WARNING
Most likely going End of Life very soon based on release date:
Thank you. And to detail this more, this means that some very basic apps will not work any longer. I have an old iPad thinking I could use it as a reader. Nope. I have still yet to find a way to make it work as a basic reader as the reading apps no longer work with the old iOS. Many/most other apps won’t load on it for some (seemingly) very basic functions. Buyer beware.
Not really a good value considering a brand new 9th gen iPad released in 2021 is only around $120 more at $309 from Walmart. It has 64 gb of storage, larger 10.2" screen, much faster cpu, and 1 gb more ram.
Or you can find refurbished/used 2019 7th gen iPads with 32 gb storage, 10.2" screen, slightly faster cpu, and also 1 gb more ram for under $250.
The best I was ever able to use an old iPad for was to load videos into the stock “Videos” app and use it as a portable media player.
You are 100% right; trying to use any modern apps (at the time) was impossible.