When I plug my iPad into my laptop it won't charge

What OS is on the computer, what version iOS is on ipad and what version itunes on computer?

USB ports on lapotops or computers usually do not provide enough power to charge the iPad. unlike an iPhone or iPod which require little power to charge, the iPad requires close to 4 times that ammount of power.

Normal USB ports simply cannot provide that kind of power.

Still in many cases while the top right corner sais Not Charging it may still be charging only very very slowly, and only if its off and not being used.

Basically the best and really only way to charge an iPad is using the inlcuded wall charger.

As for the syncing, make sure your iTunes is up to date. Newer iPads will require a more recent version of iTunes to sync.

The quickest way (and really the only way) to charge your iPad is with the included 10W or 12W (5W on Mini) USB Power Adapter. iPad will also charge, although more slowly, when attached to a computer with a high-power USB port (many recent Mac computers) or with an iPhone Power Adapter (5W). When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (2.5W, most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge very slowly (but iPad indicates not charging). Make sure your computer is on while charging iPad via USB. If iPad is connected to a computer that’s turned off or is in sleep or standby mode, the iPad battery will continue to drain.

Apple recommends that once a month you let the iPad fully discharge & then recharge to 100%.

How to Calibrate Your Mac, iPhone, or iPad Battery

http://www.macblend.com/how-to-calibrate-your-mac-iphone-or-ipad-battery/

At this link http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/galaxy-tab-android-tablet,3014-11.html , tests show that the iPad 2 battery (25 watt-hours) will charge to 90% in 3 hours 1 minute. It will charge to 100% in 4 hours 2 minutes. The new iPad has a larger capacity battery (42 watt-hours), so using the 10W charger will obviously take longer. If you are using your iPad while charging, it will take even longer. It's best to turn your new iPad OFF and charge over night. Also look at The iPad's charging challenge explained http://www.macworld.com/article/1150356/ipadcharging.html

Also, if you have a 3rd generation iPad, look at

Apple: iPad Battery Nothing to Get Charged Up About

http://allthingsd.com/20120327/apple-ipad-battery-nothing-to-get-charged-up-abou t/

Apple Explains New iPad's Continued Charging Beyond 100% Battery Level

http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/27/apple-explains-new-ipads-continued-charging- beyond-100-battery-level/

New iPad Takes Much Longer to Charge Than iPad 2

http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/03/new-ipad-takes-much-longer-to-charge-than-ipa d-2.html

Apple Batteries - iPad http://www.apple.com/batteries/ipad.html

Extend iPad Battery Life (Look at pjl123 comment)

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3921324?tstart=30

New iPad Slow to Recharge, Barely Charges During Use

http://www.pcworld.com/article/252326/new_ipad_slow_to_recharge_barely_charges_d uring_use.html

Best Practices for iPad Battery Charging

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/best-practices-for-ipad-batte ry-charging/

Tips About Charging for New iPad 3

http://goodscool-electronics.blogspot.com/2012/04/tips-about-charging-for-new-ip ad-3.html

How to Save and Prolong the battery life of your new ipad

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4480944?tstart=0

Prolong battery lifespan for iPad / iPad 2 / iPad 3: charging tips

http://thehowto.wikidot.com/prolong-battery-lifespan-for-ipad

iPhone, iPod, Using the iPad Charger

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4327

Install and use Battery Doctor HD

http://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/battery-doctor-hd/id459702901?mt=8

To Extend a Device’s Battery Life, Get to Know It Better

http://tinyurl.com/b67c7xz

iPad Battery Replacement

http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html

In rare instances when using the Camera Connection Kit, you may notice that iPad does not charge after using the Camera Connection Kit. Disconnecting and reconnecting the iPad from the charger will resolve this issue.

Is the iPad not being recognized by iTunes on your computer?

iPad not appearing in iTunes

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/assistant/itunes/

iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Mac OS X

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1591

iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538

How to restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) on Windows

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1567

IOS: Syncing with iTunes

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386

Apple - Support - iPad - Syncing

http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/syncing/

 Cheers, Tom 😉