We have an iPad 2 that we've been suffering with slow operations since we updated to iOS 8. Currently we've running 8.4.1. I am desperately looking to improve performance as even the most mundane tasks are becoming insufferable. Because it is already an older machine, I'm fearful that updating to iOS 9 will make it worse. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
iPad 2, iOS 8.4.1
How much empty space available?
One option to consider
Backup to iTunes and then restore as new which will install iOS 9.3.2 - see if a factory fresh iPad works to your expectations
Or of course you can continue using it as is
557MB available. Clearing up some pictures hoping it will help.
500 Mbs is NOT NEARLY enough operating space for an iPad.
If you photos you want to save, you should NOT be just willy nilly picking out which ones to delete.
You should be backing up your iPad data to a computer running iTunes, iCloud or other cloud services like DropBox or to specialty mobile devices like specialty flash drive or specialty mobile, portable hard drives for backup before just deleting stuff off of your iDevice.
You need to recover between, at the minimum, at least 3-6 GBs of free storage space.
Consider deleting apps you haven't used in a long time before deleting actual important, personal data off of your iDevices.
MichelPM is right as usual - do not delete any image until you have it backed up is the usual recommendation
Import photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer - Apple Support
Improving ipad2 performance running iOS 8.4.1
