Q: How do I permantly remove apps from ipad?

That "X" thing may apear to be simple, but its not simple at all.

1) if you see something odd, like an "X", you better not try it, as you cant be sure what it will do.  In this case it will delete your app, which you dont want unless you really want to delete it.

2) As you had better not try something if you dont know what its for, how do you find out how to delete? there is only one way, Google it, as the 'Pad does not come with a quck start guide that I can find.

Its simple if you know what the X is for, but finding out is another matter.  It takes Safari or Chrome on a real computer as one cannot type well on a touch screen - source: NY Times tech adrticle. I cant type well. Imagine trying to do that in the year 1921 to understand how "simple" that is.

Watch how to delete an App:

http://youtu.be/RoT_bG2KDpk

short video (1m50s)

- On iOS (iPad, iPhone...), deleting the 'icon' is really erasing the app and its contents. So, it is permanent.

- The App Store never 'forgets' what you purchased or downloaded from free. If by any reason you are embarrassed or really upset about some app and you really don't want to see it in the 'Purchased' section, you can 'hide' it using iTunes: iTunes Store: Hiding and unhiding purchases

Thank you for your help! I have not been able to figure out why my apps don't have x's when they wiggle! Thought my iPad was broken! Problem fixed! Thanks much!!

It is very easy to remove app on iPad. Press the app icon which you tend to delete. When it jiggles, you can see the interface below and tap the "ˣ" signal on the top left of the icon. Then, you are asked to confirm to delete with clicking "Delete". If you want to learn more skills, here is a guide to help you delete apps on iPad.

Thank you!  I've been looking for days and your the only one that solved the problem.