It is important to understand that regardless of what platform you use meaning. iOS, Android, MacOs, Windows or what ever upgrades occur fast and furious. PC hardware updates every 3 months the OS or operating system at least annually. Usually mobile devices are every 12 months. The point is mobile devices are becoming the mainstream thus changes in OS versions occur more frequently regardless if it is Android or Apple or any others that still exist.
The life span of any computer or mobile is around 3 to 4 years ( sometime less on other platforms) before issues occur regarding updates and or performance and of cause hardware failure .
This means it does not matter if you have a laptop or a mobile device with in 3 years performance will be reduced as usually the OS will need more internal ram or better graphics to support screen resolution.
It is a know fact that processor performance double every year so it is not about marketing it is about bringing devices to the users that they want...
Every day many users demand more.. They want longer battery life, better screens, faster processors, less weight and of cause better Apps and better features ..at the same time many users don't care as all they want is to surf the web look at pictures on their iPad, do Facebook and check the occasional email that comes in.... so which ipad will achieve this?
The IPad 2 and iPad 1 will do this with out issue.
One reason Apple has been successfully in the so call mobile area is because they have delivered all of the above is they own the operating system and also own the hardware. . In addition developers recognise this and therefore develop more powerful apps that take advantage of not only the screen resolution but also the performance.
In respect to the iPad 2 it is a great iPad and definitely performs as specified... In saying that as new operating systems are released one should decide if you really NEED to upgrade before hitting the OK button as yes at the end of the day you may loose performance regardless of what you do.
Finally when you purchased your iPad 2 what you may not have considered is cost of ownership.... The iPad has the lowest cost of ownership of any tablets on the market which means when it comes to selling your iPad you will receive a much higher return than any PC or tablet. It is still in the mainstream product line because it is a perfect experience for anyone who does not need all the bells and whistles that the iPad Retina or mini offers and can still handle thousands of apps available from Apple
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In summary my advice is if you use Apps that do not require high resolution screen or need a higher performing processor then DoNot upgrade to 7 ... If in fact you want the new experience of iOS 7 and are prepared to give up some performance and maybe features then upgrade.. Or sell what you have move to the next generation iPad....
This is a personal statement and I do hope it helps you and others whom have a iPad 2 and need advice what to do when we finally receive iOS 7.
