Flex data is a small amt of data per month, I think just 10mb, for $5. Then if you go over it bumps up to either $15 for 1gb or $35 for 5gb. It's nice b/c I get enough for random intermittent usage for just 5 bucks, but then in August when we spend 2 weeks at the cottage without any wifi, I can still get Internet for just $35. I think flex plans are available from most providers... mine is bell in Canada, but I imagine AT&T, sprint, Verizon have similar. You can probably also just buy a month separately when you travel, but for me it's not worth the hassle factor of signing up and canceling when 5 bucks a month takes care of it. Bottom line, you don't have to decide on a data plan when you buy the device ... just make sure it's wireless capable if you think you will want to sign up for something down the road.

I was here pk. I guess I should have let you know that the backup was specifically asking for the apple id password. I only brought up email because I found no contacts (but I also pointed out that I hadn't tried to link emails in any way). I also now see that there is an off setting on a 'settings' button for email. I am not sure how she sees her mail. Probably directly via Safari but I do see an email app right on her first page trey below the regular apps. Probably way more info than needed since this was not really an email question. Looking back, I now see that I wasn't clear about what password was wanted; sorry. My general question was about the whole purpose of this kind of backup. It appeared (and still does) that she may not have had anything to backup because she didn't really use itunes for paid music (and yesterday I saw something that implied it didn't do that either, I suppose because apple really only has pointers to the music and always remembers your apple id with those pointers). I was more concerned that perhaps each system update might wipe all apps and perhaps other stuff. As far as I can tell, it certainly didn't wipe all apps out (she still has some), and I see no reason it would clear specific ones. I was waiting for another response and to see if I got a backup. I can't really tell because it doesn't say so. It was not asking to be backed up yesterday (or today) and I can't find where it is indicated. The new update changed stuff on icloud and wanted new legal acceptance (i gave it) but that was after I attempted the backup. BTW I actually read a little of the legal stuff and it included that icloud could wipe your backup if you didn't backup for 120 days!!! Anyway, I still don't really understand the purpose of this backup system. While attempting to follow various directions, I got messages that suggest if there are problems (I don't think there actually were) that I should Reset the ipad. I am suspecting that perhaps that is exactly when the backup would be needed because the Reset Would wipe everything back to a new pad. Not sure of that either.

Thanks mike. I guess I should have said 'reboot' in my initial post rather than restart. Yes, I rebooted several times to get the opportunity to enter the security password. This pad does not have cellular capability so when wi fi is gone, it is disconnected. It certainly used to connect to other networks, but I haven't checked lately. I was beginning to think that the pad was retaining wifi connection, but today it is again back to disconnected, still with the blue check indicating that it is connected. The only difference from several days ago, is that the password on 'client ID' is still showing. I had assumed that the showing password was somehow involved in the wifi retention. I have considered 'forget your WiFi', but I don't know where to get the ssid. I suppose it is built in but I don't understand this stuff that well. Edit for addition: OK, I got brave (or could have been stupid) and 'forgot the network' and at least for the time being, the pad is reconnected. It was easy to reconnect because my regular network was still waiting for me to re choose it and it immediately asked for the password and I was properly connected. The password isn't showing in 'client ID'. Perhaps it was never the appropriate place to add it anyway!? I do see a couple of possible differences in the settings that I wrote down if things didn't work. There may have been a difference in the DNS setting (whatever that is) (or it might have been a hand written typo on my part) but the new setting's last 7 chars are now 171.2.226 and I scribed 172.2.226. And under the area of HTTP Proxy (whatever that is), OFF is highlighted, and before there was a space below where it said URL. Was it waiting for some website? So, for the time being, things are in order. It took 2.5 days to lose the network the last time, so we'll see.?!

Rockybird, I am using the smart keyboard as my only cover. It is so similar to the covers that I have for my other iPads so it works quite well. I have fingerprints on all of them not matter what I do. They are fingerprint magnets. I do have the screen protectors but I don't really notice that it makes the screen less prone to finger or bird prints (HaHa). It would be great if your bird's prints would show up on one of the sketching apps, what a fun screen saver that would be! Awm, I haven't tried that but it sounds like fun. You really can and will learn to sketch. I am pulling for you. A few tips. Get yourself a spiral bound sketch book and pencils. My favorite sketch pad is Strathmore drawing paper in the 6 x 8 size. Stick with the smaller size as it isn't as intimidating having a small area to cover when you are starting to sketch. My favorite pencils are Faber-Castell 9000 jumbo pencils. They come in a five pack and includes HB ( I use this one the most), 2B, 4B, 6B, and 8B. Also a very good eraser. Watch some how to draw videos on youtube and invest in some drawing how to books. You really don't necessarily even need to invest in books at first and the few items that I suggested won't run more than thirty dollars or so on Amazon. Tablet sketching is great but you should practice some skills with real paper and pencil. Drawing is really more about seeing than anything. Really look at what it is that you are drawing and think about what shape something is rather than what it actually is. Practice every day and date each drawing so that you can go back and see how you are progressing. Believe me, if you practice and put time into it you can draw! If you decide to pursue books the two I recommend is Drawing on The Right Side of The Brain by Betty Edwards and Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson. The huge advantage though to any type of e tablet is you can trash a page without wasting paper and it's great because you don't have a big investment in paints, canvases, and supplies until you are ready to move on. If you have any questions at all with anything sketching related you can pm me and I will be glad to help! Fun, I think I will skip the back cover then. I am wondering how much better an iPad can get. I am so amazed at how far we've come in regards to technology. Our first computer was an IBM with a dos operating system that DH used when he wanted to connect with the company he worked for. The connection was via modem. Remember the horrible noise that used to make? It also amazes me at how little really wonderful apps cost. I remember Adobe Illustrator being hugely expensive. Way too much to spend on just one program.