Get pictures off your iPad

Now that the Apple iPad finally includes a great camera, I suspect that many of you have taken beautiful photographs that you'd like to transfer back to your computer.

In this CNET How To, I'll walk you through Apple's prescribed methods for moving iPad photos over to your computer, including Photo Stream syncing via iCloud and syncing over USB.

If you're looking for other, more-advanced methods for transferring your iPad's photos, check out CNET's How To guides on apps such as Photo Transfer, Scotty, and Bump.

Otherwise, enjoy the above video and take a … Read more

How to fix Wi-Fi issues on the new iPad

The problem is a simple one to encounter. You should have Wi-Fi but for some reason the reception just isn't there. That's exactly what struck OS X Daily, just after it got a new iPad from Apple.

And the guys from OS X Daily are not alone. Threads on support sites including the Apple Support Communities report the same issue, where Wi-Fi is not able to connect during setup. If your experience is similar to either case, there are quite a few trick to try before demanding a refund or writing Tim Cook.

The solution, according to OS … Read more

Test-drive the new iPad for 30 days

For a flat monthly fee of $24.95, online try-before-you-buy electronics site Ybuy will let you get your hands on the latest technology for 30 days without having to commit to its full purchase price.

You select one device at a time to test from an extensive catalog of everything from consumer electronics to gadgets for your home and kitchen. If the product doesn't fit in with your workflow or lifestyle, simply return it to Ybuy and get the next gadget in your queue. It's kind of like Netflix for electronics.

"For most consumers, when it comes … Read more

How to track Apple store refurbs

As I noted back in January, the only smart way to buy Apple gear is to buy it refurbished.

You're guaranteed to save money while getting gear that's literally as good as new.

Just one problem: how can you keep tabs on Apple's latest refurb deals? Suppose, for example, you're in the market for a refurbished fourth-gen iPod Touch, the one with the built-in cameras and Retina display. (As it happens, that's exactly what my kids are after.)

For a long while, there weren't any for sale. I know because I checked the store … Read more

How to set up your tablet

A few weeks ago at CNET Gotham, I gave a quick live presentation called Tech Boot Camp: Tablet setup.

It consisted of a look at some of my favorite bits of advice for new tablet owners.

My focus was mainly on the iPad, but much of what I discussed could apply to Android owners, too.

So, here's a video we shot at CNET that recaps what I said then. Topics covered:

Picking a case that makes senseUnderstanding the cloud, and using itGet your "free" content! (Or, how to find things you've already paid for and get … Read more

Apple publishes guide on how to set up iCloud

Those of you trying to figure out to how to tap into Apple's iCloud now that the service is officially up and running can turn to the company's setup guide.

The newly released guide explains how to get the online service working on the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, as well as on a Mac or PC, a process that apparently can be confusing.

To start off, you'll need to upgrade iTunes to version 10.5 and then upgrade your Apple gadget to iOS 5. The iOS 5 install may itself be the first challenge since some … Read more

How to make a free iPad stylus

I've known for years that there are special pens that can be used with capacitive touch screens, like the ones used on the iPad or any modern tablet or smartphone. Still, I've never bought one. It's not that they're too expensive (some are as cheap as $5), it's just that my curiosity doesn't match the level of patience required to order one online and wait a few days for it to show up.

So when I read iLearn Technology's tutorial on making your own capacitive stylus using common office supplies, I had to … Read more

How to share music on Spotify

Spotify is a great way to listen to full songs and albums online, but many people neglect to take advantage of all the unique music-sharing features that are baked into the program.

Fortunately, it just takes a minute to get up to speed on the many different ways Spotify allows you to share your musical discoveries with the world (or just your closest friends). After checking out the video and slideshow, check out more great Spotify tutorials on CNET's How To blog.

4 killer Dropbox tricks

You're probably familiar with Dropbox. It's a tool like SkyDrive or SugarSync that allows you to store your files in the cloud for access from any computer or mobile device. 

While you might simply use Dropbox for project management, file sharing, or just syncing, there are several hacks that will quickly take you from being a standard user to a power user.

Check out these four killer Dropbox tricks you probably didn't know about:

A different way to upload filesTo upload files to your Dropbox, you'd normally drag 'n' drop on your desktop, or upload … Read more