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First of all, apologies to everyone who doesn't have an iPad, this post is a bit useless for you. Before you leave, why don't you watch the awesome retro-synth orgy video below. The new iPad is a strange beast. Fundamentally, it does almost nothing different to the first-gen machine. The addition of cameras is the major new function, used to snap (pointless) pictures, but more importantly it enables video-chatting. Currently, that's via Apple's own FaceTime software, letting iPads/iPhones/Macs chat to each other. Surely there will be loads of 3rd Party apps soon though, Skype et al. Of course there's a built-in microphone now too. The G/CPU inside has been upgraded to an A5 SoC (System on a Chip) based on the ARM Cortex-A9. What this means is that the already-zippy iPad is even zippier. It is a palpable difference, but nothing to write home about. Apple is keen to stress that the battery life remains at 10 hours, something that is remarkably true.The much-hyped form factor has changed as well. The iPad 2 is thinner and lighter than the iPad. The weight difference isn't huge, but it makes a big difference. Carrying the iPad single-handedly would be much simpler due to this, but the next point unfortunately works against it. The new design has lost the side bevel of the original, meaning that the edge of the device instantly slopes inwards to form the much flatter back. This creates a sharp edge of sorts, which digs in a little bit when carrying the machine with one hand. It's not painful, but it can become uncomfortable. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, this kinda counters the weight loss advantage for single handed carrying. Due to the lack of the side bevel, the buttons (which remain unchanged in position and function) are now at an angle , as they sit on the sloped edge. After a while you get used to this but for my first hours with the machine I thought they were getting stuck but that was because I was pushing them in the wrong direction. Initially, the edge and back change feel weird. It's no secret that the iPad is a pleasure to use, so these changes are unwelcome to begin with. After a bit of use, you get used to them and won't turn back. I have the benefit of still having the original machine and have been comparing the two constantly, and I've reached the conclusion that the weight and back of the newer machine make it more comfortable than the first.The speaker isn't as loud as the first machine, and that's probably a good thing if I'm honest - Kelly is playing Angry Birds right now on the first iPad near me, and it sounds like that annoying dude that sits next to you on the train with really loud music playing through open-back headphones. My iPad is white, and I'm glad I chose that colour. It looks very slick and does not distract. But I guess the colour choice is down to personal preference.One unmentioned but very important change is The home button. This is now much softer and barely clicks, something that, to me at least, is much better than the noisy click-clacking of the first one, especially when double-clicking. Smart Covers are the big new addition also. Frankly, they are a stroke of genius and it's amazing how no one came up with these earlier. The cover attaches to the machine with magnets (that are polarised to accept one position only), instantly snapping on to a snug, precise fit. Lift the cover up, and the iPad unlocks automatically. The cover can also be "rolled up" to form a base or stand for the machine. Again, something very useful which incidentally I happen to be using this very minute, typing this blog post on the iPad in landscape orientation with the cover tilting it comfortably towards me. Everything else remains exactly the same, with the iOS and apps being identical to the first iPad. Overall, I personally don't think any of these new "additions" justify an upgrade. If you're happy with your iPad, keep it. It isn't worth paying full price for the newer machine, as the form factor and smart covers aren't enough to justify the asking price. I don't know if in the future certain apps/games will require the faster CPU, but by then the 3rd gen will probably be on the horizon. If, on the other hand, like me you need a second machine, or have read through this post to decide if the iPad 2 is the right first tablet for you; then the design, interface, covers, and battery life make this a very worthy purchase.