Originally Posted by
Out Of Trim
However, what usually cripples an older machine first is the lack of RAM and the older processor being unable to update to the newer iOS and Apps; therefore, making the machine obsolete long before the battery fails!
Yes. Our original iPad Mini still works fine, but it's only usable for simple stuff these days due to lack of RAM and CPU.
However, in the last few years we've reached 'powerful enough' for most people so I don't expect that rate of obsolescence to continue forever.