Do the iPad models support pen input? Do they support handwriting recognition?

The iPad was designed to support finger-based multitouch input, although any third-party styli created for use with the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad -- such as the Pogo Stylus -- also will work.

Photo Credit: Ten One Design LLC

Presumably, the iPad could be used with sausages as well should one be so inclined.

The iPad currently does not support English handwriting recognition natively. However, just like the iPhone supports handwriting recognition for Simplfied Chinese input, the iPad does as well for some languages that do not use Roman characters.

Also see: How does the iPad compare to the Axiotron ModBook? Which one is best for my needs?

Do the iPad models support Voice Control?

The iPad models do not support Voice Control -- which allows one to speak commands to make phone calls and play music on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (GSM) and iPhone 4 (CDMA). The iPad models also do not support the "Siri" assistant that the iPhone 4S does, either.

However, all iPad models support VoiceOver, which is a screen reader designed for the visually impared. Additionally, the iPad 3rd Gen models support "Dictation," which transcribes speech to text.

Do the iPad models support Skype? Can they be used to make VOIP calls?

All iPad models support Skype for VOIP calls. As the original iPad models do not have a webcam, however, they cannot be used for video conferencing via Skype. All subsequently released iPad models have an integrated webcam and support Skype for video communication as well.

Do the iPad models support Flash?

No. The iPad models do not support Flash, which means that websites dependent on Flash for navigation or content cannot be used with the device. Apple is opposed to Flash performance (as well as on ideological grounds), and instead prefers that video websites migrate content to HTML5.