How do I override itunes apps with iPad apps?

Have you transferred purchases from the iPad to iTunes?

Connect the iPad to the Mac, launch iTunes, right click on the iPad name on the left sidebar under devices and select Transfer Purchases. That will put all of your iPad apps into iTunes. This may make a difference in the message that you are getting about having to purchase the apps.

Once you have transferred the purchases, you should be able to select the configuration that you want on the iPad and when you sync, iTunes should remember that configuration of apps the next time.

One other thing that you may want to do - totally up to you - turn off auto sync. Launch iTunes on the Mac and from the menu at the top go to iTunes>Preferences>Devices. Check the box at the bottom - prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from syncing automatically. Then quit iTunes.

I have always operated this way. If you do this - you can go into all of the tabs within iTunes, make your selections, check it all over and then sync when you are satisfied that everything is in order.

Now that the apps have been transferred, you may still have to manually select each app to sync. When you are in the apps tab of iTunes, select each app - put a check mark in the boxes next to the apps in the list - then you will have to click on apply in the lower right corner of iTunes.

It really is a very good idea to sync with iTunes on a regular basis. Especially since you are still using iOS 4.3.1. IMO - it is a good idea even if you sync with iCloud - which I realize that you are not doing.

@Demo... FYI... https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3489044?answerId=16726603022#16726603022&tstart=0#16726603

I wish I could guarantee that it will all work out the way that you want it work out, but I have seen some weird things occur from time to time.

For instance, I have seen a number of users talk about folder explosion when syncing with iTunes or when updating their iDevices. That is not supposed to happen - you screens and folders should be maintained - but it doesn't always happen that way. I have never experienced the folder destruction or screen destruction myself, but it can occur.

Im sure that you are familiar with the backup process so I would suggest a manual backup of the iPad before you complete that sync. When you backup your iDevice, all of your app data is in that backup - as well as your contacts, calendar items, bookmarks, notes, emails, text messages, app settings, device settings and so on.

The best way to ensure that the process will go as you desire is to transfer purchases, backup and then sync. I have always synced my iPad and iPod Touch on a regular basis and I have never had a problem with a sync "gone bad".