iPad Air (not the new one) deals?

[sallysue66]

Most stores have lowered the prices of the iPad Air models since the new one, Air 2, has been announced. The 32g is running $450 and a refurb from Apple $389. Any idea on what the prices will do between now & Christmas? Were the deals last year on Black Friday only on the latest models? Thanks.

 

[wenrob]

Typically it's the "older" models that have deals this time of year so I think your chances are pretty good of scoring a better deal. Last year on Black Friday Walmart was giving $100 gift cards and Target $80 gift cards on the original Minis. There were several sales leading up to then that came pretty close to those prices.

Around March I got a random email from Target that they had a Cartwheel deal for 10% off + $30 gift card for an iPad Air. Best Buy had them on sale for $50 off. I hightailed it to my nearest Target and they price matched for me (This is YMMV scenario it depends on your store and manager) and gave me the discount on top of it. I walked out of there paying less than I did for my rMini for an iPad Air and $60 iTunes card. I believe the manager's words were, "WOW!"

My advice would be to sign up for the ads, text alerts, ect. of the major stores near you. Comb the online sites every week, swing by the electronics departments when you are there, sometimes there are unadvertised deals you stumble upon. And of course check the DIS Budget Board daily, things should be heating up around here when it comes to sales very soon. Keep what you're willing to spend handy and be ready to strike when that deal comes along.

All this to say, yes, I think you'll be able to do at minimum $50 better but possibly more in the next month or so if you have patience and are willing to stalk retailers. I have my eye on two 32GB rMinis for my kids and this is my plan. Worse case I buy the refurbs but I think there will be plenty of deals to choose from.

 

[sallysue66]

Typically it's the "older" models that have deals this time of year so I think your chances are pretty good of scoring a better deal. Last year on Black Friday Walmart was giving $100 gift cards and Target $80 gift cards on the original Minis. There were several sales leading up to then that came pretty close to those prices.

Around March I got a random email from Target that they had a Cartwheel deal for 10% off + $30 gift card for an iPad Air. Best Buy had them on sale for $50 off. I hightailed it to my nearest Target and they price matched for me (This is YMMV scenario it depends on your store and manager) and gave me the discount on top of it. I walked out of there paying less than I did for my rMini for an iPad Air and $60 iTunes card. I believe the manager's words were, "WOW!"

My advice would be to sign up for the ads, text alerts, ect. of the major stores near you. Comb the online sites every week, swing by the electronics departments when you are there, sometimes there are unadvertised deals you stumble upon. And of course check the DIS Budget Board daily, things should be heating up around here when it comes to sales very soon. Keep what you're willing to spend handy and be ready to strike when that deal comes along.

All this to say, yes, I think you'll be able to do at minimum $50 better but possibly more in the next month or so if you have patience and are willing to stalk retailers. I have my eye on two 32GB rMinis for my kids and this is my plan. Worse case I buy the refurbs but I think there will be plenty of deals to choose from.

Thank you!

 

[mrsp1030]

Saw a funny quote the other day that the best thing about the new IPads was the deals on the older versions. I think the iPad Air will be a steal this year as the new version really didn't "wow" like the new phones. Really added fingertip scan and Apple pay features to new one.

 

[havaneselover]

Saw a funny quote the other day that the best thing about the new IPads was the deals on the older versions. I think the iPad Air will be a steal this year as the new version really didn't "wow" like the new phones. Really added fingertip scan and Apple pay features to new one.

And apple has great prices on refurbished models that have new batteries and come with a one year warranty. I'm thinking of getting a 32 bg iPad mini 2 ($299 refurbished).

 

[sm4987]

I also think the Air will be great. Try a refurbished unit with Apple. I had wanted a iPad mini 3 but when I found out all they added was a fingerprint scanner, I jumped on a mini 2 refurbished 64 since they now only sell up to a 32. Same warranty, can add apple care and the price was to good to pass up.

 

[dzorn]

I also think the Air will be great. Try a refurbished unit with Apple. I had wanted a iPad mini 3 but when I found out all they added was a fingerprint scanner, I jumped on a mini 2 refurbished 64 since they now only sell up to a 32. Same warranty, can add apple care and the price was to good to pass up.

picked up two mini 64gb today could not pass it up for 349.

Denise in MI

 

[sm4987]

picked up two mini 64gb today could not pass it up for 349.

Denise in MI

Isn't that a great deal!!! I'm thinking of getting one for my 18 year old son for Christmas.

 

[holycow]

Did you purchase these through Apple?

 

[sm4987]

Yes through the refurbished section although at the moment it seems the 64 and 128 are now gone.

 

[holycow]

Figures! ha

 

[wenrob]

I would think with the new release coming out there will be a new wave of higher capacity refurbs in a couple of weeks.

 

[sm4987]

Just checked Apple and there are 64 and 128 mini 2 back on the refurbished listings