iPads

[VickieP]

Just a thought... can you check out those that are available to you in your area, & then (should you find one you like), order it online from a website that has a lower price.... & have it mailed to you??? I think Amazon is one of the websites that will allow you to return if not satisfied without a problem.....

Great idea!

[Azusateach]

Thank you for your comments everyone, much appreciated. I know it's a matter of personal choice, but I just wanted to feel out the pros and cons of tablets and I know that a number of you do have iPads, but sometimes after having something for awhile, we find some flaws or else we really love it. The links were very helpful too.

I'm going to look and watch for a neat buy. Am restricted where I live to what's available as we don't have the bigger stores here like Costco, Sam's etc. Pretty much just Wal Mart and Radio Shack as far as electronics go. There is a small computer repair place here that carries Apple as well, but I'm sure would be paying top dollar there. When I go north this week, I will look in Marquette as it's a much bigger city and has pretty much everything there, except of course for stores like Costco and Sam's. The closest Sam's to me is about 60 miles and I don't have membership anymore.

We shall see.

Sue, Apple RARELY discounts their products. They had some Black Friday specials at big box stores, but it was peanuts compared to other tablet companies. You might go directly to the Apple website and look at their refurbished tablets. The discounts there can be pretty nice. A friend at school bought one of those and has been very happy with it. Think it comes with the same warranty as a new one.

[Bethers]

Apple made a big deal on Black Friday that they were offering gift cards ... no discounts. It's what they do. There was just an article about why Apple always has good revenue - because they price their products such that they don't have to sell as many and they rarely, if ever, give any discounts on them. It's worked for them this long, so doubt they'll be changing that any time soon.

[Azusateach]

Apple made a big deal on Black Friday that they were offering gift cards ... no discounts. It's what they do. There was just an article about why Apple always has good revenue - because they price their products such that they don't have to sell as many and they rarely, if ever, give any discounts on them. It's worked for them this long, so doubt they'll be changing that any time soon.

They've been known to discount older models, but never new ones. But you can sometimes find good deals on new models in their refurbished equipment section on their site.

[BirdbyBird]

I think Nan just got her iPad. She showed me the tiny nick in the corner of the case.....she got a great deal because it was "damaged".....and could not be sold as new and perfect...but it sure looked pretty perfect to both of us!

[Gentleladybear]

Sometimes you can find dealers that have products with slight damage they have to get rid of. They had pictures of the damage and when I got it, the damage was much less than I expected. Go to ebay and check them out. I also got the Geek Squad extended warranty to ensure I had a recourse if there was internal damage. This one looks brand new. Was quite surprised what I could do, it is an Ipad 4.

[Colliemom]

There is definitely going to be an iPad in my future. After talking with a couple of people I know who have them, I decided I want one. But now the iPad Air has come out, so need to do some research as to the difference between it and the IPad 2 etc. That's probably going to be today's project.

[Azusateach]

There is definitely going to be an iPad in my future. After talking with a couple of people I know who have them, I decided I want one. But now the iPad Air has come out, so need to do some research as to the difference between it and the IPad 2 etc. That's probably going to be today's project.

Frankly, Sue, the biggest difference is in the thickness of the iPad Air compared to the older models. Anything else will be negligable. So when you check them out, actually hold each model and see which you like better.

And don't rule out the iPad Mini ...

Laura

[havingfunnow]

My advice -- for a tablet or a notebook -- is to handle one in person, and make the salesperson walk outside with you so you can see how the screen handles daylight. Don't rely on anybody else's report for that; you need to be sure the screen works for you. You can always order the same model elsewhere, but there's just no other way to tell if you like the screen.

[etexlady]

Just to muddy the water a little more, Amazon has a terrific deal on a couple of their new Kindle Fire tablets - 20% off today only.

[bluepinecones]

I like my iPad but then I'm one of those Mac people.
BTW: I have a MacBookPro that was a very good deal as it has a slight ding on one edge. Purchased at a local Mac store so there are bargains out there but mostly just luck in finding them.