You can get an iPad Pro 12.9 for just $345, but there's a catch (Update: Sold out)
Plus: An insanely good robot-vacuum deal, with free shipping for Cheapskate readers.
Good morning, fellow cheapskates! I know you're probably suffering from Black Friday fatigue -- I certainly am -- but I hope you'll bear with it. Just as stores rely on Black Friday sales to boost their bottom lines, so does CNET rely on Black Friday news traffic. It helps generate revenue, which in turn helps you get incredible stories like these:
- Motorola Razr: Reinventing the classic flip into a foldable phone
- Bodyweight workouts: How to get fit without a gym or equipment
- Apple AirPods: The very best tips and tricks for your new wireless headphones
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2020 Holiday Gift Picks
The iPad Pro 12.9 has always been insanely expensive; the current-generation model starts at $949. So check this out: While supplies last (and they won't last long -- I really hope they're not gone by the time you get this), Woot has the refurbished 1st-gen iPad Pro 12.9 for $344.99 -- by far the lowest price I've seen.
Here's the catch: This is a scratch-and-dent item, meaning it might show some wear. A "moderate" amount, according to Woot. Personally, I don't care if the body is a little banged up, and I can even tolerate a screen scuff or two. For what it's worth, the company backs this with a 90-day warranty and 30-day return policy.
This model arrived back in 2015; read CNET's iPad Pro 12.9 review to learn more. It may not have the latest bells and whistles, but it's still a very powerful tablet with a very roomy screen.
Your thoughts?
You've never heard of Trifo Ironpie robo-vacs, but you shouldn't miss this deal
You've probably heard of Roomba robot vacuums , and maybe also Ecovacs and Roborock. But Trifo? That's a new one. And it's not only the brand name that's weird; the vacuums are called Ironpies. Ooookay.
Anyway, today only, and while supplies last, Meh has the Trifo Ironpie M6 robot vacuum for $129 and Ironpie M6 Plus for $149. Shipping normally adds $5, but here's a very rare perk: Cheapskate readers can bag free shipping with promo code cheapskate. These sell at Amazon for $400 and $478, respectively.
The M6 handles hard floors and low-pile carpet; the M6 Plus includes a water tank for mopping as well. Like other robo-suckers, these are controlled by app. You can set up timers, virtual boundaries and all that good stuff. They have 1800Pa suction power, which I'm told is very good.
But here's where it gets interesting: The Ironpie vacuums also have built-in cameras, complete with live-streaming video to your phone. The camera not only helps with navigation, but also with home security. (How well this actually works, I have no idea.)
CNET Holiday Gift Guide
- Best laptops and desktops to give as holiday gifts in 2020
- The best headphone gifts for the holidays
- Best Bluetooth wireless speaker to blast for 2020
- Best TV and streamer gifts for the holidays
- The best gifts to get healthy in 2021
- Give the gift of a better, faster router for the holidays
- Best gaming gifts for the holiday season 2020
- Best gaming accessories to give as holiday gifts
- Best 2020 phones to give as gifts: iPhone 12, Galaxy S20 FE, Pixel 4A 5G and more
- Best soundbars and home audio for the holidays
- The best smart home gifts of 2020
- Best gifts for working at home in 2020
- Best toys for 2020
- Best gifts for Mom in 2020
- Best gifts for Dad in 2020
CNET's Cheapskate scours the web for great deals on tech products and much more. For the latest deals and updates, follow the Cheapskate on Facebook and Twitter. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page, and find more great buys on the CNET Deals page.