You can do a google search for apps that are compatible. Yes, the iPad or any other tablet are similar to a pc with the differences that you cannot install software to them and with the iPad you can't increase memory or storage using a SD card. I went with the Nook HD+ because I could increase storage and with more memory to start off with and a great additional warranty it was still less than half of the cost. There aren't as many apps for the androids yet but sites like craftsy.com are working on apps for the android. I would just search, I've always had good luck finding things that way even though sometimes it might take me a while it was worth the look. I know that I've gotten some nice apps from google store and from Barnes and Noble, who also makes a ereader app for iPad.