May 11, 2011 14:48 GMT  ·  By

A short trip to the Special Deals area of Apple’s online store has revealed new attractive offers for those looking to save a buck on their next purchase of an iPad, or an ultra-portable MacBook.

Soon to be completely unavailable for purchase through Apple, the first-generation iPad is now obtainable as a refurbished product through the company’s Deals zone on store.apple.com.

A 16GB WiFi-only model currently sells for $349, which saves customers $50. Those who are aware that the device sold for $499 just a few months ago may regard this as an even more attractive offer.

Saving customers $70 is the 64GB model, also with WiFi-only networking. It costs $529 as a refurbished product.

More expensive versions, like the high-end iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G 64GB, are also listed as $70 off.

Moving on to the Mac front, the most attractive deals begin with a couple of MacBook Air computers.

There’s an old 13-inch model on offer packing a 1.86GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory, a 120GB hard drive, and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics which goes for $849. The system was released in mid 2009.

A newer MacBook Air, originally released October 2010 with a superb new design and a more robust enclosure, also sells for $849.

Admittedly, its processor only clocks out at 1.4 GHz, but it’s a new-generation model, which comes with NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics.

The same 2GB of memory applies here as well, but another added plus is the SSD drive - only 64GB for this 11-inch air, but it’s enough to get things done on the road, whether it’s work or fun.

Visit Apple’s Special Deals section here to have a look at these offers, and others.

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.