Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
There may be free RSS apps for the iPad, however I doubt there are any that are quite like Pulse.
 
Get the free Google Mobile App....and use the Google Reader app that it comes with.

It's not like Pulse though....it's actually a functional RSS reader and not just fluff.

Just my opinion.

Personally....spend a few bucks and get Reeder, MobileRSS or NewsRack.

Steve
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.