In some ways, this new edition of the iPad is a subtle refinement, in other ways a drastic expansion of its functionality and its very intent, allowing us to create and communicate with technology which simply was not available in the initial effort.

Sleeker than ever; Enhanced feature set including two (!) new cameras; Blazing-fast processor

Still no Flash video support; Charging still slow; still can't be performed via connection to computer

People need to be aware that the reviews you see for the iPad often reflect the old Mac/PC platform wars with some people making comments who simply don't like iPads from a distance, without actually owning one, because they see it as part of the deplorable Apple mania they find so distasteful.

: Speedier and more streamlined than its predecessor, the iPad 2 is a wonderfully sleek next-gen device – which makes the lack of Flash video, and that clunky iTunes software even more noticeable.

: Very sleek and stylish; lots of iPad apps; especially new media and magazines; video calling facilities

: The omission of Flash video is a big issue; iTunes is dated and it's hard to transfer data without iTunes

Seamless hardware and interface design, plus an unparalleled ecosystem of apps, keep the iPad 2 a step ahead of the emerging tablet pack. You'll want to be aware of some important factors, though, before picking a data carrier.

Fast performance; Super-thin design; Support for FaceTime; Superb media-sharing; browsing improvements in new iOS; Choice in data carriers

Poor camera quality; Still lacking Flash support; USB port; HDMI; SD-card adapters cost extra; Won't run on 4G network

Our first impressions of the eagerly awaited iPad 2.

Apple calls it the "amazing" tablet that's hard to put down. The iPad 2 has finally come to Canada with new features and a new design. I was lucky enough to get my hands on the new tablet a few days before launch courtesy of Apple.

Beautiful design; Same easy to use interface; Faster Processor; Faster Graphics; Two cameras; 10 hour battery life

Camera quality is poor

Despite some operating system niggles, the otherwise slick iOS combined with elegantly designed hardware leads to some real, tangible benefits for the end user - such as excellent battery life. All this makes the iPad 2 the standard by which all other tablets will be judged.

There's so much to say about Apple's new tablet, the iPad 2, yet it really boils down to a few short and sweet sentences. It's the latest tablet on the market, having beaten the upcoming BlackBerry PlayBook to market by a good month , and its return to store shelves (or lack thereof) comes just a...

Another top tablet from Apple, but this one feels so much lighter and smaller without losing the screen size

Slim; Fast; Multitude of apps

Not different enough to warrant an upgrade; Screen scratches easily

The Good Much faster in some areas. Thinner and lighter. Huge, intuitive app library. Smart Covers are slick. iMovie and GarageBand are killer apps. Dual cameras add functionality. Still excellent battery life. Tough-to-beat price. The Bad Not night-and-day better for some iPad owners.

Much faster in some areas; Thinner and lighter; Huge; intuitive app library; Smart Covers are slick; iMovie and GarageBand are killer apps; Dual cameras add functionality; Still excellent battery life; Tough-to-beat price

Not night-and-day better for some iPad owners; Cameras are sub-par by Apple standards; Android sometimes more powerful and open; Smart Cover doesn't guard the back; Still the same 1024x768 display