Hi John. You might want to consider a "netbook" - a mini-computer without an internal disc drive, but USB ports so you could connect an external disc drive or zip drive and download your pictures.

Here is a link to the one I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Seashell-1005PE-MU27-BU-10-1-Inch-Netbook-Kindle/dp/tech-data/B003JZC5K6/ref=de_a_smtd

I have an ipad as well (which I love), but I would not recommend you getting one now. Apple is about to release a new ipad model shortly, and if you are considering getting one, I would wait for the new model.