I’ve spent years using various iPads for both entertainment and work and have tested all of the current and recent models to know what they are best suited for. Out of the box, any iPad provides an excellent portable video or movie-watching experience; access to a wide array of apps and games through the App Store; the ability to read ebooks, documents, and web articles on a bright comfortably sized screen; and communicate via email, messaging services, or video calls. Apple also has a strong track record of supporting the iPad for many years with software updates, so even older models can benefit from the majority of new features. That means you can often find excellent options on secondhand, open-box, and refurbished iPads that save a lot of money and still offer an up-to-date, performant experience. The refurbished market changes too frequently for me to make specific recommendations in this guide, so everything here is based on the new, full retail cost. But I’ve personally bought multiple refurbished iPads over the years and have never regretted not having the latest and greatest model.
Released in 2022, the fifth-generation iPad Air offers a bright 10.9-inch high-resolution display, extremely fast performance thanks to its M1 processor, a modern design with even bezels around the screen, and excellent speakers. It’s compatible with the same keyboard and stylus accessories as the iPad Pro, so it can work well as a small laptop-like device or digital notepad / drawing tablet.
The Air comes in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, gold (which Apple calls “Starlight”), and a dark gray.
The iPad Air can be paired with Apple’s Magic Keyboard to turn it into a small laptop replacement for productivity work. It’s significantly larger than a phone and provides a better video-watching, reading, and multitasking experience, but it’s not nearly as large as a laptop display, so it’s easier to carry around or hold when lounging on the couch. The size makes it easy to transition from reading in portrait orientation to knocking out an email in landscape mode.
The jump to 256GB costs $150 (at Apple’s regular retail price), but it’s worthwhile if you plan to hang on to this iPad for multiple years. If you are a frequent traveler and plan to use an iPad outside of your home a lot, however, a built-in cellular connection is often faster, more reliable, and easier than using your phone’s hotspot. I’ve used an iPad Pro with built-in cellular during a long train commute for years, and it’s been worth the cost every time. The Air’s design is the same as that of the iPad Pro, with a squared-off aluminum back and sides and evenly proportioned bezels around its whole display.
But when you’re holding the iPad Air in landscape orientation, the camera feels like it’s in the wrong spot, and Apple’s software tricks to correct it are not always the most convincing. (Apple has addressed this problem with its lower-tier 10th-gen iPad by moving the camera to the longer edge, but it has not yet done so for the rest of the lineup.)
The Air’s stereo speakers (one on the left and right side, when held in landscape orientation) are loud and clear and work great for movie or video watching. The Air also supports Apple’s latest Pencil ($129 retail, sometimes on sale for less) for writing and drawing, and it can magnetically snap to the side of the tablet for charging and storage.
You, as a parent, will still want it to be updated to current software and security patches, so it’s important to avoid something that isn’t supported anymore.
The ninth-gen model has the traditional iPad look, with larger bezels around the screen and a home button (with Touch ID biometric authentication).
It’s clear that even Apple realizes the 10th-gen iPad isn’t quite a direct replacement for the ninth-gen model due to its significantly higher price and different features. So as long as Apple continues to sell the ninth-gen model, that is our recommendation for budget shoppers and an iPad for kids.
It works fine as a stylus for writing and drawing on the screen, but there’s nowhere to store it when you’re not using it unless you buy a third-party case, and charging it requires plugging it into the iPad’s Lightning port, which is awkward and clumsy. In my testing, it never lagged or slowed down when I was using it, the screen is sharp and colorful, and it’s comfortable to hold for long stretches of time. The 12.9-inch Pro rewards you with a more expansive display for juggling multiple apps, especially if you use the new Stage Manager windowing feature. It also has the best screen on any iPad, with its Mini LED technology, providing searing brightness, deep blacks, and rich colors.
As a result, many iPad Pro 12.9 owners find they don’t end up taking it out of the Magic Keyboard case very often. A new feature introduced with the 2022 model allows you to preview line strokes or selections with the Apple Pencil before you put them onto the screen.
Most people do not need all of the features of the latest iPad Pro, which makes buying an older version a compelling option. At full prices, the iPad Air is a better option than the 11-inch Pro, but if you’re able to find a prior-year model refurbished or on sale, then it might be the one to go with. The Mini provides access to many more reading sources than a Kindle, though it can’t match the battery life of Amazon’s e-reader. This is the only iPad that Apple doesn’t make a keyboard accessory for, and it’s obvious why: it’s just too small to really be comfortable to type anything of length on.
iPad
With Apple Trade In, just give us your eligible iPad and get credit for a new one.
Best iPad deals for November 2023
Just remember, iPads are always in high demand, so as a result they tend to sell out fast. As a result, we’re recommending you snatch up any iPad deals you see right now before models run out of stock. Our favorite iPad deals right now come courtesy of Amazon and Best Buy. Make sure to follow our Black Friday deals coverage for the best discounts happening now through the end of the year. The Editor’s Choice 2021 iPad mini features an all new thin-bezel design, a larger 8.3.inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity. In our iPad mini 6 review, we called it a perfect fit for anyone looking for a one-handed tablet experience for reading books or watching movies.
