Refurbished iPad 2 units have appeared in Apple’s online store for the first time, enabling budget-conscious buyers to save a modest $50.
The refurbished units, however, comprise high-end models only, so the truly budget conscious will probably consider buying a brand new low-spec iPad 2 instead, saving around $150 in the process. Of course, lower-spec refurbished iPad 2 units could appear in the online store at any time.
The refurbished iPad 2 units currently showing in the store include the 64GB Wi-Fi version, in both black and white, for $649; the 32GB Wi-Fi and 3G version, in black and white, for $679; and the 64GB Wi-Fi and 3G version, also in both colors, for $779.
According to Apple’s website, all refurbished products undergo a “rigorous” refurbishment process before entering the online store and are covered by Apple’s one-year limited warranty.
A new battery and outer shell is also supplied, and those who enjoy the process of unboxing will be pleased to know that all refurbished iPad 2 units will arrive in a brand new white box.
If you’re in the market for a tablet but can’t raise the funds for any of Apple’s iPad offerings (the cheapest currently being the refurbished first-generation 16GB iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G, or the first-generation 32GB model with Wi-Fi only – both going for $399), then you might want to try to nab one of Hewlett-Packard’s TouchPads when the final batch of the nearly-defunct devices comes on the market some time soon. If you’re lucky, you might be able to pick one of those up for under $100.