So you just got an iPad 2. You got it synced with iTunes and you are staring at it with a ton of questions. You know that you want to use it and you’ve heard how others are using it but you don’t really know where to start. This article is going to help you right now and give you some great resources and information for using your new iPad 2.
The iPad works great for the full range of multimedia and it beats the mobile competition when it comes to browsing the web, but where it really shines is in the wide range of apps available for free or for a small, nominal charge.
An app is nothing more than a small application that provides a unique set of functionality to its users. Some apps are stand-alone software while others tie into existing or complimentary websites. For example there are many apps that are small, fun games you can play which are self contained. There are also apps like the Facebook app which provides access to your account within the social networking giant’s website.
Here is the third generation of iPad – New iPad:
How To Use iPad 2
Getting Started Using Your iPad 2
Before we get into all the great ways to use your new iPad 2, we wanted to cover some of the basics. Here are some things you might want to know to get started:
- Completed iPad 2 Review
- iPad 2 at Glance
- Activate Your New iPad
- iPad Gestures and Techniques
- The Pre-Installed Apps
- How to set up “find my iPad”
- About the iPad batteries
- How To Care For Your iPad
- All About iPad Screen Protection
- How to Choose an iPad 2 3G Data Plan
- How To Use Facetime on iPad | Help And Tips
- 100 Essential iPad Tips And Tricks
iCloud Features:
- What is iCloud? Simple To Use And Simple To Setup
- How To Use iCloud – A New User Guide
- How To Use iCloud To Find Your Mac
iOS 5 Features:
- iOS 5 Features You Should Know About
- iOS 5 Features: iMessage – Texting On Apple Devices
- iOS 5 Features: Reminders
- iOS 5 Features | Twitter Integration
- iOS 5 Features | Tips and Tricks
iPad 2 Photos & Video
After you have the iPad 2 set up and synced with iTunes you are probably wanting to sync your photos. Since the iPad is perfect for viewing photos this is usually what people want to do next. Here are some great resources for syncing your photos to your new iPad. Also, these resources include some really good apps for editing photos:
- iPad Photo Tips & Tricks
- iPad Photo Planning & Editing
- Organizing Photos On your iPad (Mac & PC)
- Transferring Photos via Bluetooth
- Syncing Photos using iTunes
- How To Convert DVD To iPad
Reading Books
This should get you and your new iPad 2 all set with Photos. The next thing you will want to know more about is reading books. The iPad comes with the iBooks app and you can use it to read PDF’s or buy books. You can also get other reading apps such as the following:
If you stick with the iBooks app here is how to use it and what it can do:
This should get you to the point where you can read both e-books and PDF’s as well as understand the basics of using iBooks.
AirPrint & AirPlay
You may have heard that the iPad 2 can print wirelessly and also play movies and TV Shows on your TV if you have an Apple TV. But what does all that mean? Here’s how to take advantage of these great features you don’t want to miss:
- How to use Airprint, Airplay, Multitasking & Folders
- Printers that are compatible with Airprint
- Airplay Compatible Speakers & Receivers
- How To Use Airprint
- AirPrint 101
- AirPrint Troubleshooting
- The iPad 2 Digital AV Adapter
- How To Use AirPlay With Apple TV | Streaming Your iPad Content
iPad 2 Basics You Want To Know About
Here are some great resources for how to use your new iPad. These are those little things that can make a big difference when you really aren’t sure how something is done:
- Understanding screen rotation lock
- How To transfer and sync content to your computer
- Getting Wireless To Work
- Setting up and getting Mail to work
- All about the iPad Battery
- Top iPad Tips and Tricks
Syncing & Backing Up Your iPad
Using your new iPad means you will want to sync it with iTunes and back it up so your apps and information are safe in case you lose it, or it has a serious malfunction. Here is how to sync and backup your iPad:
Using Game Center
One of the features of your iPad is Game Center. It’s an app that gives you the ability to play iPad games with other online users. It’s a great way to play cards or other interactive games and here are some resources for using Game Center:
Getting Files On Your iPad 2
You will probably want to put some files on your iPad. The best way to do this with a new iPad is to use iTunes. Here’s a great resource for that:
Getting Help With Your New iPad 2
It happens. You will inevitably run into issues and need to troubleshoot your iPad for various reasons. Here are some resources for getting help and fixing common iPad issues. We have included our iPad help section of TCGeeks which is loaded with great articles to help you get unstuck:
- Basic Troubleshooting
- iPad Help (all of our iPad help articles)
Beyond The Basics
How to use iPad 2. What about Calendars and Gmail and all of the other things you might want to explore using your new iPad? Not a problem at all, here are some resources for using your iPad that are a little beyond the basics but very helpful:
- Sync Your iPad With Google Calendar
- iPad Shared Printer Support
- How To Give A Presentation With Your iPad
- Great Note Taking Apps For the iPad
- How to watch TV, read magazines and get movies
- Sync all your contacts with the iPad
- iPad Task Management
- How to use that iPad VGA Conntector
iPad 2 For Business
You may have got a new iPad 2 for both personal use and business use. If you want to use your iPad for business then we have an entire section set up for just that purpose. Here are some resources:
- iPad For Business
- Highly Productive Business Apps
- You Got an iPad For Business, Now What?
