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

The iPad 2 feels so noticeably thinner and lighter, you might easily mistake it for being disposable. Like a paper plate or a plastic cover, it triggers the habit to want to just toss it away once you're done with it. How many gadgets have I watched slim down to nothing? And yet it never gets old.

Released a year after its groundbreaking predecessor, the iPad 2 is a little lighter, a lot thinner and considerably faster than the original. It also now has cameras. However, the screen and operating system remain the same, so the overall user experience is not that much different – though if...

Still the easiest to use tablet; Super-light and super-thin

Poor quality cameras

The iPad 2 is suppose to be the benchmark for tablets. But is it? We take a look at the device that is already on backorder in Australia.

Fast dual-core CPU; Lighter and Slimmer than previous iPad; iOS best tablet operating system available

Somewhat low screen resolution; 3G model is expensive; Doesn't serve any specific function

If all goes according to Apple's plan the iPad 2 will hit the Australian market this Friday, March 25th. We queued up outside an Apple store in San Francisco at 3.30am so you won't have to.

The only way to get your hands on the hottest new tablet in town on day one was to line up at an Apple outlet and try to get one before they inevitably sold out their first shipment.

We were sceptical when Apple launched the original iPad, but it's proved a roaring success. Where previous attempts at tablet computing have repeatedly stalled (anyone remember the MID?), Apple got it just right, completely reinvigorating the tablet market in the process.

Our first impressions of the eagerly awaited iPad 2.

The release of the iPad has resulted in a slew of competitors coming to market, but the simple truth is that none of these models have the legacy experience, apps or clout required to truly take on Apple's latest offering – the iPad 2. Here's why.

Thinner and lighter; FaceTime cameras; improved processing performace

Not much

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