Getting Movies onto an iPad?

[Hrothgar]

Sorry if this is a basic question. I have an iPad I, without 3G. What are my options for getting movies onto the iPad?

I know I can download movies from iTunes. (Kind of expensive, I think.)
I can stream Netflix over wireless.

If I have a DVD, can I download it to my MBP and then transfer it to the iPad?
Are there sites where I can (legally) download a movie using wireless into the iPad to watch when I don't have a wireless connection?

 

[Tonewheel]

One option is to rip your DVD using the free application, Handbrake. Just use one of the built-in presets for iPad. When finished, drag the file to the open iTunes window and then sync it to your iPad.

 

[Hrothgar]

Thanks.

Anything else? Are all the people I see watching movies on the iPad downloading from iTunes or copying?

 

[poloponies]

Thanks.

Anything else? Are all the people I see watching movies on the iPad downloading from iTunes or copying?

That's pretty much it. Assuming they aren't streaming from a home server, Netflix or one of the cable networks, then it's either rent/buy from Apple or copy from your own DVDs.

 

[Cripps]

Thanks.

Anything else? Are all the people I see watching movies on the iPad downloading from iTunes or copying?

I use the Handbrake method detailed by Tonewheel above.
Simple, works well.

 

[TjeuV]

You can install the VLC iPad app. While the iPad is connected, click on the app tab and scroll down. There you'll see a list with apps where you can add files to. Click the VLC app and drag 'n drop your movie files.

Cancels all the waiting times out for changing formats through handbrake.