For sure: And any application like iFunbox, diskAid etc. needs iTunes for those drivers. So in fact, there is no way to transfer files without our "beloved" iTunes, am I right?
Exactly! Although you don't have to use it or have it open to run those programs - AFAIK it must be installed on the computer you are using. As you said - it's iTunes that actually recognizes the iPad (and provides the drivers to the computer). Those 3d-party programs just hook into that.
Marilyn