1. Wait until after tomorrow to get one. New iPads will be announced tomorrow.
2. I am planning to buy an iPad, but am getting a wifi only model. I am going to use my phone as a hotspot (included in your cell plan if you have a shared data plan). It save $130 on the iPad, and $10/month to add...
The musty smell is pretty easy to avoid...don't close the door when you're done with laundry. The gasket area can dry, and it won't mold. Or if they are somewhere you don't want to leave the door open, get a rag and dry the water at the bottom of the seal.
The unbalanced thing I had a problem...
Biggest advice that I don't already see here: go early in the day for the Arizona. If the winds get too high, they shut down the ferries out to the memorial. My parents went this December, and barely made it before they stopped.