iPad and iPad Pro For Dummies
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The iPad can operate as a standalone device, or it can work with your computer. To actually use your iPad, only a few simple things are required. Here’s a list of everything you need:

  • An iPad

  • An Apple ID (assuming that you want to acquire apps, videos, music, iBooks, podcasts, and so on, which you almost certainly do)

  • Internet access — broadband wireless Internet access is recommended

You no longer need a computer with iTunes to sync your iPad. Because iOS now lets you activate, set up, update, back up, and restore an iPad wirelessly without a computer, you don’t technically need a computer to use with your iPad. But it’s still nice to have a computer; many tasks are faster and easier on a computer with iTunes than on your iPad.

If you decide to introduce your iPad to your computer (and you probably should), here’s what’s required for syncing:

  • A Mac with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, Mac OS X version 10.6.8 or later, and iTunes 11.1 or later

  • A PC with a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port; Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Home or Professional Edition with Service Pack 3 or later; and iTunes 11.1 or later (free download)

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