iPad

Guys - a quick question.

If I were to upgrade from an original to a 3rd generation model, would I be able to retain the apps I have (if so how?) and could I wipe the existing tablet so I could palm it off on somebody else?

Cheers.

Yep - your purchase record is stored in iTMS

Take a back up via iTunes.

Set up new device and restore from backup

Factory reset the old one - in Settings somewhere.

Yes, no issue at all. Simply backup the current iPad with iTunes and then connect the new iPad and iTunes will prompt you to either restore the backup or set up as a new iPad. Select restore and all your apps and settings (but not passwords) will be applied to the new iPad.

Yes, you can wipe the old one. In iTunes, once connected, select the device in the left hand column and there will be an option to reload the OS effectively wiping all your apps.

You can also backup to iCloud if you've updated the iPad to version 5 software using iTunes.

To wipe everything just go to Settings -> Reset -> Erase All Content option, you will be asked twice.

(I was in an apple store earlier and a genius showed my mate how to do that!).

Don't bother with a computer installed iTunes program for backup, its obsolete.

Configure your iPad to back up to iCloud. Go to Settings > iCloud and enter your Apple ID.

Go to Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup > Back Up Now. This will force an immediate backup.

To wipe your old iPad by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings

On your new iPad, follow the initial power up instructions to connect to wifi and enter your Apple ID. The new iPad will then restore absolutely everything from your old iPad via iCloud.

PS. You never lose your app purchases as all your purchases are recorded in your Apple ID in the iTunes online store.

PPS. The above also works with an iPhone.

Thanks, that sounds perfect.

In reply to a post by Yves:

Don't bother with a computer installed iTunes program for backup, its obsolete.

Not quite.

iCloud doesn't back up music and video you might have sync'd with the iPad. Also if you back up using iTunes and turn on the password option - the backup will save passwords for email accounts and WiFi networks. iCloud doesn't.

I know as a friend of mine had his iPhone replaced and the iCloud backup was only some of the stuff he had on his phone.

This might help regarding iCloud backup:
iCloud: Backup and restore overview

iTunes match is also very handy for getting access to more of your music:
iTunes Match