Buying myself an iToy

I've never owned any sort of iThing - no iPhone no iPod no iAnything, and I don't have a Mac. I do not have a smart phone, and I've never downloaded an app. But as a retirement gift, from me, to me, I've decided I want to buy myself what appears to be the ultimate iToy, the latest iPad. My laptop is clunky, and I'd like something that will travel easily with me. I plan to buy it THIS WEEK.
I know, you're probably wondering why I posted a book cover here. Some of you other former hippie-types like me might have also been fans of the author Richard Brautigan (he was a major favorite of mine - quirky and adorable). In this book, In Watermelon Sugar, written in 1968, there's a place called iDeath which is sort of a central gathering location in a communal sort of place. It's an odd little book (not my favorite of his books; if you've never read Brautigan and want to give his books a try, don't start with this one. There's much better introductions to his weird world). Anyhow, I can't help but wonder whether Steve Jobs was a fan of Brautigan, and whether there's any connection between all of Steve Jobs' iThings and Richard Brautigan's iDeath.

But back to the iPad. Here's what I want to know:

• Do you have an iPad?
• What do you use it for?
• Will I learn to use it easily?
• Do you have favorite apps?
• Any advice about accessories I should definitely have and ones I won't need?