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Not required any more. I haven't plugged my iPad into a computer in months. Everything has been over the air, including OS updates.

Upgrades can all happen over the air now, and you don't need a PC to sync with for start up either. I haven't plugged my iPad 2 into my mac since iOS 5 came out, you should be fine.

You don't need computer anymore, not even for activation. Firmware upgrade is working too.

Backup to iCloud (5GB included for free).

I got one and never connected it to a computer. It is just not necessary anymore.

It still needs to be activated on a computer, but I believe the Apple Store will do that for you.

Otherwise, it's very usable without a computer, now with over the air updates.

edit: oops, I guess I'm wrong.

I'm under the impression that iOS5 introduced no-sync-required activation.

As of iOS 5 you can activate it over the air (WiFi or 3G) and optionally use iCloud for syncing your stuff instead of iTunes.

It actually doesn't need to be activated on a computer anymore. iOS 5+ allows the user to activate and start using their device without ever connecting it to a computer, and updates are also over the air.