You also need to take into consideration that Apple is pretty consistent with making certain features in a new iOS not compatible with older models. Therefore, buying the latest and greatest will always get you 'further down the road.'

I have an iPad 1 and from comparing to the 2. For me the most relevant changes are weight/shape and faster processor. Don't really care about the cameras. I have an iPhone 4 or Canon S95 if I need to snap pics and don't use Facetime.

The refurb iPad (1) is now $299 at the Apple Store. ...Well at least when it was in stock earlier today. I assume though that they have lowered the price of the refurbs permanently.

Lasted about 10 minutes! :)

for most uses the ipad1 is fine. the weight/speed difference on the ipad2 is noticeable though. i'd wait a month or two and either get the ipad3 for the better resolution or pick up the ipad2 at a discount then.

Considering that the iPad2 came out just this past spring, I doubt that its replacement will be released in a month or two.

I like iPad 2.

Having upgraded to iPad 2 just a few days ago I would definitely go for the 2nd gen.
For me the most important improvement is RAM size. Switching between apps makes a huge difference.
Also when browsing the web, you don't have to wait for the page to render when scrolling fast (there's almost no "checkerboard" image).
Talking about the comfort of use and responsiveness, I would say it is like the difference between iPhone 3g and iPhone 4.

well, maybe 3 months :) ipad3 is supposed to be on a faster cycle...there's a possibility that it will be released before the holiday season.

I understand that if I were to hold one in each hand I would be able to detect which is heavier, but I was asking if there's a reason beyond the 3oz to account for the reported lessening of fatigue if holding it for an extended period.

I would definitely get the ipad 2 at this point unless you really think you won't be a user of it much.

I can say I really do appreciate it more. It FEELS lighter and that is clearly not accurate since it is only 10-15% lighter, but the feel in ones hand is easy on the hands. Smaller, thinner, smoother. All things elements lend toward a device that IS lighter to bear.

The speed is excellent. apps open essentially instantaneously. It was no real slouch before, but it is not near instant. WSJ, logmein, app store, etc. It is the experience of going from the iphone 3g (not the 3gS) to the iphone 4. Everything just pops, BAM you're there.

I do like the cameras, I actually the the front camer for facetime, The RF camera come in handy when doing the "show me" demos that people always ask when I am trying to describe something.

I actually really appreciate the evolution of the HOME button. It is smoother in it's action, less pressure required, doesn't make any noise, etc. I know, this sounds VERY esoteric, but when you use it you really can come to appreciate it.

But, the EVOLUTION of the device is pure apple. Just like the Gen 1 version (which lacked so MANY clearly possible, necessary and desired features) apple CHOOSES to NOT include them in each next generation. They know their customer base will continue to come back for more and most (usually not I ) will come back for each and EVERY generation of product. They dole these features out slowly and over time. Could they release a product will nearly everything we want right now, YES. But they don't, that is product management and one of the reasons that apple is the second largest company on the planet.

Personally, I wouldn't have jumped on this version but after trying it at the release show I knew I wanted it. Being able to sell my Gen 1 ipad for 80% of the purchase price was also a factor.

I still have the original iPad and the iPad 2. The newer model is definitely faster, and feels significantly thinner and lighter.

This might seem a minor point, but the Apple case for the original iPad really sucked, but Apple's iPad 2 smart cover is an amazing piece of engineering. I'm still wary of allowing magnets in the vicinity of laptop hard drives and credit cards, but it's just remarkable. I don't know who designed it - was it actually Jonathan Ive? - but they really deserve some sort of award.