I recently sold my original iPad to a friend and bought a new iPad 2. Here are my thoughts on the two models.

Which model: My original iPad was 16GB wifi only. That configuration worked fine and fit my budget, so I bought the iPad 2 as a 16GB wifi only model.

Size and weight: The iPad 2 feels pretty much the same as the old model when I’m carrying it around in my bag. Officially it’s 601 grams versus 680 grams, but my shoulder can’t tell the difference.

Speed: It does seem a bit zippier although it might just be wishful thinking…

Looks: I like the rounded edges of the iPad 2, and I also really like the more attractive cover–I bought the orange Apple cover and am very happy with it, especially compared to the rubbery black case I had for the original iPad. Plus I love that the iPad 2 wakes up when I pull back the cover.

Screen: Size and resolution are identical on the two models, so nothing new there.

Cameras: The iPad2 has 2 cameras, one facing forward and one backward, versus the original iPad which had no cameras. I haven’t used the cameras on the iPad 2 so I can’t comment on quality. I don’t see myself taking pictures but I do think using iChat from the iPad will be fun.

Engadget has a chart showing the specs of the iPad versus iPad 2, if you want to read about the details.

The photo is part of a series of portraits by Lance Shields, on Flickr Creative Commons.