Mac Forums

So I'm interested in possibly getting an Ipad2 or Tablet. I saw some videos on Windows 8 for Tablets, Which simply look amazing, but I also saw the video for the Ipad2, also amazing... The thing is i know nothing about apple in any way, I've had a few simple ipods in the past years but never got into them. I'm enjoying newer technology with my 3d Evo from HTC and Sprint, but that obviously runs on the Android market. Back in highschool i've used apple computers once and wasn't a real fan, but to be fair i never gave them an honest chance. My real question is: How similar is apple vs android, Is the Ipad2 the best tablet out there right now?... And just overall advice and opinions please. Your feedback is appriciated in my attempts to get educated on these products. Feel free to compare these tablets to laptops too... I hear tablets are replacing laptops now?? Thanks for your responses!