After having used the original iPad since the first day it was released, and waiting all day in line to get the iPad 2, I can say that the iPad 2 is definitely worth it. I have now used the iPad 2 for a full week, and feel that I can write an accurate summary of its effectiveness.
Cameras
It has two cameras, one in front, one in back. I could take or leave the cameras for how I use the iPad, but its nice they are there. The cameras are optimized for video and the rear camera takes pretty decent video. But still photos are pretty poor quality.
Size
The new thinner size, smoother tapered edges, and slightly lighter weight make this iPad a VERY comfortable tool to hold. It is really surprising how thin the new iPad is. It is thinner than the iPhone 4! Even with the new SmartCover on, it is significantly thinner than the original iPad. The new taper of the back make the iPad 2 more comfortable to hold in the hand, and less wobbly on a flat surface such as a table.
Performance
The faster processor, increased graphics, and increased RAM make the iPad 2 much snappier (and the original iPad was no speed slouch). Safari is huge magnitudes faster. Switching back and forth frequently between multiple apps is instant. It seemed that Mail was always a slow(er) app to switch into on the original iPad - there was always a slight delay after Mail presented itself to you before you could create a new message. There is absolutely no lag with the iPad 2 switching into the Mail app. you can switch between four or five apps and they feel like they are all still running, not in suspend mode.
I use my iPad quite heavily with remote control VNC apps, office productivity apps, etc. I have 41 GB of apps and data on my iPad. Even with large apps with lots of data, the speed of moving between apps and working with apps is instant in every operation I have tried.
Video Mirroring
The iPad 2 adds the ability to mirror its display to a TV or projector (using an adapter, sold separately). This is great for education and presenting content from the iPad, as well as for displaying iPad content on your home TV. Great feature.
SmartCover
It is strange to say this, but one of the neatest things about the iPad 2 is (of all things) the new SmartCover. That is not to take away from the new thinner design, or the increased performance, but the SmartCover is simply amazing. I have tried many cases and stands with the original iPad, and I frequently have bounced back and forth between a sleeve, a case where the cover was removable, and even a gelaskin on the back and a cover on the top. They all worked, but none of them felt right in the situations that I used them in.
At the end of using my original iPad, I was using the ZaggMate with keyboard case. I used the case as protection for commuting to work, then as a stand at my office. When I actually used the iPad itself, it was essentially "naked".
The SmartCover feels light and unobtrusive enough for me to keep on the iPad all of the time, and also offers versatility beyond protecting the screen, and offers adequate protection for the daily commutes. You can tell that the iPad 2 was engineered with this new cover from the very beginning.
The unique magnetic attachment system is very cool. Auto on/off by opening/closing the cover is great - its surprising how little things like not having to push the power button on and off make the iPad experience so much more enjoyable. The cover rolls into a triangle to operate as a horizontal typing stand or an upright video watching stand. Very nice.
It's not perfect however. When you swing the cover behind the iPad, it doesn't stick to the back of the iPad with the magnets - you have to hold it in place with your hand. I don't understand why they didn't have another row of magnets in the cover to hold it to the back of the iPad (perhaps this would have interfered with folding it into a triangle). And it of course does not provide as much protection as beefier cases. I'm not sure it would provide enough protection to iPads distributed to K12 students.
Summary
The new iPad is even better than the original iPad, and I am very happy I upgraded. Faster, thinner, more comfortable, and a lightweight, versatile cover.
MN K12 Tech Coordinator Tips & Tricks
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