I have one very large graphics file which I honestly didn't think the iPad would be able to handle. It is a detailed and high-resolution map of an area covering approx 4 km x 6 km. The original software makes it possible to magnify it in such detail that you can take measurements that are accurate to 1 inch (2.5 cm). Not surprisingly, the original software won't run on the iPad, and frankly I don't need it to, but I tried to think of a way to make the map viewable in some form.
I decided to try converting it into a PDF file. In order to retain as much detail as possible, I selected "print to PDF" on my computer, with the paper size set at A0 (that's approx 3 feet by 4 feet) and with the settings at maximum resolution (I can't recall exactly what they were, but something like 2400 dpi). I didn't think the computer would be able to handle it, and it took quite a long time, but eventually it worked. I checked the PDF on the computer; it was slow to load it and didn't like it much when I zoomed right in to check the detail, but it was all there.
I dragged a copy of it to Dropbox, then when it had finished transferring it I opened it in Goodreader. I expected it to crash or malfunction in some way, but not a bit of it. It works perfectly, and I can zoom in on any part of the map to a scale that is practically indistinguishable from the original on my computer, and at a similar speed (iPad 2 would probably be even faster).
Needless to say, I am mightily impressed!
