Consumers still eyeing an iPad 2 can grab one for $50 off at their local Best Buy store.
The retailer has kicked off its sale on all varieties of the popular tablet, starting with the 16GB Wi-Fi-only version for $449, all the way up to the 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G edition for $779. Each one is selling for the full $50 off the usual retail price.
A nice discount for consumers, yes, but the question is why now? Is Best Buy just offering one of its typical sales, or is this a sign that a new iPad is coming our way?
Discounting items to clear out existing inventory is a common strategy used by retailers to make way for a product refresh.
Recent reports have pointed to Apple prepping the iPad 3 for release in early March, with some sources claiming March 9 a the specific launch date.
Best Buy was the only major retailer that I found offering the tasty $50 discount on all models. Apple is still selling the iPad at its full price, as are Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, and Target.
Carriers Verizon Wireless and AT&T are also selling the tablet for the full retail price.
But Amazon is offering various discounts on certain iPad models, including the black 16GB Wi-Fi version for $489 and the 16GB Wi-Fi + 3G model with AT&T for $575.
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.