I-Pad devotee here ... you can do all the things mentioned above and more. One of my favorite reasons for having the I-Pad is something called "Face Time". You can video teleconference others that have either an I-Phone or I-Pad (possibly even I-touch if it can read e-mail). It uses e-mail to transfer data so it isn't a phone call which is a huge bonus for us because the people that we Face Time with are in England! It's a great way for us to SEE the kids and the grand kids!!