- The iPad 2 Digital AV Adapter
- Essential Add-Ons | iPad Accessories
You might also want to get some iPad Accessories such as a case or and iPad stand or even some iPad Speakers. Here’s our iPad Accessory store that has a ton of great items from iPad cases to stands.
iPad 2 Apps
Last but not least you wanna know all about some great iPad apps. This is the best part of how to use your iPad 2. We have some resources here that you can use for just that. Explore these resources for awhile and then try out some of the apps to see which one fits your new iPad the best:
- Best iPad Apps
- iPad Games
- 175 Free iPad Games
- 25 more Free iPad Games
- The Top iPad Apps Of 2010
- Absolutely Essential iPad 2 Apps
- Educational Games for Your Kids
iPad 2 User Manual
If you are looking for the official Apple iPad 2 user manual then you can find the latest guide for iOS 4.3 by clicking here or you can learn more the new iOS 5 features here.
So that is how to use your iPad 2. Start with the basics and then move on to the various areas mentioned above and use the resources. You will know how to use your iPad like a pro in no time at all. Come back here each day to TCGeeks and learn even more about how to use the iPad. If you have any questions or run into problems, never hesitate to leave a comment on any of our articles and we will respond.
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Great article as always Shane. You could turn something like this into an iPad 2 eBook even which I’m sure many people would find very useful.
Thanks man….yeah…funny because i was just thinking the same thing…all this could be in a really nice little PDF guide…
Way to get ready for March,11th!!!!
Thanks Tom
Great info. Thanks for sharing!
You are more than welcome Nicole!
Awesome article full of resources, the best I found so far! Thanks Shane!!!
Thanks Rhonda!
I hope some of it definitely helped
I dont know how to use my ipad 2 better.
Very useful guides
Thanks
Hi Shane,
wonderful article …best one till date i have refer
thx for sharing this.
i have one question Shane.
how can u use Ipad 2 with cell phone.i mean to ask is there any application what i installed on ipad and call people on cell phones with my cell number.
as per my knowledge ipda2 is not to replace cell phone.
but if i want to do it any how then what are the ways and what instrument i need as plugin.
Chetan J.
I have a new iPad2. How do I delete an icon that I placed on the screen? i have 2 google icons and 2 ebay icons now!
Also, what does it mean when all the icons wiggle?
How does built-in printing work in Ipad 2?
I love it great post especially the iPad business tips
Great article Shane! You should create a course from all these resources
just got it for my birthday not very savvy–this is really going to help thank you–oh by the way i`m a 54 yr.old man–usually depend upon my kids—:)
Maybe this is beyond me(I’m 84) but have not been able to sync with iTunes although have downloaded it.Any suggestions?
You bought an Ipad?
So you do not know how to use it appropriately and effectively.
This is the solution that I give you:http://f5c009y6z40j1sbe-8pfy2hcvh.hop.clickbank.net/
With only 11 minutes a day, you can use it in a proficient manner.The choice is yours, pay 97 dollars or dig around for months butstill not effective.
Hi Shane,
This article is very extensive and gave me an handful of good information. I would prefer read it with GoodReader in PDF format with my iPad “. There’s any PDF format available for this guide ?
am i able to set up some programs on it like autocade or 3d max or office i am an architect and that will be so helpful in my work
I am not able to comprehend all these. I need more detailed presentation
I need to ask you a very important question about passwords/ boxes.
for every app, is there a password to go with it. or does it automatically opens.
I had one, and I had a few apps on it. I couldn’t do anyting with the apps without
a password, and I got invalid all the time. the boxes with the 4 digit password I never filled out
because I don;t want a password of any kind on the darn thing. did I just have a faulty ipad 2?
I hate passwords. I have watched many Youtube and everyone of them didn;t have a password or
box , they just opened up. why did I have a such a bad time with my ipad 2?
apple store sucks at explaining this. they said they can’t do jack about passwords, and I will alwasy have
passwords for each app.
thanks in advance
I have the exact same problem as mari, which is really annoying. Ive tried re-setting it an same, still need password for apps.
thank your guide.
your post is large wiki about ipad.
really like your site.
my newly purchased ipad 2 does not open.
It only come up with
my ipad jem cannot close and open, how??? who can help me??