When the iPad is on charge it automatically switches on, does it have to be on to charge it or can you switch it off.

If you can switch it off how do you know it's fully charged as there's no lights to show it's even charging

I haven't tried this with the latest iOS 4.2.1, but it used to be that if your charge level was below 20%, you could not turn off your iPad. As soon as you do, it will just come right back on. If it is over 20%, then you can turn it off.

So how do you know when it is charged if it is turned off? You don't!

Thanks c4 seems strange there's no light indicator

There's an app called BatteryDoctor that will help charge the iPad and will make a noise and tell you to unplug the iPad when it's done charging. I will also show you how long it will take and the approximate times to use different things, such as videos or music at the current charge level.