The consensus is that this is the first, real successor since the last major iPad, the iPad 2. And that consensus is correct. The iPad Air not only feels different (lighter, faster, less calories) but it is different, from the way it has been designed, to the hardware lurking inside it, to iOS 7...

For a company that obsesses over making devices thinner and lighter, it must have been torture for Apple to spend nearly three years making a series of iPads that were better than their predecessors, but not smaller. Now it has.

Ten hours of battery life; twice as fast as fourth-generation iPad; light and thin

Still too big for long-term one-handed use; no Touch ID

At first glance, the Apple iPad Air 2 is closer to a refresh than a dramatic upgrade compared to its predecessor. From the outside, the tablet computer features the same slim design and aluminum backing used on the first iPad Air.

The Apple iPad Air 2's upgraded A8X chip provides high-end tablet performance

The Air 2 still relies on the same Retina display used in past iPads

The iPad Air is incredibly thin and light, and it's the most comfortable 10-inch tablet we've used. It also comes with a nice boost in performance while maintaining good battery life.

A7 chip offers fast performance; Thinner and lighter than before; Global LTE support; Long battery life

Touch ID not included; Retina display is good; but no longer the best

I wanted to buy a simply and easy to use I pad. I found Apple I pad air as I expected. Straight forward and really easy to use. Good value for money. Would recommend to every one. Arrived on time.

That line was prominently displayed to audiences at Apple's June developer conference and the iPad Air event, during a video about the company's values and commitment to design. "If everyone is busy making everything," the video asks, "how can anyone perfect anything?

Amazingly thin and light; Terrific battery life; Excellent performance; Class-leading app selection; Amazingly thin and light; Terrific battery life; Excellent performance; Class-leading app selection

iOS 7 still glitchy in places; Gets expensive fast; Safari icon remains an abomination; iOS 7 still glitchy in places; Gets expensive fast; Safari icon remains an abomination

Apple tends to slowly evolve their product lines, instead of making sweeping and drastic changes. I have noticed a trend where users skip a generation because it seems the processor is a bit faster, hardware a bit better, but seldom a WOW factor that compels you to drop everything and buy it.

Smaller Bezel; Does not get as Hot as prior models; Noticeable difference in hues; colors and tones being more defined; Lighter and More Portable; Stereo Speakers; Amazing Battery Life

Still Expensive; Video Quality is on par with 3rd generation iPad; Still no way to bulk delete emails; Camera received no major upgrade

I previously had a Microsoft surface which was pretty good, the iPad air is just better. I really haven't used it for anything too productive just things like music, netflix, and internet browsing but it does those great. It just has such a high quality feel.

Compact Design; Easy To Use; Fast; Long Battery Life

Limited Storage

The iPad Air is one of the fastest tablets today, and brings a brilliant display along with a sleek design. Overall, the iPad Air is well worth your money.

Extremely Fast Beautiful and Sleek Portable

No Touch ID Lacking Camera Scratches Easily

Update, 12th April 2016: Apple has discontinued the iPad Air 1, replacing it with the