The iPad is an excellent example of great engineering and industrial design, so it's no surprise that people want to protect their multimedia tablet from scratches, dents and broken displays.

Works as a case and stand; fits the iPad well; comfortable to hold; durable

Difficult to keep clean; unstable when using as a digital photo frame

The 2012 refresh of the Apple iPad wows, but not for the reasons so often associated with Apple products.

4G LTE option via Verizon; Vivid,

iOS 5.1 still lacks large-screen optimizations,

Apple's latest iPad is blisteringly quick and offers even better battery life than before. With a beautiful display and a massive app selection, it's the one to get.

Same great design; Amazing display; Lightning-fast performance; Stellar battery life

Lightning connector may mean buying new adapters

Using Apple's sleek and powerful tablet without an Internet connection on the go makes it almost feel like a doorstop. Sure, you can watch downloaded iTunes movies and TV shows, read iBooks, and play games. But you can't surf the web or check e-mail.

Sleek design ; Intuitive and fun multitouch interface ; Good download speeds ; Affordable data plan ; Long battery life

Slow upload speeds ; Some video apps degrade quality over 3G ; Costs 130 more than Wi-Fi only model ; VoIP apps dont work over 3G

This weekend many witnessed the release of Apple's iPad; an event that could be equated to the premiere of a summer blockbuster movie. James Cameron's Avatar and Apple's iPad have more in common than most can imagine.

+Brilliant display; +Long battery life; +Great media player; +Well built; looks great; +Can be used as picture frame when docked; +Built in Wireless N Capability; +Huge selection of Apps (counting iPhone/iPod Touch ones

Non-Removable battery; Mono Speaker; Fingerprint magnet; No built in mic or camera; Closed ecosystem

We review the Apple iPad. Can it change the way we think about tablet computers? By now, you've likely read a bunch of iPad reviews. There's no point in reading another review outlining every dimension, spec and feature.

No manual necessary; Access to nearly all iPhone apps; 10-hour-plus battery life; Bright 9.7-inch IPS LCD screen; Three external buttons; Multi-directional accelerometer

Highly reflective screen; Slippery; No multi-tasking (yet; "Only" a few thousand iPad-specific apps (so far

After it was announced back in January, the unfortunately named Apple iPad ($699 direct, 64GB Wi-Fi) seemed like it could be the company's first major clunker in a long time: An expensive niche product that would inhabit a nebulous region between laptops and smartphones, but wouldn't quite eliminate

Lacks Flash support; No camera or video recorder; No multitasking capability; Cover Flow is missing from the iPod app; Doesn't ship with a case.

The Apple iPad isn't an eBook reader, which makes it very hard to compare it to other eBook readers. It doesn't use e-ink technology, it's heavy, you can't read out of it in bright places, and the display will strain your eyes eventually.

Amazing design; Most intuitive interface yet; Full-color screen; Wi-Fi and 3G wireless; Will do just about anything

LCD display is hard to read from in bright places and will eventually strain your eyes; Battery lasts only ten hours; Heavy; Costs almost twice as much as the Kindle 2 or Nook; Additional 3G wireless fees apply (around $130

The Good Quality construction Attractive housing Vibrant, bright display 802.11n Wi-Fi 3G-enabled (certain models) 10 hours of battery life Fast processor App Store compatibility Usable virtual keyboard The Bad Lacks support for Flash content No multitasking with current firmware Screen difficult to

Quality construction; Attractive housing; Vibrant; bright display; 802.11n Wi-Fi; 3G-enabled (certain models; 10 hours of battery life; Fast processor; App Store compatibility; Usable virtual keyboard

Lacks support for Flash content; No multitasking with current firmware; Screen difficult to view in direct sunlight; No camera; Heavy to hold for extended periods; Lacks HDMI output; native HD resolution

That said, the iPad sets the standard for an entertainment tablet and it's incredibly fun and easy to use. It's hard to imagine even die-hard geeks not enjoying it when they take a break from grumbled about its limitations and restrictions.

Con: No Flash support; no iSight built-in

Price: Starting at $499 for 16GB Wi-Fi model; up to $829 for 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G