How do I update my iPad to iOS 5 without losing data without the original computer? Im looking to upgrade my iPad to iOS 5.0 but deleting the media is not an option. I do not have access to the original computer that I used to place all the photos onto the iPad.  Any suggestions on how to update the iPad and still retain the photos/ make it easy to reapply them to the updated iPad?
The Macroplant family of programs for Windows and Mac, including the free iExplorer, permit you to mount an iPad in Windows Explorer or the Mac Finder and copy files out from the iPad's directory structure to your local hard drive.

I use the free iExplorer a lot. I don't have any experience with Macroplant's other paid apps with additional capabilities.

This could provide you with an inelegant but effective solution that would enable you to retrieve most of your media.