So you’ve got an iPad. You’ve peeled off the protective cellophane, marveled at its thinness and updated your Facebook status. But once you’re done showing it off to your family and friends, you have to actually start using it. We’ve got a few tips to help turn your iPad into the gift that keeps on giving.

1. Update

You might think your iPad is magical now, but it's about to get even more extraordinary. Since iOS 4.2--which brought multitasking, AirPlay, AirPrint and folders to Apple’s tablet computer--was only released on November 22, there’s a good chance your iPad isn’t running that latest and greatest version of the software. So before you lose yourself for hours in the iPad’s 9-inch capacative touch screen, take a few minutes to check your version of the OS by going to the “About” tab in the Settings app. If you’re out of date, just head on over to iTunes to set things right.

2. Sync

Even if you’re already running iOS 4.2, you’ll still want to plug your iPad into your computer’s USB port to sync it with your iTunes account (you can create one if you’re one of the few remaining people who aren’t already signed up). From there, you’ll be able to give your new best friend a name, load it up with music, movies and photos, and sync your contacts, bookmarks and calendars.

3. Protect

Since you’ll be taking your iPad everywhere you go now, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected from the bumps and grinds of your daily routine. There are dozens--maybe hundreds--of cases and sleeves to choose from, so finding one that’s stylish and functional is no easy task (Happily, we’ve done much of the legwork for you in our Best Case Scenario series). You’ll also notice that there’s no cleaning cloth in the box, so you might want to pick up one of those, too.

4. Work

You might have heard that iPad is more for play than work, but once you start using it you might see things a little differently. The App Store is loaded with word-processing, spreadsheet, PDF and note-taking apps that just might replace your laptop’s word-processing, spreadsheet, PDF and note-taking apps. And even if you don’t want to waste your iTunes gift certificates on something so sensible, Google Docs is getting more iPad-friendly every day.

5. Type

iPad’s virtual keyboard will certainly suffice for emails and short notes, but when you’re faced with actual production, you might be a little more comfortable with actual keys. Since Bluetooth is built in, any wireless keyboard will do the trick (Apple makes a nice portable one for $69), but you won’t find anything cooler than the military-grade convertible Zaggmate case with a built-in stand and embedded keyboard.

6. Insure

We’re not exactly sure what Benjamin Franklin was talking about when he uttered, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” but if he had owned an iPad, he might have thought differently. Even with a sturdy case, carrying such an expensive piece of hardware around opens it up to all kinds of mishaps--and the geniuses at the Apple Store are hard to fool. AppleCare is fine if you merely want to extend your warranty against manufacturer defects, but SquareTrade offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for less than $50 per year--even if it isn’t wearing a Bumper.

7. Surf

You already know iPad puts “the internet in your hands--literally,” but that doesn’t mean you have to cradle Safari to get there. Apple’s default iOS browser is nothing to sneeze at, but there are a few options in the App Store that just might earn a coveted spot in your iPad’s dock: the aptly named Perfect Web Browser, Atomic Web Browser and Mercury Web Browser will all give Safari a run for its money.

8. Play

If we are to believe the iPod touch is Apple’s “funnest iPod ever,” then the iPad has got to be the funnest iPod-capable touch-screen gadget that doesn’t fit in your pocket. Even of you’ve already played Angry Birds or Plants vs Zombies on one of Apple’s handheld iOS devices, you’ll still be blown away by the iPad gaming experience. And if you haven’t seen Infinity Blade, stop reading this and go download it. Like, right now.

9. Create

It might not have a built-in camera, but it turns out all that screen real estate is useful for more than just smashing egg-stealing pigs. The App Store is jam-packed with tools to crop, tweak, alter and improve your photos, but Photogene, TiltShift Generator and Color Splash are among the best.

10. Impress

Let’s face it: At the end of day, it’s all about the magic Steve promised. Of course, one person’s magic is another person’s meh, but we’re pretty sure you'll be appropriately amazed by Air Display, which will turn your iPad into a second monitor for your Mac. And if that’s not remarkable enough for you, break out Star Walk at your next party, hold it up the the heavens and watch the magic happen.