Thats also why the Ipad1 now crashes on almost every app now - just has 256 megs of ram.
I'm not sure what apps you're running, but I haven't had the same experience. If the app can be downloaded from the store and doesn't prevent you from opening it on older devices (ex: CSR Classic) it'll run just fine.
It's ok though. It's a 4 year old device I've used literally every day since launch day. I'm pretty ok with how far its gotten me and am surprised it has survived given how much abuse I throw at it.