can i restore to my new ipad, when I did not back up my old ipad (no longer available)

Check if you had iCloud-backup activated. If so it might have done an automatic backup, from that you can restore. Otherwise there is no way.

Preferences -> Apple-ID -> iCloud backup

mxhall wrote:

I don't think I had icloud activated, but I will on my new ipad. Thanks

It's typically connected to iCloud (which is associated with your Apple ID) once you log in to your Apple ID. All transfers are done in the background and usually not terribly noticeable.

You can check on iCloud.com to see if anything was saved. I'm looking at mine (standard 5 GB) and I see a sampling of the photos that I had on my various iPads and iPhones, a few notes, and some saved files from my iPad file folder. It's not everything though, but it is something if somehow all my other backups fail.

mxhall wrote:

my iPad died before I consciously backed it up. I expect my new ipad in a day or two; can I restore any backup to my new iPad?

No since you didn't back it up.

There might be some random stuff saved to iCloud such as photos or notes. But if you didn't pay extra it might not be everything. When setting up you might be able to specify restoring that environment. I think iCloud might also keep track of the apps and directory structure.

But ideally the best way to restore would be via a Mac or PC backup.