A guide to buying affordable and refurbished iPads

Reasons to buy an iPad

There are many reasons you might buy an iPad, including:

• Accessing entertainment;

• Completing schoolwork;

• Checking and responding to emails;

• Scheduling tasks;

• Storing and organizing documents;

• Creating art;

• Surfing the internet;

• Crunching numbers;

• Visualizing ideas;

• Planning layouts.

Essentially, iPads can assist you with virtually any task you can think of. 

Refurbished vs. new Apple iPads

Refurbished iPads from a reliable seller are essentially as good as new and often come with a warranty. However, they may have slightly reduced battery life and overall lifespan. It is important to do your research about the seller and the product in order to ensure quality. 

How much is a refurbished or used iPad worth?

A certified refurbished iPad from a reliable seller is usually anywhere from 15% to 30% cheaper than a new product. Meanwhile, an unrestored second-hand product may be any price, but is likely to be poorer quality than a refurbished product. As such, it is important to be even more careful when it comes to buying an unrestored second-hand product. Cheaper is not always better, as extreme deals may indicate some sort of issue.

What should I know before buying an iPad?

Before you move forward with purchasing an iPad there are some basic things that you should be aware of and consider. These include:

• How much you are willing to spend: It is important to budget for your device before you start shopping. 

• What you intend to use your iPad for: What you plan to use the iPad for will determine what model will be best for you. 

• How much storage space you need: Some activities will require more storage space than others, and it is important to ensure you have enough available.

• What sellers are reliable: Not all sellers are equal, and some are more reliable than others, so it is important to do your research about companies you are considering doing business with. 

• The condition of the individual product: Make sure that you have the opportunity to review the condition of the product before you make a purchase. 

• Available warranties: Warranties can help protect you from loss of money if the product is defective. 

• Sale opportunities: Sales may be a great opportunity to get a high-quality product for a good price. 

• Desired accessories: Depending on what you intend to use the iPad for, you may need various accessories, and therefore it is important to choose one that is compatible with any required accessories. 

It is also important to compare options and keep an eye out for anything that does not seem quite right, such as “too good to be true” deals.

Average lifespan of an iPad

The typical lifespan of an iPad is four to six years. Refurbished iPads may have a slightly reduced lifespan, and users should plan to replace the product after approximately three to four years. Meanwhile, used, unrestored iPads can have highly variable lifespans. 

How to check a used iPad before buying

While many affordable iPad options can still be high-quality, it is important to inspect and review them before committing to a purchase. To check a used iPad before buying, do the following:

• Check for proof of purchase to ensure the product is not stolen.

• Carefully read through the listing for any issues.

• Check the condition, such as the state of the screen, frame, and charger.

• Ensure the iPad starts and charges properly.

• Make sure the iPad has been factory reset and logged out of Apple Services.

If you do not have the opportunity to see the iPad in person before purchase, be especially vigilant when reviewing the legitimacy of the company and their warranties and return policies. 

Cheap iPads under $100

It is essentially unheard of for newer iPad models to cost less than $100. Typically, the minimum for a brand-new iPad is $250, even considering products that are on sale. However, you can shop confidently for a verified refurbished iPad that might get you under the $100 mark for a product that preforms like a new one.

Are iPads worth it?

iPads are well-known for their quality and user-friendliness. While new products are typically very expensive, you can reduce the cost without compromising on quality by choosing a refurbished product. However, the main thing to consider when determining whether an iPad is worth it for you is whether you have a need for it. Smartphones and computers can do many of the same tasks that an iPad can. However, the size and individual accessories and features may make the iPad worthwhile for some.