is it better to download them to itunes or mess with the dvd's to mumbo jumbo to ipad?

I do not have the dvds but debating to buying them and moving them ipad or just downloading..

I really need my Doctor Who with me.

its totally up to you.

Ripping DVD's to itunes and then to your ipad can be easy if you find the right program for what ever operating system your computer. Some ripping software will require multiple steps and it could be a pain. Ripping DVD's to itunes also takes a lot of time, about one or two hours per movie.

One thing you may want to look into is the fact that many DVD's now have a sticker on the front cover that says it includes a Digital copy on the disc. This means you buy the DVD, stick it into your computer and be able to copy the deigital file of the movie into itunes. Some make it really easy by inclucing a paper inside the DVD case with a special code that you type into itunes and it downloads a digital copy of the movie for free.

I prefer to download with iTunes, but it's personal preference...

You can use dvd2ipod if you're on windoze. It even does h.264 and it's really easy to use, even the interface is an iPod. Did I mention it is free?

Or you can use Handbrake, which is freeware, and comes in Win,Mac,Linux flavors.

I always found handbrake confusing for some reason, maybe I'll try it again.

I'm using cinexplayer for my avi's works a treat.

Ripit has been an easy and flawless method for me.

Just as Mike said, it's all up to you, you can rip the DVDs use the right program like handbrake or ifunia, or just downloading to ur iPad.

If the one is my favourite, I will buy it and then rip to my iPad, of course can download and stored in iPad too.

I use MacTheRipper and Handbrake ( High Profile )

Works PERFECTLY!!!!