Which iPad model should I buy?

I am planning buy an Apple iPad. I will not be downloading films or games and very little music. I plan to use it mainly for web browsing, emails, storing pictures and some documents. It appears the 16Gb version would be more than adequate for my needs, on the assumption that all 16 gigabytes are accessible and not taken up by gubbins used by the device; perhaps you can clarify this? Although I am prepared to pay extra for a 32Gb model, do you think it worthwhile and would the additional expenditure be better spent on accessories?

Colin Marshall, by email

It’s an age-old question and the simple answer with iPads, and life in general, is that you can never have enough storage space. Virtually all of the 16Gb on-board memory will be available to you when new, but even with the sort of modest usage you that you envisage it will quickly fill up as you add to your photo library, discover new applications and succumb to its many multimedia facilities (and you will…). On a lot of digital devices that rely on solid-state storage it’s not a huge problem as the internal memory can usually be expanded with plug-in cards but this is not possible on the iPad, and most other tablet PCs for that matter . Once it’s full or close to capacity you will have to resort to drastic and inconvenient measures, such as removing apps and data, using (expensive) external memory devices or Cloud storage. The cost difference of around £80.00 between the 16Gb and 32gb models is fairly significant and not reflective of memory prices in general, but if you want to avoid problems in the coming months and years it could be money well spent. Fortunately things like a decent carry case and Camera Connector kit are not too expensive and sell for between £10.00 and £20.00, so there’s no need to compromise on the must-have accessories.