At first glance, the Apple iPad Air 2 is closer to a refresh than a dramatic upgrade compared to its predecessor. From the outside, the tablet computer features the same slim design and aluminum backing used on the first iPad Air.

The Apple iPad Air 2's upgraded A8X chip provides high-end tablet performance

The Air 2 still relies on the same Retina display used in past iPads

In many respects a triumph, the iPad Air also introduces compromises to hit the low-weight/thin-case targets. Sound quality through the new stereo speaker has deteriorated, and although a matter of taste we found the iPad mini-style case loses the premium feel of preceding generations of iPad.

The iPad Air is still one of our favourite tablets. It takes everything that the old iPad 4 did and does it better, in a smaller case. However, it's the smaller size that really starts to confuse matters.

I cannot recommend this highly enough. By far the best investment I have ever made. I would never buy a laptop again. So easy to use, easy to carry around and no more dead legs sat using the laptop. If you are considering it, go for it!

Just as described well pleased easy set up and lightweight; None

We've got to hand it to Apple. The Air is the best iPad yet: not only is it super speedy, it looks gorgeous and it's extremely light to hold. Apple's championing the Air with the tagline 'the power of lightness', and we have to agree.

The first thing you'll notice about Apple's latest tablet is that it's extremely thin; It measures a svelte 7.5mm fat and weighs just a single pound (469g); It's not as thin as the Sony Xperia Tablet Z, but it's lighter, and you won't even notice the millimetre difference.

Apple's put a lot of effort into iOS 7 for its latest range of iPhones, but it seems like an afterthought on the iPad; If you're used to using iOS, you'll be right at home, but there are a few niggles on the larger-screen version that make it feel unfinished.

Pitching the iPad Air against its competitors is quite easy – it was the best looking, premium, and app-happy tablet on the market last year. The cosmetic design changes are an unequivocal improvement, and the weight reduction proved a genuine benefit for everyday use.

Size and weight reduction; Faster 64-bit processor; Better battery life

No slo-mo video recording; No 8MP rear camera upgrade; Price

The iPad was always a slim tablet, but it started gaining a bit of weight in 2012. The addition of the Retina Display meant that Apple could not reduce or maintain the same weight as the iPad 2.

A selection of small but meaningful changes means the best tablet in the world just got even better

Stunningly slim and beautifully made; Screen is better than ever; Vastly more powerful

Very small hit to battery life

Better than I expected, easy-to-use, I use this now more than I do my desktop computer. I take this with me when I go on vacation, it takes great pictures, plenty of storage.

I am new at all this smart gadget convenience. I have found that the iPad Air is quite easy to use, but after 2 months am still learning the "smart" features on it. I do like the speed of use.I was recently in Australia and found out that unless you are around wifi, using the iPad was not feasible.

Adequate Storage; Compact Design; Fast; Long Battery Life

Limited Compatibility; No Usb Port Cable Adapter; No Usb To Ipad Connection