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"   The arrival of the first version of the iPad was a long time coming but now, just a year later, the improved iPad 2 is on the market. Starting at $499, it offers more than the first iPad for the same price.  How does the iPad 2 differ from the first model? Most notably, the iPad 2 is 15% lighter and 1/3 thinner, and has much greater computing power, so programs run faster and graphics looks smoother. Cameras have also been added to the device: one rear-facing, the other forward-facing. The rear-facing camera is great for general use, like if you are busy with work emails and want to catch your child in a spontaneous cute moment. The forward facing camera is ideal for video chatting. And using the built-in app FaceTime, you can alternate between the two to virtually chat with your friends face-to-face and then show them around your environment. Simultaneous with the release of the new iPad, Apple released a cover accessory aptly named &amp;quot;Smart Cover&amp;quot; which snaps on magnetically. Available in lots of fun colors, it not only  protects the screen, but magnetically switches the iPad off when closed. The covers also serve as to prop the iPad up in comfortable orientations, and for $39 we think it&amp;#039;s was a worthwhile buy (or you can opt for the $69 leather version in more staid shades). Besides for the case, there are a few other worthwhile accessories, depending upon how you plan on using your iPad. If you&amp;#039;re big into viewing photos, it&amp;#039;s probably worth investing in the optional camera connector port or SD card reader. Or if you plan on using your iPad2 extensively or for work, the wireless keyboard is a great investment because it can far outperform the touch keyboard. And of course the iPad2 is great for playing apps. To play around with the new iPad, we downloaded Apple&amp;#039;s newly released (now #1 app in the app store) GarageBand. This app allows you to create your own tunes with a virtual keyboard, guitar, and drum set. Whether you&amp;#039;re a musician or just love music, plugging an iPad into a set of speakers can provide hours of entertainment.  While the iPad2 offers greater value than the original, if you already have one it&amp;#039;s probably not worth running out to get the new version. If you&amp;#039;ve been on the fence though, the fact that you get more for your money now may be the tipping point. Also, check out our previous round-up tests of tablet computers.  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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