Hi there, just got an iPad to be a more portable adjunct to my Macbook Pro.
Can anyone recommend the best way (or the best app) to transfer read-only copies of files (text or spreadsheet) from the Macbook to the iPad?

Many thanks

My suggestion is the Goodreader app. Cheap and handles all the office files really well after the latest upgrade.
Their website is fairly informative if a little unimaginative:
goodiware.com :: products :: GoodReader

One nice update was the ability to transfer files in bulk.