Did Your iPad Air Christmas Wish Come True? Three Things You Need To Do Immediately

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and some of you probably found an iPad Air waiting under the Christmas tree this year (it wouldn’t fit in a stocking, right?).

If you did receive an iPad Air this holiday season, there are some things you absolutely must do. First among them is show a little gratitude to the giver, iPad Airs don’t grow on trees, and neither does money. After expressing your thanks, there are a few more things you’ll need to do.

Buy a case for your iPad Air.

Sure, it might seem like common sense, but it’s best to protect that bad boy before you even start playing with your new toy tool. Accidents happen, leftover eggnog gets poured and spilled, and suddenly your new iPad Air doesn’t work any more. Or maybe that eggnog was spiked, and your iPad Air gets dropped. A $30 case can keep your iPad Air from being reduced to an impressively costly paperweight.

Insure your iPad Air.

You’ve got a few options for securing the future of your new device. An AppleCare plan is a good idea, and at $99, it is a lot cheaper than a new iPad Air. Out of the box, your iPad Air comes with a 1-year limited warranty, and free tech support for 90 days. AppleCare+ for iPad extends your coverage to two years from the original purchase date of your iPad and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a $49 service fee, plus applicable tax.

Or you can try a third-party protection plan like SquareTrade for your iPad Air needs. With customizable options like adding a third year or taking off the $49 deductible, it offers you a little more flexibility for taking care of your new iPad Air (iPad Air must have been purchased within the last 30 days).

Allyson Kazmucha with iMore gives a solid rundown on your insurance options.

Get an Apple ID.

Before you start downloading all the latest apps onto your iPad Air, you must render all your personal data unto Caesar. If you’ve owned any other Apple device, you likely already have an Apple ID. If not, don’t fret; it’s easy to sign up for one; granting you access to all that Apple has to offer. Once you do, Wired has a list of the hottest apps going these days, some of which are free.