What are the "pros and cons" of the iPad 2? Does it make sense for my needs?

Please note that the iPad 2 has been discontinued. However, this Q&A is up-to-date and can be quite useful for anyone considering an iPad 2 on the used market.

Like any other purchase, only you can make the decision whether or not an iPad 2 model -- the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi), iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), or iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) -- is the right tablet or mobile computer for you, but you can evaluate the pros and cons to see if your needs are met.

This "run down" may be helpful in making a decision:

Pros:

• Very thin, beautiful, sleek, and extremely portable design.
• Bright, high-resolution display with an excellent viewing angle and system-wide mirroring support.
• Easy-to-use "multi-touch" interface.
• Excellent performance and impressive battery life.
• Large storage capacity (up to 64 GB).
• Built-in support for 3G and GPS on the iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/GSM/A-GPS), or iPad 2 (Wi-Fi/CDMA/A-GPS) configurations, as well as 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (all models).
• Dual cameras (front and rear) make video conferencing and basic video capture easy.
• Entirely usable onscreen keyboard and support for an external keyboard.
• High-quality pre-installed applications, including a web browser, e-mail client, and integrated Google Maps, as well as support for thousands of other applications designed for the iPad (as well as the vast majority of applications designed for the iPhone and iPod touch).
• Support for new iMovie and Garage Band applications for movie and music editing, respectively, as well as iWork applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.
• Typically inexpensive compared to notebook computers.
• Sold unlocked and without a contract in the US with multiple wireless carrier options.

Cons:

• 1024x768 display dimensions are less than ideal for HD video.
• Glossy display casts a glare in direct light.
• The battery is not intended to be replaced and self-replacement is quite difficult.
• Storage capacity cannot be upgraded.
• No SD card slot for easy photo transfer.
• Cameras are low-quality and the interface is awkward.
• No support for Flash.
• No bundled headphones (a particularly miserly omission given the US$499+ price of the device).
• Dependent on a Mac or PC for syncing content via iTunes.
• iWork applications are somewhat hobbled by document translation issues, file transfer complexity, and officially limited printer support.
• Expensive compared to some netbooks and e-readers as well as the iPod touch.
• No support for Siri running iOS 6.
• Much slower running iOS 8 and iOS 9 than iOS 7 (and doesn't support iOS 10 or later versions of the iOS at all).

Ultimately, when it was first released, if your mobile needs primarily leaned toward consuming content and creating fun content that did not require a lot of typing and a handheld device did not meet your needs, the iPad 2 could be a solid choice for you. Now that it no longer supports a recent version of the iOS, most users would be better served by a newer iPad.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

Also see:

• What are the differences between the iPad 2 models? Which should I buy?
• What are the differences between the iPad 2 and the original iPad?