However, that first generation iPad keeps on trucking. Case in point: my youngest son just through my oldest son's iPad off of the top of our stairs, falling one story, and landing flatly in the basement. After some stern discipline, the net result: the YouTube "Old MacDonald" song/video kept right on playing with no noticeable damage whatsoever. Quite frankly, I can't think of any significantly complex electronics device that could have survived such a fall. That said, I think the iPad 2 or "The New iPad" probably would have faired worse.
So keep in mind, if you see a lone iPad 1 out there somewhere at a bargain price, consider picking it up for a little one you know. They can take the beating and keep on ticking.