I finally decided to take the iPad plunge and I bought an iPad2. reason being is because I keep reading about people complaining about how their iPad3s run hotter and their battery life isn't quite up to par vs. the iPad2.
not having the high def screen or the higher front camera ratting wasn't a big deal to me. we don't live in an LTE area so that wasn't a big deal either.
so what do u guys think? did I make the right decision or should I get an iPad3 for future OS compatibility reasons on newer hardware?
If you're not strapped for cash, I'd suggest returning the 2 and getting the 3. Even though the retina display isn't a big deal to you, I think that if you spent some time with it, you'd be glad that you have that display. I upgraded from the 2 to the 3, and everything (photos, video, text, color) looks noticeably better to me.
While I don't use the rear camera much, I'm glad that I have it because I've been able to snap some nice photos or record high def video on the spur of the moment when it's been the only camera that I had in hand. I didn't use the camera at all on the 2 because the picture quality was terrible.
I think that it's good to have the newer processor, too, to be able to run processor intensive apps that become available over time.
Even though you're not in an LTE area now, you might be someday (maybe LTE will come to your area sooner than later, or you might move or travel, for example). Now that I've experienced LTE speed, I wish that I had it on my iPhone. Regardless, it's not a need for you now, but for an extra $100 (I'm assuming that you bought the 3G iPad 2), it's nice to have along with the above features for the small (IMO) price increase.
The heat is such an overblown issue: as has been said, it's just a little warm and not uncomfortable or unpleasant. I have a snap shield on the back, and I don't feel any heat with it attached. As to the battery life, even if the 3's battery doesn't last as long as the 2, it still lasts a long time, and it's pretty close.
Since you asked the question, it sounds to me like you're concerned that you might regret your decision once you're past the return window, and since you're just jumping into the iPad, I would recommend the 3 for you. Both iPads are great, but I'd at least try out the 3 and determine if it's worth it or not.