Saving PDFs on iPad

You cannot and no Apple devices has ever been able to save from email onto the device for reasons of security. Its not an omission but a deliberate choice.

I am sure Apple will value your opinion if you let them have it http://www.apple.com/feedback/

There is a $4.00 app to do that. PDFReader HD

With all due respect, that's a lie.
Firstly, you CAN download email attachments and view them offline - in fact it's done automatically when you open the email, at least on the iPhone.
Secondly, if there was a security concern, they would have disable the rendering of PDFs entirely, because that is how PDF exploits are delivered. Whether it's viewed online, as a cached attachment or saved in a separate local folder, if there's a vulnerability in the PDF reader, the exploit code will work. And, as long the application is properly sandboxed (which all apps are), it won't be able to compromise the device in any way.

It's a feature omission, plain and simple, most likely because Apple didn't have time (or couldn't think of a good way) to design a document manager.

I just forwarded an email with a PDF attachment between email accounts from another computer and I was able to open and save the PDF attachment. I just went back and opened and closed it without any issue.

I can open a view PDFs, but can't figure out how to save them TO the iPad. How did you do it?

The best solution I've seen for this is GoodReader. I just bought it yesterday at a $0.99 introductory price, and it's by far the best PDF reader I've used (with the ability to import from email, web, and your computer). There's also some free ones floating around out there if you don't want to spend anything, but they're not gonna be as good or feature-ful.

Standard disclaimer: I have no connection to the makers of that app and gain nothing by advertising them.

I agree with the original poster: There should be a standard print utility, including a Print-to-PDF option, that is standard on the iPad. Obviously, actual hardcopy printing would be via wireless connection, but it should not be something we pay extra for. This is a totally new device that is supposed to be more laptop than smartphone.

And, as part of my move to a paperless system, the Print-to-PDF function is as essential to me as a working WiFi connection (something else the iPad seems to fail at).

GoodReader for the iPad. Excellent.

I agree, GoodReader for iPad at 99 cents is excellent.

+1 It takes a little while to find all of the features, but GoodReader allows you to navigate your email and online disks.. and download pdfs (among other things) into the app.. you can then create folders to organize your stuff.

FileApp works well. and the regular version is free!

I wholeheartedly vote for GoodReader as well! It's the PDF app the iPad deserves.

Tried goodreader tonight. The access to your iDisk is very good. Worth the price bt itself

Also downloaded GoodReader and for 99 cents it is worth every penny. Solved several problems (including PDF) so thanks for everyone who posted about it. =D