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

The magic is back for a second act, baby, and it doesn't play for the Lakers (that's the other Magic). The magic we're talking about plays for team Apple , and while the competition tries to come up with a so-called "iPad killer," Apple may have beat them to the punch. How's that for irony?

Dual-core processor results in snappier performance; Twice as much RAM as the iPad 1; More comfortable to hold; Color options (black and white; Price

Built-in cameras sub-par; Still no USB port; microSD card slot; or Flash support; Needs to be even lighter for one-handed use

: 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

This product beats all of any other tablet on the market right now. It's the easiest to use and thanks to Apple they've made it thinner, lighter, and more faster. All these are true. These true facts make it the best. Always. Some people have problems with the backlighting.

Adequate Storage; Compact Design; Easy To Use; Fast; Faster than other tablets; Good Compatibility; Great Software Bundle; Long Battery Life; More features; Slimmer than most tablets; Way more easier to use

Could have better cameras; Could have retina display

The iPad defined a new category of personal computing and inspired many a me-too offering. The iPad 2 isn't the next step in the evolution of the media tablet - Apple still has flaws to fix - but there's no question it's better than its predecessor - and a lot of its rivals.

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

So what do we take away from this review? The iPad has a lot of positive features (screen brightness, viewing angles, audio quality, fast processor) but it also has a lot of flaws (low quality cameras, battery, software, button angles, slippery back, fingerprints, glare, and iTunes).

Reading this iPad 2 review, you may have thought to yourself that I'm merely picking up on all the positives, neglecting any real issues with the device. You would be half right. Yes I've been waxing lyrical about the iPad 2, but bar a few irrelevancies with the camera and inevitabilities such as...

If you are someone who doesn't own a desktop or laptop computer, the iPad 2 is the perfect method for keeping up with the necessities of modern life, such as email and web browsing, not to mention the versatile App Store.

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