Can you lock a user into a specific app on the iPad?

You have to tell us more about what your purpose is... that is, why do you want people locked out of other apps, and in what situations, etc.

In the meantime, here's a recent thread on Kiosk mode apps.

 

Not without jailbreaking or some sort of enterprise iPhone/iPad management system (which requires a server).

 

If you fabricate a case for it that will prevent someone from pressing either of the two buttons, they won't be able to leave the present app.

 

I think that would exceptionally more difficult (and costly) than a software solution.

Plus, when you/operator/administrator/etc needs to access the ipad, you would have to remove the case for the ipad(s) in order to do so.

 

I don't think so... a little creative work and you could fabricate something simple with an opening on the bottom to keep the iPad charged up.

I am thinking more for a expo demonstration rather than just to hand to your friends.

Software update would most likely need to be done on a jailbroken iPad.