I have the original iPad. I bought it after the iPad 2 launch because it was $100 less. I can care less about the camera and since the iPad 2 isn't 4G, I saw no point in spending the extra $100 for the camera, thinner design and a slightly faster processor.
I have a laptop for anything the iPad won't do. At 16GB (you can get larger if you'd like), the iPad holds plenty of photos, music, etc... I bought it primarily to use a scoring app at ball games. It's a toy. If you need a larger HD, faster processor, etc..., get a laptop if you can't afford both.