What about my Grandma? I wanted to give her an iPad, but the only computer she has is the one she shares with her entire nursing home, and there isn't an Apple

What about my Grandma? I wanted to give her an iPad, but the only computer she has is the one she shares with her entire nursing home, and there isn't an Apple store within a thirty minute drive of her house. I get that syncing is faster when connected, but that shouldn't be a requirement for use. Why can't I just turn it on, sign in and be done with it?