Best Buy trims $50 off iPad 2

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.