During the new iPad unveiling yesterday, Apple announced it would drop the price of the 16GB iPad 2 to $399
with the Wi-Fi + 3G model discounted to $529. This was, of course, to
make room for the new iPad, which would start at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi
model and $629 for the 16GB Wi-Fi + 4G model. We knew the price drop
would likely be implemented by the new iPad’s March 16 launch date, but
it seems BestBuy and other retailers are already offering the new
prices. BestBuy is now advertising
not just the 16GB models, but the entire iPad 2 lineup, for $100 off
the usual pricing. However, the best price we have been able to find
comes from Micro Center. It is offering the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 for $360.
BestBuy is advertising the new iPad as being available on March 16 (despite Apple’s own shipping times slipping), but it has not announced preorders for the device. On the other hand, RadioShack
confirmed that you can now preorder the new iPad by purchasing a $50
gift card that can also go towards the final purchase price. Its website
is listing all iPad 2′s as on sale in-store. RadioShack’s full press
release below also outlines its trade-in program for old iPads:
I’m writing to let you know RadioShack
will start selling the hot new tablet on Friday, March 16.
Starting today, the new iPad® will also be
available for pre-order by purchasing a $50 RadioShack gift card that
can be used toward the final purchase.
To celebrate the launch, customers can use
RadioShack’s Trade & Save program to receive up to $350 for an
iPad 2® and up to $175 on an original iPad® in working condition.
Customers can also use their Shack Card on the purchase of a new iPad®
or iPad 2® to receive a $50 mail in rebate. This special promotion will
end on Saturday, March 31.
Benefits of purchasing the new iPad® at RadioShack include:
• RadioShack’s smaller stores and neighborhood locations make shopping for Apple products and accessories more convenient.
• RadioShack’s Trade & Save
program allows customers to trade in an old mobile device or other
retired technology and immediately apply the appraised trade-in value
toward a current purchase. Shoppers can appraise their device at http://www.RadioShack.com/tradein, and then bring their device to the store to have the appraisal confirmed and complete the trade.
• RadioShack’s Mobile Product Support
(MPS), as free service available with any in-store mobile device or
tablet purchase. MPS includes free expert support over the lifetime of
the device. The 24/7 mobile support is accessible via phone, live online
chat at RadioShack.com, email or online forums.
• RadioShack is proud to be on the short
list of retailers that provide customers with optional AppleCare + for
accidental damage to iPads. Joining Target, phone carriers and Apple
stores, AppleCare+ can be added with the purchase of your iPad at
RadioShack locations nationwide.
via[9to5mac]