What are the "pros and cons" of the iPad 2? Does it make sense for my needs?

Please note that on March 7, 2012, Apple discontinued the 32 GB and 64 GB configurations of the iPad 2. Apple continues to sell a 16 GB configuration.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not an iPad 2 model -- the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), or iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) -- is the right tablet or mobile computer for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

This "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Very thin, beautiful, sleek, and extremely portable design.
• Bright, high-resolution display with an excellent viewing angle and system-wide mirroring support.
• Easy-to-use "multi-touch" interface.
• Excellent performance and impressive battery life.
• Large storage capacity (up to 64 GB).
• Built-in support for 3G and GPS on the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), or iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) configurations, as well as 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (all models).
• Dual cameras (front and rear) make video conferencing and basic video capture easy.
• Entirely usable onscreen keyboard and support for an external keyboard.
• High-quality pre-installed applications, including a web browser, e-mail client, and integrated Google Maps, as well as support for thousands of other applications designed for the iPad (as well as the vast majority of applications designed for the iPhone and iPod touch).
• Support for new iMovie and Garage Band applications for movie and music editing, respectively, as well as iWork applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
• Inexpensive compared to notebook computers.
• Sold unlocked and without a contract in the US with multiple wireless carrier options.

Cons:

• 1024x768 display dimensions are less than ideal for HD video.
• Glossy display casts a glare in direct light.
• The battery is not intended to be replaced and self-replacement is quite difficult.
• Storage capacity cannot be upgraded.
• No SD card slot for easy photo transfer.
• Cameras are low-quality and the interface is awkward.
• No support for Flash.
• No bundled headphones (a particularly miserly omission given the US$499+ price of the device).
• Dependent on a Mac or PC for syncing content via iTunes.
• iWork applications are somewhat hobbled by document translation issues, file transfer complexity, and officially limited printer support.
• Expensive compared to some netbooks and e-readers as well as the iPod touch.
• No support for Siri running iOS 6.

Ultimately, if your mobile needs primarily lean toward consuming content and creating fun content that does not require a lot of typing and a handheld device does not meet your needs, the iPad 2 could be a great choice for you.

Site sponsor PowerMax sells new and used iPad models free of sales tax.

Also see:

• What are the differences between the iPad 2 models? Which should I buy?
• What are the differences between the iPad 2 and the original iPad?
• What are the differences between the iPad 2, the iPod touch 4th Generation, and the iPhone 4 models? Which one is right for my needs?
• How does the iPad 2 compare to the "Late 2010" MacBook Air models available when the iPad was introduced?