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42% of ALL iPad sales, since the iPad 3 came out, have been iPad 2 sales......those #'s speak for themselves.

Didn't know that stat. That's awesome. I'm one of the people who took the release of the iPad 3 to get a great deal ($319 + tax) on a refurb iPad 2. Apple's really opening themselves up to more customers and I love it.
 
iPad 2 as others have said. The processor is the same as the 3rd gen so the life line on the iPad 2 should be equal in that respect. Only difference between the two is a better camera, quad core graphics (to run the retina display), and retina display.

Retina display is gorgeous but I think for many its not something that's required.
 
Someone mentioned a warranty.

While the opportunity has passed, I took advantage of a promo that SquareTrade had on Tuesday for a three year, no deductible warranty that includes damage replacement for my iPad. The cost before tax was $129.00.

It was a no-brainer compared to AppleCare, which is only two years and has a $49 deductible for each of the two allowable damage replacement/repair incidents.

I have always had AppleCare for any of my laptops, and I think it's even more relevant for the iPad.

I work in an educational environment, and we have been seeing about a 25% damage rate on our student used iPads.

MacDann
 
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