The best one in time
You may wish to wait for a refurbished iPad2.
Caveat that I do not even own one of these devices, but in looking into them have discovered a number of things. Advantages of the newer model would be more power, better graphics, as well as addition of the cameras. Word has it the cameras are not all that great, less than the iPhone4 in fact, but still something if desiring that feature. Internet browsing would be improved, as the newer model can open tabs without redrawing pages, as the original iPad often did. One owner of both new and older iPads thought the screen of the original looked better. But other accounts, with pictures of both side by side, indicate pictures have better resolution on the newer model. Additionally, with more graphic power the frame rate and overall smoothness should be better with the newer model.
As nice as it may be to have the latest in hand now, there are also some valid reasons for waiting. There is presently a thread on this forum with many reporting serious screen bleed on the iPad2. Reports are this is more prevalent and serious than anything experienced with the original iPad. There are some pictures provided to back up assertions, with some of these units clearly presenting an unacceptable result. No idea on the overall percentage experiencing this, yet. But such things are one reason for waiting to let it all get sorted out.
There is one school of thought, possibly quite valid, that buying refurbished items from Apple is not only economical, but wise because they seem to have a policy of carefully checking all refurbished items before shipping them. This sound policy, unfortunately, does not seem to extend to the new items they sell; there, it would seem they just figure on accepting many returns and letting their customers sort it out.
In the case of the iPad2, some owners have reported returning a unit just purchased because of these screen issues, and receiving another about as bad. That would be discouraging at best.
One reason to wait for awhile, perhaps. Although in most every other respect the iPad2 seems the most capable and best option if beginning from scratch.
