I stood in line and bought my iPad 2 64 GB 3G on March 25th, the Canada release day and just two weeks after the US release. In other words, I got an iPad 2 from the original batch.
The only thing I have to report is that it is perfect, wonderful, magical and I'm very pleased with it. Unfortunately that doesn't make a good thread starter.
No backlight bleeding (and yes I have an "F" in the 4th position in my serial number), no dead/dying/stuck pixels. Of course, I did check for pixel problems at the Apple store. It was crazy busy just 10 minutes after launch, but the Apple staff told me to take all the time I needed.
I haven't heard about microphone problems, but I've used Facetime a number of times with my spouse and the audio was fine.
BTW, you didn't mention the video glitches, where the camera shows weird colours in some cases. I don't have those either, though I've only ever used the cameras in the iPad for Facetime.
You also didn't mention dented corners, separated glass, and a crooked home button. I don't have those issues either, but I did check for them in the Apple store when I was looking the unit over.
Finally, no one has dropped my iPad 2 so far. My spouse is careful and the five-year-old who regularly uses it at work no longer tries to carry it around; she leaves it on the table as I requested.
I don't have a screen protector, just a leather Smart Cover and a microfibre cloth. The back is protected with a GelaSkins sticker. It travels in a Tom Bihn messenger bag. I fly almost every week. My iPad 2 is hanging in there just fine.
Actually, I do have one little problem with my iPad 2... everyone else wants to use it!!!
My advice is get your iPad 2 from a reputable store and give it a thorough inspection before you accept it. Apple has sold millions of iPad 2s. By now you're well past the initial batch. You have an excellent chance of getting a good one.
