If hypothetically you didn't have a desktop computer or computer to pair with your iPad, I would build a small headless XP client. 512mb to 1gb of DDR2, an Atom processor (dual core if you can manage it) and a minimum 500gb HDD. If you look on sites like Newegg.com you could probably cobble together one of these PC's for a few dollars. Then talk to your work's IT guy, ask if they have any spare copies of XP enterprise or the like. Pop that on there, install iTunes and a VNC application, set up your iPad to it (maybe set your sync settings) then remove the monitor for good. Now when you need to remote in on your work applications you can use your iPad as a virtual screen to that desktop that has IE8. And, with that harddrive you can backup all of your applications, movies and music without a problem. Heck with itunes you could use the homeshare feature and just put all of it on there.
Hmm I think I'm going to do that.😀