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Don't ask me, my work machine is a PowerBook G4. The only reason I'm likely to upgrade from my iPad 2 in less than five years is if I can afford 3G before then.
 
I would think an ipad should be good for at least 3yrs.

I have a 5th gen ipod that stays in the car hooked up to the USB port. It works fine but the battery life had gotten horrible. So it's about 6 years old. Replaced my G4 Powerbook at 5yrs and G5 iMac at 6yrs. A big reason to update for me was the iphone 4s and it's software requirements. My old gear still had Tiger on it and could not support it.

Software support is a big determinant with all the desktop, laptop, phone and tablet interactivity.
 
Judging by mobile OS lifespans of cellular phones (iPhone 3G choking on OS updates after 2 years). Android phones choking on Android updates after 1 year-1.5 years.

How long do you think the April 2010 iPad life span can realistic last. I am talking about real use. Games etc

Obvious email basic browsing will make it viable for up to 3 years.

But I think 2 years tops for standard regular performance.

Any one want to further comment?

Well, if you look at the iOS, with iOS5, they drops 3G support, so I guess you could say three years couldn't you?

I would say from a battery point of view it is likely 3-4 years.

Given the metal body, no moving parts, and if you used the swiping on the screen, the home button is unlikely to wear out then it will likely work for several years.

On a practical point of view though, I would aim to "write off" the overlay over 3 years. I usually replace computers every 2-3 years, but that's just me and it depeands on balancing up cost/income/enviromental concerns/family-freinds to have the hand-me-downs
 
Personally I just do not see iPad 1 lasting beyond 2013 as a "useful" device.

The issue is software support.

I still keep my iPhone 3G around but have it running 3.13 because iOS 4 is horribly slow on the 3G.

But by keeping older software on it, I can't even install non power hungry apps like some children's books that require ios4. These are basic books like Thomas the train.
 
Judging by mobile OS lifespans of cellular phones (iPhone 3G choking on OS updates after 2 years). Android phones choking on Android updates after 1 year-1.5 years.

How long do you think the April 2010 iPad life span can realistic last. I am talking about real use. Games etc

Obvious email basic browsing will make it viable for up to 3 years.

But I think 2 years tops for standard regular performance.

Any one want to further comment?

I have a first generation iPad bought in June 2010 which works perfectly. Its Battery still lasts 11-12 hours on a single charge. Every time I won't charge till it comes down to 1 or 2%.

I guess iPad should last 15-20 years or even more with decent use. No exaggeration.
 
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