I have no problem just using wifi on my reading devices. I just buy/download a lot of books in advance and I always have a selection on there. I don't ever *need* to download a book right then and there if I'm not at home. It's never even come up. I would love an ipad but then again, I probably play games on my nook/droid device as I much as I do reading on it. You should be able to get a pdf of the ipad manual to keep on your device. I have one for my ipod touch so I'm guessing they offer one for the ipad also..