1st Generation Apple iPad 64GB WiFi + 3G

I tried the original iPad and was not overly impressed. I tried the MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet (Wi-Fi) and was happy enough until I tried this iPad 2. I love this updated version! The only issue I had was trying to decide which version to get since there are many options.

Storage capacity can be 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB. I would recommend at least the 32 GB since you cannot expand the storage and although apps do not take up much space, I was amazed at the amount of stuff I loaded onto my iPad (photos, movies, music, documents, etc.). Trying to save some money, I wondered if I should get wi-fi only or the wi-fi/3G combination. Every iPad has wireless technology built in and automatically finds wi-fi networks easily but if you want to use it while traveling, the great outdoors or rural areas, wi-fi is not always an option. If you have an iPhone 4, you can use it as a personal wi-fi hotspot for your iPad but your iPhone carrier might charge extra when this option is used. Also, GPS is on the 3G models only, wi-fi provides an approximate location and this could be an issue if you love using Four Square or other GPS based applications. More importantly, the wi-fi only model cuts your battery time down (7-8 hours). If you do choose wi-fi + 3G, I would check with networks for pricing before deciding. I have the American version that allows for either AT&T or Verizon and although both provide reasonable costs for U.S. usage, the cost to use it here or elsewhere is outrageous. The previous iPad allowed any carrier to be used overseas (which is a bargain) but the iPad 2 is locked to specific carriers.

This new version is lighter, faster, slimmer and has slightly longer battery life at 10 hours. I love the brilliant LED backlit display on the 9.7 inch screen. I'm still not a fan of Pages (iWork) but it is possible to get Word documents on your iPad through iTunes. There is no official Microsoft version but being able to download Word documents from my pc to the iPad and work on them makes a huge difference for me. I really love the technological improvements that allows this iPad to know your every move and be more responsive. No matter how you rotate this iPad, the display self adjusts - even if you place it upside down! It makes playing games like Critter Ball that much more fun to play and allows viewing movies or reading a book in any position. Need I comment about Apple apps? They beat the Android and every other market out there on this score and help make Apple products first choice.

For me, The only thing that prevents this tablet from being perfect is a better camera and the lack of Mozilla (I know this will never happen). I can live without the Adobe Flash - it's a rare day when a visual is not provided. I have tried a lot of tablets and prefer this one over all others. Yes, it is expensive but I consider it a good investment since it allows me to complete tasks on-the-go and help pass the time while waiting. I think having this iPad along with an iPhone (or any smartphone) is the best combination. Smartphones can provide information from the web but their small screen size can make viewing difficult and this iPad allows for a perfect union.

I bought the wi fi 64Gb version of the iPad. It's the first Apple product I have ever bought and I was a bit apprehensive about spending so much money on this device but it seemed to tick so many boxes for me. I've had it nearly two weeks now and have to say it's one of the best gadgets I've bought. I wanted it mainly to browse the net (I downloaded the Atomic Web Browser app for this, as far superior to Safari) and read ebooks. It is works fabulously at both tasks (with the caveat about non flash support but doubtless somebody will write an app to fix that). I have a netbook which I've barely used as it was sloooowwww, clunky and the screen was just too small. Strangely enough the iPad screen is slightly smaller still but, and it's a big but, because of it's touch sensitive screen which enables quick, easy and intuitive zooming and web page navigation, it actually feels like it's bigger than my netbook.

As an ebook reader I have a Sony PRS-505 to compare it against. I think the Sony reader is a great product to take your books with you and read anywhere (including outdoors; the iPad, due to its backlit screen, is not really suitable for outdoor use except in the shade) but I now realise how slow it is to respond. Use an iPad ereader app (like Kindle or Stanza) and you are literally jumping from page to page with no load times, just like a real book, instead of having to wait a second or two for each page to load.

If you've never bought an Apple product before, and want a quick way to browse the net, read books and have a general media consumption device to hand (which is also great fun and so intuitive) that simply works, then you'll probably love the iPad. If, however, you mainly want to create content, rather than just consume it, I would suggest this is not for you. Oh, and it's a great way for visually impaired people to get on the net due to the fact you can zoom font size to incredible levels (Atomic Web Browswer in particular is very good at this). My mum has very poor sight and I showed it to her and she could actually, for the first time, use the net. I'm now just trying to persuade her to let me buy one for her!

In summing up, then, it's not an all purpose fully fledged computer (but then it never claimed to be) but as a mobile entertainment/web browsing/email device it's very slick. Not perfect, but it should still be at the top of any gadget junkie's list of must have items if you tick most of the boxes for reasons to own one rather than reasons not to own one.

I love my iPad but the only drawback (and it's really starting to bug me) is that Adobe flash does not run on it. So many websites use Adobe and I'm getting tired of seeing the "flash player needed" message over and over. Apple really needs to sort that out. Everything else about the iPad is perfect! Love it!