Refurbished iPad (3rd gen) now available at $50 off from the Apple Online Store

By Chris Oldroyd, Wednesday, Aug 8, 2012 a 10:53 am

For the very first time, Apple has started listing the new iPad  in its refurbished section of the online Apple Store. Starting today, you can save $50 off the price of a brand new iPad with retina display; if you are prepared to go down the refurbished route.
The question is, what does refurbished actually mean? The dictionary definition is to make neat, clean, or complete, by renovating or restoring. But this is Apple that we are talking about; it goes a little further than that.

Apple Certified Refurbished Products are pre-owned Apple products that undergo Apple's stringent refurbishment process prior to being offered for sale. While only some units are returned due to technical issues, all units undergo Apple's stringent quality refurbishment process.

Every refurbished Apple product is fully tested, parts replaced where necessary, fully cleaned and inspected, repackaged with the same packaging as a new product and finally given 12 months Apple warranty. Apple stands by its refurbished products and is even happy to offer its Apple Care extended warranty on products purchased in this way. If you take out Apple Care when you buy a refurbished iPhone or iPad you can have two years peace of mind with great support from Apple.
If you are happy to buy refurbished, you can save $50 off the normal price of any new iPad. That includes the WiFi only versions and those models with LTE too. That saving works out between 6-10% across the range.
The downside is that refurbished item stock is very unpredictable so if you are after one, you need to decide quickly.
Have you bought a refurbished product from Apple before? If not, would you consider buying an Iphone, iPad or iPod touch via the refurbished route?

Source : Imore