My experience matches yours. I would estimate that it's 3-4x faster than the iPad 2. Maybe it was my iPad, but it used to take me forever to sign out of my account and into Jack's at the GC. Now it's instantaneous. And if I leave DV and go do something else it retains the game in cache and loads it almost instantly when I return. Picking party hats is really fast now.
Plus, as you say, setup was a breeze. I'd say it took five minutes. Someone mentioned the form factor is the same as the iPad 2 but it's smaller and lighter. Which means a lot to me because I use it a lot while lying in bed and hold it in my left hand between my thumb and forefinger (I actually have a callous there). Also, something has changed on the keyboard. On the old one I was *always* hitting a letter instead of the space bar and I haven't done it once while typing this post.
The camera is so good you don't even need another one. And the FaceTime is amazing. And it looks like the auto-correct is much improved (which might cost us some laughs).
And then there's the display.... Oh my. It takes DV to whole new level. For example, the gold tiles don't shimmer, they just glow a steady gold color.
I've been involved with technology since the early 80's. At one time I owned two computer stores, then I worked as a network systems integrator for Fortune 500 companies during the kludgy client/server days when there were multiple protocols that we had to get working together, unlike the single TCP/IP that we have today. Next I have been involved with the Internet for many years, building high end websites and doing online marketing. This is the single most impressive technological device that I have ever owned. No wonder Apple is the most valuable company in the world.
I'll provide updates as I get to know the new one better.
Poppy
I was sitting here feeling all sad and sorry for myself (no reason, just one of those days) and this made me laugh out loud and cheered me up. You are in soooooo much trouble Tommy! Take it easy on him Fletch - he's just a naughty boy 
