Can the iPad / iPad 2 handle iOS 6?

I've heard anecdotal evidence of iOS 6 seriously impairing the performance of the iPhone 4 (and had a poor personal experience with it on iOS 5). I was wondering if anyone has had any problems upgrading older iPads to iOS 6.

We've got an original iPad and an iPad 2 and aside from not wanting to lose Google maps I'm worried that the update will negatively affect our devices.

Is this worry backed up by reviews or experience of those who have upgraded already?

The short version:

• Original iPad, no.
• iPad 2, yes.

The details also matter for some features, per http://www.apple.com/ios/whats-new/#compatible:

There's also the device specific features fine print:

1. Turn-by-turn navigation is available only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPad 2 or later with cellular data capability. Flyover is available only on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2 or later, and iPod touch (5th generation).

2. Siri is available on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (3rd generation), and iPod touch (5th generation) and requires Internet access.

3. FaceTime video calling requires a FaceTime-enabled device for the caller and recipient and a Wi-Fi connection. FaceTime over a cellular network requires iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, or iPad (3rd generation) with cellular data capability.

4. Offline Reading List is available on iPhone 4 or later and iPad 2 or later.

5. Made for iPhone hearing aids require iPhone 4S or iPhone 5.

6. Panorama is available on iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod touch (5th generation).

I've been using iOS 6 on an iPad 2 successfully for several days. I would say that it hasn't impacted the performance at all. In fact, in a few areas (notably Safari) it is noticeably faster.

There is no performance issues using iOS 6 on an iPhone 4 as per this post on the topic.

You can upgrade the iPad 2 (which has an A5 chip as opposed to the A4 on the iPhone 4) to iOS 6 but the original iPad is not supported. Details of supported devices and full functionality available on Apple's website.