Or word files for that matter? Must I always be connected to read a pdf? Is the answer the same as that of word files (or translated word files)?

I use Goodreader. Read through the help and they give nice detailed instructions on getting them on to your device.

+1 for GoodReader. It fills lots of holes in the basic iPad functionality. It even supports a sort of USB-stick mode.

iBooks works with PDFs. Load them into iTunes (File> Add to Library) and then sync to the iPad. In iBooks they will show up when you push the button for PDFs.

If you are using iBooks you can save a .PDF from an e-mail into your iBooks library or if you use "Dropbox" you can drop the .PDF into Dropbox on your computer and then retrieve and save it from your iPad. Both of these methods save the aggravation of having to "sync" to get the .PDF's onto your iPad. To save Word documents Goodreader is a good choice since it creates a file structure inside this app.

Thanks guys, this has been very helpful. (I'm not sure I understood aobama's post, but he's more of a newby than me - so that may explain it - and it's been taken care of now anyway.)

i think that is called spam


i have been using goodreader for pdf files, and ebook for those books that come in that file type. Both are working fine for me

Try ReaddleDocs, it runs smoother than GoodReader.

ps. I have both but use ReaddleDocs quite more often.

+1 for goodreader. This is where I store all my PDF magazines.

I too go with gooodreader especially as it has a fast windows downloader for the ipad which doesn't require you to log into iTunes.
Look for goodreader usb.exe a free download from their website.