If you don't have a ton of files (less than 2GB), I recommend getting a DropBox account and syncing the files there to begin with. There is a DropBox app for the iPad that will allow you to download them when needed, and many of the apps you'll want on your iPad later (that will let you edit the files) can access DropBox directly.
Trust me, DropBox will come in handy later anyway. The basic account is free.