The Apple iPad has officially gone on sale in the UK today, and with it making the internet tablet a genuine tour de force in the home. But don't panic, whether you've already bought one or not, we've got you covered with a round up of all the coverage on Pocket-lint over the last couple of months. 

Should you really get an iPad?

Well if you've yet to decide whether or not to get one check out our comprehensive Apple iPad review of the device, where we tell you what's what and whether you should get one.

Then there is the five things you should know about the iPad when your mates ask you about it down the pub and how the iPad compares to the iPod touch (yes it is just an giant version), or what it looks like with our extensive hands-on photo gallery and what it looks like on the inside.

If you are still undecided once you've read our review then check out our is the iPad right for you checklist followed by our Should I buy an iPad? quiz that will pose you a series of questions for you to determine whether you actually need one or are just being caught up in the hype.

Cases, accessories and micro SIM cards

If the answer to you getting one is yes, you'll need to make sure you protect it. You'll probably also want some iPad accessories also, and while these are thin on the ground currently, Apple will quell your urge with docking stations and the like.

- 15 iPad cases to keep your iPad protected

- 5 best mad, crazy, silly, but cool iPad cases on Etsy

- iPad accessories - what you can get

- 10 iPad docking stations the world must see 

If you've gone for the 3G version you might also want to make sure you're signing up to the best data package. That means checking out our O2 vs Orange vs Vodafone - the battle of the iPad data plans feature. If that sounds too expensive you could always hack a mini SIM out of your current SIM in an attempt to save costs and skirt around having to pay for two data connections. Here's how to Create your own iPad micro-SIM.

It's all about the apps

The next step is to fill your iPad with apps, as on opening the box you'll soon find that you don't have any installed to play with. We've been busy over the last couple of months testing the best apps to help you in a variety of ways and help you make the most out of your iPad.

- Best iPad games for gamers

- Best iPad music apps

- Best iPad apps for photographers

- Best iPad apps for learning and reference

- Best iPad books and apps for reading

- Best iPad apps for getting things done

- Best iPad games for the casual gamer

- Best iPad apps for the TV and Movie fan

- Best iPad utilities apps

- Best free iPad apps

If you don't like playing by the rules you could always opt to expand your possibilities by Jailbreaking your new internet tablet.

Enjoy

Our iPad coverage is continuing to grow and you can follow all the latest news, reviews of accessories, apps and much more via our dedicated iPad homepage on Pocket-lint.

So bookmark the page, visit back often or sign up to the iPad RSS feed to make sure you stay on top of the game with Apple's latest product.

Oh, and if you really want an iPad, but the budget won't stretch you could always opt to make one out of paper instead.

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