Is the iPad 2 Worth an Upgrade?

No doubt about it, Steve Jobs and Apple revolutionized the computer industry with the introduction of the iPad last year. It was easily the hottest new tech gadget of 2010 with its slim form factor, huge selection of ready-made apps, and sleek touch-screen interface. Meanwhile, for those who received the original iPad for Christmas, the shiny "new toy" feeling quickly wore off after Apple's spring release of the iPad 2. Did those of us who recent bought version one get shortchanged somehow?

Here's what the iPad 2 has that iPad one doesn't:

Dual Picture and Video Cameras

If you're familiar with the dual-facing front and back cameras on the iPhone 4, you'll know exactly what to expect with the dual cameras on the iPad 2. These cameras make it easy to take pictures and video shots of other people or of yourself. These cameras also enable you to run FaceTime and have a video conference with other iPad 2 users.

However, given that the technology is relatively new, the number of people you can talk to on FaceTime for the iPad 2 is relatively limited. If you're not already an active FaceTime user, this might not be a great incentive to upgrade. Additionally, don't expect to get the type of picture quality you'll get from an actual digital camera. The iPad 2 is definitely not a camera substitute. However, it will do just fine for snapping shots and uploading them to Facebook or Twitter.

Faster Processor

The iPad 2 has a processor that's twice as fast as the original version. It's great for running graphics-intensive apps at high speeds. However, there's not a large group of people complaining that the processor in the original version is slow. This might change as apps become more graphics-intensive and require more processing power. This is the same phenomenon that affects your old desktop computer-the computer seems to slow down as programs become larger and more complex. If you're the type of person who wants to get ahead of the game and be ready for the latest apps, then upgrading to an iPad 2 might be a good choice.

HDMI Video Output

The iPad 2 features HDMI video output, which will let you hook the iPad up to your television to do things like play slideshows, stream Netflix movies, or watch movies you've downloaded through iTunes. If you already have an internet-enabled television or a Wii, this might not be that big a deal. If you don't, it's definitely a handy feature.

A Thinner and Lighter Form Factor

The iPad 2 is 15% lighter than the original model, and it's also a few millimeters thinner. While this is cool, given that the original model is already exceptionally thin and light, the difference is not that pronounced. If you're upgrading because you think the new model will be tremendously lighter than the old one, you're likely to be disappointed. You're looking at a reduction from 1.5 pounds to 1.3.

Here's What's Wrong with the iPad 2:

Still No Support for Flash

If the iPad has one serious drawback, it has to be the lack of support for Flash. It's annoying not to be able to play videos shared on Facebook or Twitter. And it's frustrating to be surfing the web and come across a web site you really want to see but can't because it's powered by Flash. Apparently the lack of Flash support can be attributed to some kind of disagreement between Apple and Adobe. Meanwhile, as the war rages on, many rival tablet PCs will be offering Flash support. So if this is an important factor for you, the question is no longer "Should I upgrade to the iPad 2." The question is now "Should I stick with the iPad at all?"

Still Expensive

While the original iPad has dropped in price by one hundred dollars, the iPad 2 is still pretty expensive. For $500, you can go out and buy a high-performing laptop that does much more than an iPad, albeit without the iPad "cool" factor. No doubt as competing tablets come out, they'll be less expensive than the iPad, and they'll support Flash. In the meantime, if you're not quite sure you want to shell out hundreds of dollars for either model, there are a number of ways to get one for free. Just do a Google search for "free iPad," and you'll get more than 321 million results.

Don't want to do a lot of legwork? No problem. Just follow @vergentcom on Twitter for a chance to win your very own free iPad.

Jennifer is the Marketing Director for Vergent Communications, a business internet service provider delivering T1 Service, MPLS VPN, VoIP digital phone service, and more.