lots of useful and/or fun applications from the App Store. Launch the store and browse the digital shelves for apps that will be of use to you. Some recommended apps include the Facebook app, Garage Band, Stanza, and Dropbox. Many magazine publishers have also begun releasing apps that allow you to view their magazines with sharper images and added features that you do not get with the print versions, so you may want to look into some apps for your favorite magazines. If you're broke from purchasing the iPad, the App Store is packed with plenty of free apps that you can download and enjoy free of additional charge. If you previously had an iPad or iPod Touch and want to install your favorite apps that you use on those devices, many of the most popular apps have been reconfigured to work with the iPad. Even if an app has not yet been remodeled for the iPad's screen, you can still use the iPhone version; you will just have to blow it up using the 2x button.

3. Play around with Photo Booth.

Chances are you and your friends have goofed around in a photo booth in a shopping mall or movie theater at some point. You can now enjoy a sophisticated version of one of these photo booths on your iPad without having to feed it a $5 bill. Launch the built-in app to take fun photos of yourself using a variety of effects including X-Ray, Mirror, Thermal Camera, Stretch, and Squeeze.

4. Purchase some eBooks with the iBooks app.

Peruse the shelves of the iBooks store for some interesting books to store in your new tablet and read in your spare time. The store carries everything from popular bestsellers such as the Harry Potter series and Nicholas Sparks novels to literary classics like Huckleberry Finn and Frankenstein. There are even some free books available for purchase if you're not looking to spend any money on reading material. You can search a particular author or title or browse by genre for something that sparks your interest.

5. Download some movies or TV shows.

With its large, 9.7-inch, 720p HD screen, the iPad is ideal for watching movies and television shows. Plus, its battery life far surpasses that of other Apple devices, so watching films on it will not drain your battery like it would on an iPhone or iPod Touch. Check out the iTunes Store for some video content to either purchase or rent for your iPad. Do this sooner than later so that you will have something to watch the next time you're bored out of your mind on a long road trip or at a friend's house wide awake after your friend has fallen asleep.

6. Protect the device with a passcode.

Okay, this isn't really something fun to do with your new iPad, but it is an important step if you want to safeguard your personal data from thieves or wandering eyes. Make sure to choose a passcode that is easy for you to remember, yet not so obvious that anyone will guess it. If you have particularly important data stored in the device, you may also want to consider turning on the option to delete all data from the tablet after 10 unsuccessful attempts at unlocking it. Several individual apps also offer the option of passcode protecting them, so you may also want to set up a passcode on some of your apps if you have any data in them that you do not want anyone to access without your permission.

As you can see, the possibilities that the iPad affords you are endless. It will take a lot of time poking around the device to fully learn all of its capabilities. In the mean time, the above six steps are an excellent place to start.