14 DAY TRIAL // Following a wave of cheap first-generation iPads sold as refurbs through the Apple Online Store’s Special Deals section, refurbished iPad 2 units are now popping up for the first time selling at a relatively insignificant $50 discount.
A refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi+3G 32GB - Black - AT&T is currently available for $679, just $50 off the tablet’s retail price when sold brand new.
This is the lowest price customers looking for a bargain will get on a second-generation iPad as Cupertino is not selling any base-configuration units at the moment.
Offers include a refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi+3G 32GB - White - AT&T for $679; a refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi+3G 32GB - White - Verizon for the same price; a refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi 64GB - Black which doesn’t do 3G and sells for $649; and the most expensive of the lot, a refurbished iPad 2 with Wi-Fi+3G 64GB - White - AT&T that goes for $779. Shipping takes between 1 and 3 business days, according to Apple.
While some will be tempted to grab one of these tablets now, fearing stock will be depleted soon, we would advise spending an extra $50 to get a brand new tablet.
For those determined not to spend the full retail price on an iPad 2, it is worth knowing that Apple’s Special Deal area is likely to feature more attractive discounts on the same iPad 2 configurations soon.
We cannot determine exactly when the bigger discounts will go live, but history has shown that all refurbished Apple products eventually get to the $100 discount mark around eight months into their debut.
The iPad 2 is equipped with the poweful A5 dual core processor and dual cameras, does HD video recording and has a 10-hour battery life. It weighs just 1.35 pounds and is 0.34 inch thick (or should we say thin).
Visit Apple here to take a closer look at these offers now.
It is worth noting that, although customers save only a maximum of $50 on any iPad 2 refurb at the moment, all refurbished iPads carry the same return and warranty policies as brand-new units.
They are equipped with brand new batteries and enclosures, and have their defective parts replaced.
Mac System requirements for the iPad 2 include a computer with USB 2.0 port; Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later; iTunes 10.2 or later; and an iTunes Store account.
PC users will require all of the above (except the Mac OS, of course) and Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later.