Kitz Forum

Computers & Hardware => Apple Related => Topic started by: Bowdon on January 29, 2019, 06:33:03 PM

Title: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: Bowdon on January 29, 2019, 06:33:03 PM
I'm thinking of buying an iPad. I'm wondering what are good places to buy it from?

Anyone any suggestions?

This will be my first attempt to own an apple made device. I'm used to androids.
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: chenks on January 29, 2019, 07:09:07 PM
buy it anywhere, makes no difference and likely no difference in price.
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: shambly on January 29, 2019, 07:31:05 PM
I'm thinking of buying an iPad. I'm wondering what are good places to buy it from?

Anyone any suggestions?

This will be my first attempt to own an apple made device. I'm used to androids.

If on a budget, you can do worse than buy a refurbished device directly from Apple. I've done this numerous times, with various devices, and always received a perfect item (but in a plain carton).

Availability does vary but you can currently get the 2017 128GB iPad for £299. Uses A9 rather than current A10 processor, for £110 less.

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/ipad

Simon
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: sevenlayermuddle on January 29, 2019, 08:28:54 PM
John lewis have started to occasionally (shock horror) discount Apple stuff, over the past few years.    Even if they are not discounting, the two year warranty is better than Apple’s.   And I think it is fair to say, JL have as good a reputation as it gets when it comes to honouring warranties, should the need arise.

One thing to be careful of, Apple sometimes make subtle changes and updates to hardware, that can make it hard to distinguish an ‘old’ model from ‘current’.   I have found JL to be selling these ‘old’ models, at least with iMacs if not iPads.  I think it is accidental as the genuine current models are also genuinely discounted, but it pays to make doubly and triply certain that the item they are selling is identical version to the Apple Store.

With any Apple kit, I’d suggest buying a device that’s recently launched, even if it costs more.   That improves the chances that subsequent releases of iOS in years to come, will still be supported.   Nothing is set in concrete and ongoing support can be discontinued, but can also very good, our iPad Mini 2 was purchased in December 2013 just a couple of weeks after launch, and still runs latest iOS.
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: j0hn on January 29, 2019, 11:29:11 PM
As mentioned above John Lewis offer a 2 year guarantee on all electrical items (5 year on tv's) but they occasionally run Apple deals with 3 year warranties.
Looks like the last offer with 3 year warranty ended in October.

I'll add in the obligatory "don't waste your money on an apple logo" comment.
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: sevenlayermuddle on January 30, 2019, 12:08:08 AM
Some interesting suggestions that Apple might be about to reduce overseas prices...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47047297

Quote
Mr Cook said the tech giant had started this month to re-price its phones to shield customers from the impact of currency fluctuations.

Sterling vs Dollar has certainly “fluctuated” somewhat in recent times.   Might be worth waiting a week or two for that iPad, see what transpires?

Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: Weaver on January 31, 2019, 11:00:35 PM
I have bought Apple stuff from John Lewis
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: tickmike on February 01, 2019, 02:14:23 PM
See my post 'FaceTime Sound' below.
I got mine from Curry's and my daughter bought me a cover keypad, it is very nice bit of kit.
I would not touch these from 'other counties' on ebay / internet.
Get yourself an 'Apple ID' to use some of the apps/functions.
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: gt94sss2 on February 01, 2019, 03:07:42 PM
Apple are expected to launch updated iPad models shortly- most likely in March - so I would hold off on any purchase for a short while..
Title: Re: Thinking of buying an iPad - any suggestions from where?
Post by: j0hn on February 10, 2019, 02:47:39 PM
John Lewis is running their 3 year warranty promo on iPad's until 6th Match.