iPad price overview

With a mind-boggling number of vendors and resellers selling the iPad here and there, it is really hard to figure out what is a good price for the device and where you can get good deal on it. Let's figure it out.

What influences the price of the iPad

Basically, the price of an iPad depends on its features. There are two sets of features: the connectivity and the size of the iPad's hard drive. With connectivity, there are two options: Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + 3G, the latter one being more expensive. And each size iPad can be either Wi-Fi-only or Wi-Fi + 3G. That is why the cheapest iPad is the 16 GB Wi-Fi-only model, and it costs $499. For the most expensive, the 64  GB Wi-Fi + 3G, you will have to cash out some $829. All other variants of the iPad fall in between those two options.

A refurbished iPad option

Besides the option of purchasing a new iPad, Apple offers refurbished iPads for sale from their online store. But what is a refurbished iPad anyway? It is a device that was used by a customer who found a small defect in it, which was later fixed at a special Apple refurbishment facility. During refurbishment, devices are also cleaned and thoroughly tested.

Refurbished iPads can make a great deal. For example, the most expensive 64 GB Wi-Fi + 3G model would cost you $599 if you buy it refurbished, and they also provide a limited warranty. $330 is a great amount to save on such a device, but will probably not work for you if you are planning to buy an iPad as a Christmas gift for a relative.

Vendors to deal with (where you can actually buy)

1.   Apple Store. Come to the Apple Store for the best shopping and customer service experience, especially if you want to surprise someone by buying him or her an iPad. Actually, it is highly unlikely that you will find prices that are lower than at the Apple Store.

2.   Apple online store. Besides good delivery, at the Apple online store, you receive some interesting financing options and stuff like free engraving on your iPad. You can also buy refurbished iPads in the Apple online store.

3.   Your cell services provider. If you want to buy a 3G-enabled iPad, you will also need a contract with an cell service provider, and they will happily sell you a new and shiny iPad with a contract to use their 3G services. This is a good example of one-stop shopping. Unlike the situation with the iPhone, iPads are not sold locked by an operator. So, hello Verizon and AT&T!

4.   Discount-hunting sites. Deals2Buy.com, Sam's Club and other sites like this can often offer you interesting bargains on iPads.

5.   MacMall. This is a big Apple reseller. Sometimes they provide interesting options and good product bundles.