I have the iTouch. When a new OS comes out, it is downloaded via the iTunes program and uploaded into the iTouch via the iTunes program. It does not to my knowledge have the ability to upgrade its own OS.

Is the iPad also dependent on a "mother" computer and iTunes on that computer to update its OS?

with iOS 5(this fall), should have you covered.
check out the video on apple website.

Originally Posted by Poser

with iOS 5(this fall), should have you covered.
check out the video on apple website.

Yep. Also with iOS 4.3.3 (the latest version of iOS for iPad), some 'cloud' features are already included referred to as 'iCloud Automatic Downloads' which can be activated via Settings -> Store and when you plug in your iPad, go to iTunes -> Select your device from the left menu and from within this section you can get Automatic Downloads to synchronise bookmarks, calendars, etc.

In iOS 5 will also come with iOS Software Updates without having to sync your iPad to your computer and they will also be 'Delta' updates which means they'll often be small in size when they are downloaded because right now when plugging in your iPad or iOS device to download an update, it downloads the entire OS for each update.

Watch the keynote video about iOS 5.

You are just in time for the party Laura:

Apple Special Event June 2011