This is my new iPAD air housed in my ZAGG keyboard/case which I got for about $100 at the local Verizon store.  It allows the keyboard to be "Bluetoothed" to the iPAD.

I bought a book on the iPAD after reading the 166 page PDF file that Apple provides.  I am still reading the book which is vary good (the missing manual series).  I just attended a  one hour workshop at the local Apple store to also help me get on board with the iPAD.  This was good and had 4 people plus the instructor guide us through basics and allow our questions to steer the discussion.  It was goo d but one needs many more sessions to really learn how to use an iPAD.  I am an experienced computer user and I find just reading the manual is better for me.  But, seeing it demonstrated by the instructor is a very powerful learning experience.  So I recommend one attend a few Apple workshop as they are free.