Our first impressions of the eagerly awaited iPad 2.

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

: 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

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.

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

The first generation iPad started a technological revolution. Apples iPad 2 takes all that was good in the first iPad and makes it better, leaving behind the flaws and installing new hardware and software, to give the second generation iPad user a better experience.

High quality case; Good performance; Quiet and low heat emissions; Good battery life; Extensive package (Appstore; Bookstore; iTunes...; the improvement of the iPad

Still no cursor keys on the virtual keyboard; Limited connectivity; Camera module has bad quality; The Apple System (both soft- and hardware) are completely closed off

Is it possible to say something about the iPad 2 that hasn't been said before? Well, we could say it takes a while to get used to (it doesn't), the interface is a little sluggish (it isn't) or that content is a little thin on the ground (there's tonnes of it). So... that's a no then.

Unrivalled usability; tons of apps and content; AirPlay; svelte design

Closed shop for content; no Flash; more features elsewhere

If you're reading this, you're probably not one of the diehard Apple cultists who queued overnight to score the iPad 2 on launch day. Even more than its market-defining predecessor, the next-gen tablet from Cupertino was the subject of media hype, fan hysteria and in Asia, price hikes on the grey...

Incredibly sleek look and feel; video calling; tons of apps optimised for iPad; particularly magazines and new media

Lack of Flash video is galling for a media-centric device; bloated iTunes software; difficult to transfer media without iTunes

If you already own the original iPad there's little reason to splurge on the latest. While the cameras bring new functionality, the results as far as the rear camera is concerned, are basic.

More horsepower under the hood; slightly lighter; looks and feels great; battery life is still brilliant

Rear-facing camera offers basic results

The Apple iPad 2 is finally here. It's a device that has been a year in the making. We've pretty much been picturing what the iPad 2 would and would not include ever since Steve Jobs donned his famous turtleneck to announce the prequel back on 27 January 2010 and we bet plenty of you have too.

An awesome tablet which improves on an already successful platform

No display resolution bump; trouble with backlight bleeding