I just read 2 interesting articles on this subject -
Five Reasons Not to Buy an iPad 2...
The iPad is as good a media player as the iPad 2
The iPad 2 doesn't increase the resolution or improve the brightness or colors of its display over the first iPad, so as a plain movie viewer, there's no compelling reason to replace your iPad. There are no movies you can watch or songs you can listen to on the iPad 2 that you can't on the original iPad.
The iPad is as good an ebook reader as the iPad 2
Once again, same screen, same ebook reader. The iPad 2 isn't going to display newspapers, magazines, and books any better than the original iPad. At best, the iPad 2 will load large documents like PDFs faster than the iPad, but that's it. Not a good justification to toss out your tablet and spend $500 on a new one.
The iPad can access the same online content as the iPad 2
Again, just like playing local media files and loading ebooks, the iPad 2's additional power won't make online content any smoother or prettier. The iPad can already load Hulu Plus. It can already load Netflix. It can already load the Adult Swim mobile app. What more could you want?
The iPad can output video to an HDTV just like an iPad 2.
Apple announced the Digital AV Adapter alongside the iPad 2, and showed off its video-mirroring feature as a strong benefit of the new tablet. Unfortunately, video mirroring only works with the iPad 2, but the adapter itself works just fine with the old iPad. You can still use your original iPad as an HDTV-slinging movie player, albeit at 720p compared to the iPad 2's 1080p maximum output resolution. (Update: The Digital AV Adapter only works with the first iPad at up to 720p, while the iPad 2 can output at 1080p through the adapter and supports video mirroring. You can still send video to your HDTV through your original iPad, but it will be slightly lower resolution. Whether that's a deal-breaker is up to you.)
You'll still be able to use GarageBand on the iPad
Next to iMovie, GarageBand is the biggest new app Apple announced alongside the iPad 2. However, it will run on the original iPad. Yes, the iPad 2's faster, but you won't need that power to cut some fresh tracks in the iOS version of GarageBand.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381380,00.asp?obref=obinsite#fbid=AcdGR51sGn0
And the opposing view - 5 Reasons To Buy iPad2
Not one, but two, cameras:
A complaint levied by many when the first iPad came out was the lack of a camera. For those looking to engage in video conferencing or who desire to capture pictures and video when using a tablet the iPad was unable to aid users. Apple’s announcement of iPad 2 brought two cameras to the iPad, making video conferencing, FaceTime calls, picture and video capturing a reality.
Speed:
The original iPad was fast, but it’s speed seems snail-like compared to iPad 2. With the A5 chip, iPad makes watching video, playing games, and accomplishing any task lightning quick. Don’t believe the hype? Head to an Apple Store or ask a friend who has iPad 2 to let you take it for a spin and discover the speed you’re missing if you don’t have iPad 2.
Weight Loss:
The original iPad was thin and light. iPad 2 makes the first iPad seem like a hulking, bloated, beast. The “heaviest” iPad 2, the WiFi+3G model weighs 1.34 lbs. (607g) and is .34 in. (8.8 mm) thick. iPad 2 represents a 33% decrease in size over its predecessor, which weighed 1.6 lbs. (730g) and was .5 in. (13 mm) thick. The size difference is noticeable when held in one’s hands. iPad 2 simply feels smaller and is more conducive to holding for long periods of time.
Smart Covers:
If size, or lack of it, matters to you, Smart Covers go hand in hand with iPad 2‘s smaller size. iPad 2 with a Smart Cover doesn’t add bulk to its thin, light design. Moreover, lifting the Smart Cover wakes your iPad instantly and closing it puts your iPad to sleep. The Smart Cover may be the most tremendous addition to the iPad announced by Apple on March 2.
65,000 apps:
There’s not much to say here. Android’s Honeycomb tablet OS has less than 20 apps designed for it. Owners of iPad 2 have access to 65,000.
http://www.theipadfan.com/5-reasons-buy-ipad-2/
I have an iPad2 and love it to bits. Alternatively buy your friend's iPad and then buy iPad 3
