The iPad is an excellent example of great engineering and industrial design, so it's no surprise that people want to protect their multimedia tablet from scratches, dents and broken displays.

Works as a case and stand; fits the iPad well; comfortable to hold; durable

Difficult to keep clean; unstable when using as a digital photo frame

The 2012 refresh of the Apple iPad wows, but not for the reasons so often associated with Apple products.

4G LTE option via Verizon; Vivid,

iOS 5.1 still lacks large-screen optimizations,

Apple's latest iPad is blisteringly quick and offers even better battery life than before. With a beautiful display and a massive app selection, it's the one to get.

Same great design; Amazing display; Lightning-fast performance; Stellar battery life

Lightning connector may mean buying new adapters

Apple's original vision for the iPad was to break down the barriers between us and our content, whether it's the Web, photos, movies or games. Like any conclusion to a compelling trilogy, the third-generation iPad aims to complete that vision with a display so stunning that you nearly forget you're...

When I first heard of its announcement one of my chief complaints about the iPad was Apple's decision to use the iPhone OS. Instead of crippling the capability of the tablet; why not use a modified version of Snow Leopard?

Brilliant display; Long battery life; Great media player; Well built; looks great; Can be used as picture frame when docked; Built in Wireless N Capability; Huge selection of Apps (counting iPhone/iPod Touch ones

Non-Removable battery; Mono Speaker; Fingerprint magnet; No built in mic or camera; Closed ecosystem

Apple's iPad reimagines the personal computer as an intuitive, slick and portable device that sprouts new features and uses with every additional app.

No manual necessary; Access to nearly all iPhone apps; 10-hour-plus battery life; Bright 9.7-inch IPS LCD screen; Three external buttons; Multi-directional accelerometer

Highly reflective screen; Slippery; No multi-tasking (yet; "Only" a few thousand iPad-specific apps (so far

The Apple iPad is a revolutionary, addictive Tablet PC with Wi-Fi. Add in 3G, and it becomes even more useful, just perhaps not $130 more useful, which is the premium you'll pay for always-on connectivity. And with 3G you have to tack on another $15 to $30 a month for service.

Sleek design; Gorgeous, sharp, accurate touch screen; Improved iPod, Safari browser, photo, and e-mail apps; A plethora of downloadable apps; Flexible and affordable 3G service plans

Costs $130 more than the Wi-Fi-only version; Some applications don't work over 3G; AT&T is the only U.S; carrier with 3G support; Watch our Apple iPad video review

The Apple iPad isn't an eBook reader, which makes it very hard to compare it to other eBook readers. It doesn't use e-ink technology, it's heavy, you can't read out of it in bright places, and the display will strain your eyes eventually.

Amazing design; Most intuitive interface yet; Full-color screen; Wi-Fi and 3G wireless; Will do just about anything

LCD display is hard to read from in bright places and will eventually strain your eyes; Battery lasts only ten hours; Heavy; Costs almost twice as much as the Kindle 2 or Nook; Additional 3G wireless fees apply (around $130

The Good Quality construction Attractive housing Vibrant, bright display 802.11n Wi-Fi 3G-enabled (certain models) 10 hours of battery life Fast processor App Store compatibility Usable virtual keyboard The Bad Lacks support for Flash content No multitasking with current firmware Screen difficult to...

Quality construction; Attractive housing; Vibrant; bright display; 802.11n Wi-Fi; 3G-enabled (certain models; 10 hours of battery life; Fast processor; App Store compatibility; Usable virtual keyboard

Lacks support for Flash content; No multitasking with current firmware; Screen difficult to view in direct sunlight; No camera; Heavy to hold for extended periods; Lacks HDMI output; native HD resolution

That said, the iPad sets the standard for an entertainment tablet and it's incredibly fun and easy to use. It's hard to imagine even die-hard geeks not enjoying it when they take a break from grumbled about its limitations and restrictions.

Con: No Flash support; no iSight built-in

Price: Starting at $499 for 16GB Wi-Fi model; up to $829 for 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G