Without having to connect to iTunes, is it possible to back up (the cloud?) my deskttop folder configuration, so If I have to restore to factory defaults or get a new iPad, I can restore it?
Not sure about that with back-up to icloud. I know back-up to PC/Mac via tunes does keep the desktop set-up when restored. I'm hopeful for you, someone who backs up and restores from iCloud can answer definitively.