Introduction

      Every iPad is a magical device and the current iPad Pro lineup might be the most magical yet. But Apple has also released new versions of iPad, iPad mini, and iPad Air, and we think they're solid updates. New versions of Apple Pencil and Apple’s Smart Keyboard line of external keyboards for iPad are also available. There’s never been a better time to own an iPad, and there’s never been a better time for many people to make iPad their main computing device. There, we said it, and it’s true!

      We hope you bought this book to find out how to get the most magic out of your iPad, regardless of its model. Our goal is to deliver the information you need in a light and breezy fashion. We expect you to have fun using your iPad and we hope you have fun spending time with us.

About This Book

      We need to get one thing out of the way from the get-go. We think you’re pretty darn smart for buying a Dummies book. To us, that says you have the confidence and intelligence to know what you don’t know. The Dummies franchise is built on the core notion that everyone feels insecure about certain topics when tackling them for the first time, especially when those topics have to do with technology.

      As with most Apple products, iPads are beautifully designed and intuitive to use. And though our editors may not want us to reveal this dirty little secret (especially on the first page, for goodness’ sake), the truth is you’ll get pretty far just by exploring the iPad’s many functions and features on your own, without the help of this (or any other) book.

      Okay, now that we’ve spilled the beans, we’ll tell you why you shouldn’t run back to the bookstore and request a refund. This book is chock-full of useful tips, advice, and other nuggets that should make your iPad experience all the more pleasurable. We’ll even go so far as to say you won’t find some of these nuggets anywhere else. So keep this book nearby and consult it often.

Foolish Assumptions

      Although we know what happens when one makes assumptions, we’ve made a few anyway. First, we assume that you, gentle reader, know nothing about using an iPad or iPadOS, that you want to understand your iPad and its operating system without digesting an incomprehensible technical manual, and that you made the right choice by selecting this particular book.

      We do our best to explain each new concept in full and loving detail. Perhaps that’s foolish, but … oh, well.

      One last thing: We also assume you can read. If you can’t, please ignore this paragraph.

Icons Used in This Book

      Little round pictures (or icons) appear in the left margin throughout this book. Consider these icons as miniature road signs, telling you something extra about the topic at hand or hammering a point home. Here’s what the icons used in this book look like and mean.