Is iPad a multi-tasking device?
iOS devices could always play play audio in the background. From iOS 4, 3rd party apps may also run in the background, but the multitasking ability is restricted. Applications which aren't running are frozen to save CPU and battery life. However there are 7 background API's which may execute in the background :
- Background audio
- Voice over IP
- Background location
- Push notifications
- Local notifications
- Task finishing
- Fast app switching
See here for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOS_(Apple)#Multitasking
Of course you can. Audio is normally played through the Music(iPod) app which can run in the background whilst you browse safari. Give it a try.