Three killer deals on 1st-gen iPads
They're refurbs, but so what? Apple rules when it comes to refurbished gear, giving you a new battery, new shell, and full one-year warranty. Lowest prices yet!
Quick note regarding yesterday's deal: Like a lot of people I heard from, I got a cancellation notice from Wal-Mart a few hours after ordering the super-cheap PNY flash drives. Either they ran out of stock or it was a price mistake they decided not to honor. Either way: frustrating. Bad Wal-Mart. Bad!
Perhaps feeling the pressure from the likes of Amazon and its $199 Kindle Fire, Apple just made some sizable cuts in first-gen iPad prices.
These are all refurbished models, but that shouldn't interfere with your buying decision one iota. Apple is second to none when it comes to refurbs, setting them up with a new outer casing, new battery, and full one-year warranty (just like new units).
In fact, as I've noted in the past, it's almost foolish to buy anything new from Apple at all, as the refurbished gear is literally good as new--just less expensive.
So, what's on the menu today? First up is what I consider the best deal of the bunch: a 32GB iPad Wi-Fi + 3G for $399 shipped. If you think you'll need more storage (and I'm of the belief that few users do), you can get the 64GB iPad Wi-Fi + 3G for $499 shipped. (As you may recall, that model originally sold for $829.) Both get their 3G service from AT&T.
Now, if you don't care about 3G but do like a lot of storage, check this out: the 64GB iPad Wi-Fi for $399 shipped.
All three models are, of course, while supplies last. And as a reminder to Cheapskate newcomers, I have no control over these supplies. All I can say is that they're in stock when I write about them.
Anyway, I always thought $499 was way too steep a price for the entry-level iPad. But $399 for a 32GB model with 3G? That's pretty tempting.
That said, right now I'm getting most of what I need, tablet-wise, from my rooted Nook Color. (Incidentally, today only, Daily Steals has the refurbished Nook Color for $134.99, a new low, but with only a 90-day warranty. Shipping adds $5.) I like the smaller size, lighter weight, and Android-y versatility.
Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: In the market for a multifunction printer? Office Depot has the Kodak ESP 5250 wireless all-in-one for $64.99 shipped (plus sales tax in most states). It prints, scans, and copies, and promises the industry's lowest ink prices. Check out CNET's review to learn more.