The tablet features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640), 12MP wide (rear) camera, USB-C charging, and Magic Keyboard support. In our iPad Pro 2022 review we called it an all-around great tablet that delivers solid performance, a handy new Apple Pencil Hover feature, and excellent video quality.
If you’re an artist, using an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil can be just as effective as a high-end graphics tablet for a much lower price.
The matte finish, weighted feel and wireless charging also make it a great upgrade over the 1st Generation Apple Pencil. It’s got an outstanding feature set, with a built-in keyboard and trackpad and dedicated shortcut buttons. Through the year, I’ve learned to spot a good iPad deal from an ordinary sale.
Generally speaking, Amazon and Best Buy are my go-to retailers for iPad deals. No other retailer comes close to offering the prices you’ll find at Amazon and Best Buy. So if you see one iPad on sale at Best Buy, chances are high Amazon is also offering that price (or will in the very near future). One of my favorite ways to save money on your next iPad purchase is to trade-in your old model.
Note: iPad deals on new models can usually be found within a month of the tablet’s release, sometimes faster. Check out our iPad 2021 review to see our full thoughts on Apple’s budget tablet. But don’t let its size fool you — the iPad mini is one powerful tablet. The 2021 iPad mini features an all new thin-bezel design, a larger 8.3.inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity.
It packs Apple’s powerful M1 chip, a 12MP front camera with Center Stage, and 5G connectivity (optional). 11-inch iPad Pro ($749): This tablet packs an 11-inch 2388 x 1668 Liquid Retina display with ProMotion (120Hz). Note: This tablet doesn’t feature mini-LED technology found on the larger iPad Pro 12.9-inch. Other retailers like Best Buy, B&H Photo, and Walmart tend to offer similar prices.
So when looking for iPad deals at Amazon, it’s worth checking various colors for the lowest price. So it’s always worth checking older iPad models (when available) to save some extra cash.
Apple iPad 9th Gen 10.2 2021 Tablet (Wi-Fi+64GB)
12.9-inch LCD backed iPad Air reportedly in the works Apple is prepping up for the next slot of launches in the coming months.
Walmart: Grocery & Shopping
Discover thousands of items at the same everyday low prices as in store, including groceries, appliances, clothing, toys, furniture, electronics, and more. Choose convenient in-store pickup at your nearest Walmart store or home delivery and have your order delivered right to your door. Say “goodbye” to long commutes and lineups and “hello” to effortless online shopping with Walmart Canada’s user-friendly app.
Shop all Walmart Canada’s aisles from one convenient app, from fresh and frozen groceries to general merchandise, and more.
When you’ve finished your grocery shopping, select a convenient time to pick up your order at your nearest Walmart store. Use the Walmart App to scan product barcodes in-store or at-home to see pricing, availability, reviews, and more to help make shopping easier.
Order gifts, décor, food, and more for holidays and special occasions, with a wide selection of toys, electronics, appliances, clothing, groceries, and more under one app. Find the latest electronics—including TVs, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, and more—along with the specs, reviews, pricing, shipping options, and other details you need to purchase with confidence.
Me@Walmart Canada
Walmart associates must be enrolled in 2 step verification to access the internal features which include: * Ask Sam: Your search/voice assistant to help you answer questions related to products, metrics, huddle notes and more.
Walmart Canada’s Black Friday deals include PS5 bundle, iPhone 14 Plus
PS5 bundle (includes Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III): $649.96 (save $89.96 on the game) Turtle Beach XO Stealth 600 USB headset for PlayStation or Xbox: $79.96 (regularly $129.96) It should be noted that both the picture in Walmart’s flyer and the name of the listing for the PS5 bundle indicate that it’s the new, slimmer model. Update November 9th, 2023 at 2:15pm ET: More Canadian retailers have joined Walmart in listing the PS5 Slim, suggesting a launch could be imminent.
Best Buy Canada
Apple Tablets are sleek, simple to use, and highly intuitive, making it easy to work, play, browse, watch, and so much more at the touch of a button or a flick on the touchscreen. In addition, iOS now is a perfect companion to macOS on your computer for a seamless experience when switching from an iPhone, to an iPad, to a MacBook and to an Apple TV
• Security: The latest iPad models come with fingerprint identity sensors that let you log in to accounts, shop, and more without ever re-entering your password, while your information stays safe from hacks.
Safely edit and save studio photos in RAW formats when you choose a 128GB model, or stick to a 16GB capacity if you mostly work online.
• Ease of use: Apple engineers ensure that every installment of the iPad is intuitive and simple to use, so you can swipe, pinch, and tap your way through any number of tasks like a pro, right out of the box.
Be First to Comment