How long before my IPad 2 becomes obsolete?

Some games require newer hardware to run, I was curious if anyone had a projection of how much longer the IPad 2 can be relies upon to run all games that come out, as the iPad no longer can. I just bought my iPad 2 last year, and was a little unnerved to see the iPad 3 come out so soon afterwards.

Probably won't have to worry about that until the New New iPad comes out and Apple does refreshes every year, not sure why you didn't see the iPad 3 coming.

it's already obsolete, i think
at least here in Indonesia, where iPad 3 hasn't even been sold (officially)

It will never be obsolete.

it will take about 5 years

When the battery dies is the truthful answer, right now I'd still class it as apples best tablet and there are some rumours the iPad mini will share the same specs.

The original iPad is starting to look a bit creaky now but iPad 2 is still pretty strong for games - it was a major step up in power.

It's gonna be a long old time before anyone dare try to sell something that won't run on iPad 2 or older.

ftfy

i would not be to worried about the ipad 2 becoming obsolete any time soon. look how long the ipod 2 lasted. i consider the ipod touch 1, and ipad 1 sorta the same.. introduction see if it would sell. then the next version was improved. from what iv seen of the ipad 3. it aint worth upgrading too.
id wait till the ipad4 comes out before id be concern with it being out dated.

now of course. it depends what you do with you ipad. for me i do not use it for games for the most part. i use it for the utility ( guitar stuff 90% ) software. and i do not see it becoming obsolete in that department for a long, long time.

chris.

5-7 years is probably a worthwhile time frame to look at. Depends on your needs. I have a palm pilot 12 years old - still works fine. iPod (for music only) 10 years old - still fine.
For "computers" like the iPad, the new software will not work well at some point as it will expect higher hardware levels, bu the stuff you have now will continue to work for years and years until the battery dies, or some other aspect of the electronics die.
You should expect new hardware on an annual basis, or sooner. It's the only way for companies to remain competitive.