Although the iPad is easy to pick up and start tapping on, it can be harder to avoid newbie mistakes, do useful work, enjoy your media, use email effectively, and set up secure network connections. To help iPad users solve all those problems and many more, we have released a five-volume set of ebooks comprising over 500 pages of real-world advice about the iPad. In contrast with traditional print books, these ebooks can be read on the iPad or on any computer, and readers will receive free and discounted updates as the topics covered evolve. Sold separately, they cost $45, but buy from this page and you'll save $15, dropping the price to $30, a 33% savings!

The books in the $30 bundle include:

• Take Control of iPad Basics, by Tonya Engst (free, included for convenience): The ebook covers how to decide which iPad and accessories to buy, and it helps you understand the iPad's buttons and ports, learn multi-touch gestures, download apps, sync data and media, find your stuff, and avoid newbie mistakes. The ebook wraps up with a discussion of how to impress your friends with a great iPad demo! 109 pages, free

• Take Control of Media on Your iPad, by Jeff Carlson: Relax with your iPad! Jeff's in-progress ebook goes beyond the basics while explaining how to download and read ebooks in iBooks, useful tricks for listening to audio in the iPod app, and how to use an iPad as a remote control for iTunes, the Apple TV, or consumer electronics. A free update will soon add coverage of videos, photos, and more. We made this ebook available a little early so that the bundling options would work out for customers. 65 pages, $10

• Take Control of Working with Your iPad, by Joe Kissell: We've all wondered whether it's possible to do real work on the iPad, and in this ebook, Joe answers the question, covering not only Apple's iWork suite - Pages, Numbers, and Keynote - but also many third-party apps. You'll learn to manage contacts and calendars, take notes and write documents, create spreadsheets and presentations, and much more. Special topics include printing and moving documents among apps and devices. 111 pages, $10

• Take Control of iPad Networking & Security, by Glenn Fleishman: In this detailed and practical ebook, Glenn looks deeply at how to network an iPad and keep its data safe from prying eyes. Along with Wi-Fi, 3G, and Bluetooth network advice, Glenn explains how to transfer documents to and from your iPad, control remote computers, and reduce the chance of your iPad being hacked or stolen. 152 pages, $15

• Take Control of Mail on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, by Joe Kissell: Joe explains how to devise an effective mobile strategy for your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, plus how to configure your accounts and the best ways to receive, send, read, and file your email. You'll also find troubleshooting help. 96 pages, $10

If you want only a subset of these books, you can still save 30% via the Bundle Discount in the left-hand margin of any book's page; click any book image below.

—Posted by Adam C. Engst on June 1, 2010