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looking to buy an iPad for my nephew but don't know how long they last or what catches there would be to buying an older version

We have both an iPad 2 and an iPad mini. The iPad 2 still works and we've had it for 4 years. So as for how long they last, they last years.

We have a 1st generation iPad for years (maybe 5 years?), the hardware itself is fine. The biggest problem with buying used is that the software gets out of date and eventually isn't supported.  
 
The iOS on our iPad is out of date and can't be updated anymore, so that puts limits on what we can install for apps. We looked at putting on a newer iOS but I don't think we had enough horsepower for it.

Buying old hardware can become a problem - as they have changed the charging outlet 2-3 times between generations and at times you can't find the appropriate charger anywhere but online.  
 
Usually they charger cord frays, requiring replacement. That was my biggest drawback.

New tech is such a scam, but lo and behold every time there's a "new and improved" model, everyone is lined up around the block, 2 nights early so they can get one, it's rather comical really  
 
To each their own I guess  
 
 
 
Edited by hutchster, 2015-12-23 15:35:10

Very little differs each generation. All they really change is processing speed, screen upgrades, camera. We just bought an iPad mini and there is nothing wrong with it.

Ever since I updated my iPad 2 to iOS 9, it crashes to reboot maybe a dozen times a day. Searching the Internet shows this problem is not uncommon. If you decide on an older iPad/iPad Mini, make sure it's iOS 8.

I'm with Abbysmum.  
 
The old tablet is usually just fine for a first timer, or a kid, or when you want to save a few bucks, there's nothing wrong with it. (sidenote - if you're buying used beware of stolen items. An iDevice can appear as though it is fresh and ready to set up on the "Hello" screen - but if it has been wiped remotely or something, you'll only get to about step 4 before it'll ask you "enter the apple id of the person who wiped this device before you can proceed" - a nice security feature Apple has built in to prevent theft)  
 
Your only drawback is the older versions sometimes can't get the new updates, which means they still work, but some of your favorite apps require a higher operating system than the one you have. I have an old iPod4 that I bought brand new at the time and now can't be updated past iOS 6 I believe. This is fine for me because I just listen to music with it mostly, but I know some of the apps I've wanted to put on it for kids won't even download because they require iOS 7 or higher.  
 
So, in the end, it's up to you. If it's a first time tablet for a kid or something for them to use to show their responsibility, you can go used - just don't go too old. If it's something that will be used a decent amount and you plan on having it for a long while, bite the bullet and buy new. The new hardware will run a lot smoother with the software and you'll be less prone to crashes.  
 
Hope that helps you with your decision. It's a lot of money to spend, but if you think you'll have it a few years, it's not all that bad