New iPad Mini User: Is the Apple App Store safe?

I think you're scaring yourself. If your apps don't talk to the internet you can't download the PDFs you want to read. Siri uses the internet. When you play a game and it says your're the top player thay's internet too. Some internet useage is necessary.

Bob is correct. You are over-thinking this and being overly cautious. You need some form of "internet" to be enabled for the device to operate as intended. If you want to download apps, you do it from the App Store and nowhere else. As mentioned, some apps require you to be connected to the internet for the app to function properly. You have the option to turn off all wireless aspects of the device such as Wi-Fi and cellular data (if your device has that ability). The iPad will still work but some apps that require a connection will definitely let you know that you're disconnected and will tell you to connect for the app to function as intended. You can ignore the message but the app will not function as it should.

If you feel safer being disconnected, then by all means run the iPad in a disconnected state. Some stuff will not work but for the most part, many apps WILL function...those that will not, you can ignore or delete.

it is kind of safe

the apps wont share your information but it will ask you to access your location

You're welcome. It's a very good plan. I've been using DropBox almost as long as I've been using my iPad.

DropBox sends it to it's servers where it stores it for you. For me that would be photos, for you PDFs. If anybody susspected anything funny going on you can be sure there would be a howl of protest. If necessary to put your mind at rest why not send Drop Box a note explaining your concerns and if they could explain their process. I never looked but this info may already be available online.

You're welcome.