Where are the iPad refurbs? Update: found.
Update: Reader Tim Y. found the iPad refurbs hiding out on Apple's online store. While they are accessible via searching the store, there's no navigation slot for them (or for the iPhone 4, for that matter) under Apple's clearance section.So it's almost six months after the iPad's US release -- and there are still no iPad refurbs in the Apple Store. At a time when AT&T is already selling refurb iPhone 4's, which just debuted this Summer, iPad refurbs are noticeably absent from normal retail channels.
The iPad, in fact, remains in a launch phase. It will only start hitting major US retailers like Target in October and is continuing to roll out overseas. The iPad launches tomorrow in China, with prices starting at CNY 3988.
Although Apple is certain to be already working on the next generation of iPad, it's clear that its high demand continues to produce limited availability. We may not be seeing refurbished units for some time yet.
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Source: http://www.tuaw.com/tag/ipad
Update: Reader Tim Y. found the iPad refurbs hiding out on Apple's online store. While they are accessible via searching the store, there's...
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Only $50 cheaper for a refurbished iPad? Think I'd spring the extra $50 and get a brand new one. Is that just me?
September 17 2010 at 2:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyagreed, I think 100 is a good drop for a 500 and up device
September 18 2010 at 5:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRefurb 3G iPads are headed to China as we speak. Those buyers will never know the difference.
September 16 2010 at 11:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWell, my "old" iPad 3G is in the pipeline. It had a defective GPS. Who knows what Apple will do with it.
Maybe they will show up with a camera.
September 16 2010 at 10:07 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThey can sell refurbs as new in other countries.
September 16 2010 at 7:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe refurbs are probably, as another poster mentioned, being used for warranty replacements. The refurb iPhones are customer returns refurbished by AT&T, not Apple -- they restore the software, but the warranty clock still starts from the original sale date.
September 16 2010 at 4:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThey'll be using the referbs for warranty replacements. Simples!
September 16 2010 at 3:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDon't forget that Antennagate may have prompted a significant number of iPhone 4 returns. I'm betting those got refurb'ed pretty quickly..
September 16 2010 at 2:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI have been (im)patiently waiting to see a refurb iPad... I will continue to do so. :-(
September 16 2010 at 2:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyMaybe they're not funneling them as refurbs yet. The production portion of the iPad chain was choked for a while; maybe they were just cleaning them up, doing a nuke/pave reinstall, and reselling them as new.
Now that I have typed this, shortly after I hit "Add Comment", Steve's ninja leagues will be upon me. Fare the well.
Not only is that illegal, which would subject Apple to costly fines and lawsuits, but it would hurt Apple's reputation as a premier gadget producer The modest gains to be had from repackaging refurbs as new is nowhere near the immense cost.
September 16 2010 at 3:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyPoint well made. Hadn't considered that.
And now they're available: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad?mco=MTM3NTA5MjM
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TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
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