Another option for storing items is to use DropBox, which gives you online storage that you can use both on the iPad or the desktop.
I use my iPad for lots of quilting things - I can save the pdf's and open them to read on the iPad when I'm at the store and need the info such as yardage or a pic of the pattern. I've got a couple of quilting apps, and of course I use it for all the usual things like surfing, email, games (I love Angry Birds!) and making notes to myself wherever I may be. I actually use it during church to look up the Bible passages quickly. I can hear everyone still flipping the paper pages in their Bibles, and I've opened the app, done the bookmark and am quietly sitting there waiting for the rest of the people.
I think I'll make one of those sewing organizers that hang down in front of my sewing machine and make it with a pocket for the iPad so I can play some music. (Good idea if I do say so myself. LOL)