A First for Apple - iPad Sells as Refurbished Product

For the first time since its introduction, the Apple iPad is now available as a refurbished product selling at a discount - $449.00 for the 16GB, WiFi-only version.

Apple’s Special Deals section includes numerous discounted products spanning most of Apple’s product line, including various iPod models, old- and new-generation Macintosh computers, as well as clearance items which include various accessories.

Recently, the Special Deals area of Apple’s online store has added the iPad as a refurbished product selling for $449 - a $50 cut from the original $499.00 retail price.

According to Apple, each of the company’s “certified” refurbished products is fully tested (including full burn-in testing) and refurbished with replacement parts for any defective modules identified in testing.

The product is put through a thorough cleaning process and inspection, repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes, etc.), and includes the operating software originally shipped with the unit and the custom software offered with that system.

Lastly, the product is given a new refurbished part number and serial number, and is placed into a Final QA inspection prior to being added to sellable refurbished stock.

The tablet device Apple is selling as a refurb has a 16GB flash drive capacity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR technology, a 9.7-inch widescreen display, Multi-Touch, and runs pretty much all the iOS apps living in the iTunes Store.

The iPad is on track to receive iOS 4.2 this Novemver, the latest major update from Apple which delivers numerous new features, tweaks and fixes.

About Apple refurbished products
Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process, prior to being offered for sale. They are returned under Apple's Return and Refund Policies.

While only some units are brought back because of technical issues, all of them undergo the company's rigorous quality-refurbishment process.

Service and support include 90 days of telephone support and a one-year warranty. You have the option of purchasing an AppleCare Protection Plan for your refurb, while shipping is free in the US.