Shall I buy the iPad mini 2?

Question

So essentially, I wanted a smaller portable iPad that I could pop in my bag and carry it wherever I want. At home, I have the larger macbook pro so if it's movies I want to watch, i normally just tend to watch them on there. This iPad would be for university and even though, I have the macbook, I could watch the occasional movie or two on something smaller.
This is why I wanted the iPad mini 2 and since I wanted it in black and that I wasn't overly impressed with the touch ID that I have on my phone, I'm bypassing the iPad 3. I'd much more prefer to spend the money I'm saving from choosing the mini 2 than the 3 on an extended warranty.
My problem is, since the iPad 2 was released this time last year in 2013, will it be discontinued any time soon? The iPad mini 3 was released in October a few months ago, it was disappointingly bad. Considering the rumours of the mini series being discontinued, is it still wise to buy the iPad mini 2? Will it still receive the software support, in allowing it to use future ios system. I  really do love the small size of it but if there's a big chance it'll be discontinued, I'm not sure if im better suited to buying an air 2 even though id hate the size.
I'd appreciate any help on the matter.
Salina x

Answer 1

No one can predict what Apple will do. If you need/want the iPad at this point in time, purchase it and use it.
If you don't need nor require the Touch ID (fingerprint scanner) that the iPad mini 3 has over the iPad mini 2, you can save yourself $100 and go with the mini 2. As you probably know, the mini 2 and the mini 3 are identical in specs and hardware *except* for the Touch ID sensor.
I was in the same situation when I heard of the mini 3...I was set to buy one (in addition to an already owned mini 2) until I saw the (negligible) differences in hardware and the price premium for that difference. I bought a second mini 2.