I think the answer to all of your questions is yes. I use it on a iPad 2 with GPS (though with a data contract (though that shouldnt stop you using the GPS if you dont have it)), and its great.
BUT, if you are still learning, I would fight this temptation and forget about it for a while. I know it's good to be safe, and to use it to be 100% sure where you are, if your otherwise not sure, but your flights shouldnt be too challenging, and you are better off learning about other modes of finding out where you are (dead-reckoning, NDB's, VOR cross-cut's, calling D&D - whatever). Firing up an iPad will give you too much reliance on technology at this stage.
Pass the PPL, then get SD or whatever, throw away the whizz wheel, and then have fun using it.