iPad Pro Get the new iPad Pro at Costco and save big

[ac360]

I placed an order of the new iPad Pro 11-inch on the Apple Education Store ($50 off comparing to regular store). My Apple Card would save me another $27.

I noticed that Costco also was selling the new iPad Pro at the same price as the Apple Education Store. Lately, Costco is giving members $100 promo codes (online only; expires 05/07). The promo codes were sent to certain members via email. If you didn't get the code, you can try calling or online chat; that's how I got mine.

So, I got the new iPad Pro 11-inch on Costco, at Apple's education pricing, plus $100 off, plus a reward of $15 for Costco Executive Members, and plus $10 credit card rebate.

Here's one note: The order won't be available until 05/24 or after. Also, Costco would charge a $4.99 standard shipping even if one chooses to pick up in a Costco warehouse.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Here's one note: The order won't be available until 05/24 or after. Also, Costco would charge a $4.99 standard shipping even if one chooses to pick up in a Costco warehouse.

It isn't free shipping? That's quite disappointing.

 

[ac360]

It isn't free shipping? That's quite disappointing.

Yeah, I was surprised about the shipping charge. But I guess the $100 promo can help offset shipping.

 

[LibbyLA]

Unfortunately, I only see wifi ones and I want cellular. Looks like a nice deal, though! Thanks for posting about it.

 

[ac360]

Unfortunately, I only see wifi ones and I want cellular. Looks like a nice deal, though! Thanks for posting about it.

You’re correct. WiFi models only.

I once had a cellular model and barely used cellular connection. Most of the time, I had WiFi or mobile hotspot nearby. So I’m going with WiFi only this time.

 

[TheRealAlex]

I placed an order of the new iPad Pro 11-inch on the Apple Education Store ($50 off comparing to regular store). My Apple Card would save me another $27.

I noticed that Costco also was selling the new iPad Pro at the same price as the Apple Education Store. Lately, Costco is giving members $100 promo codes (online only; expires 05/07). The promo codes were sent to certain members via email. If you didn't get the code, you can try calling or online chat; that's how I got mine.

So, I got the new iPad Pro 11-inch on Costco, at Apple's education pricing, plus $100 off, plus a reward of $15 for Costco Executive Members, and plus $10 credit card rebate.

Here's one note: The order won't be available until 05/24 or after. Also, Costco would charge a $4.99 standard shipping even if one chooses to pick up in a Costco warehouse.

Heading there now. Was meaning to join Costco soon. Also are you aware you can join Costco and cancel the Membership before it’s up and get a full membership refund. That being said there’s a new COSTCO Business center nearby, that’s Exclusively for Executive Members (must show business License to join $120) and Only Executive Level members are allowed inside. Local Costco’s are Over run and way over packed.

 

[doboy]

Heading there now. Was meaning to join Costco soon. Also are you aware you can join Costco and cancel the Membership before it’s up and get a full membership refund. That being said there’s a new COSTCO Business center nearby, that’s Exclusively for Executive Members (must show business License to join $120) and Only Executive Level members are allowed inside. Local Costco’s are Over run and way over packed.

Our local business center is open to every member

 

[ac360]

Heading there now. Was meaning to join Costco soon. Also are you aware you can join Costco and cancel the Membership before it’s up and get a full membership refund. That being said there’s a new COSTCO Business center nearby, that’s Exclusively for Executive Members (must show business License to join $120) and Only Executive Level members are allowed inside. Local Costco’s are Over run and way over packed.

Good to know. I do buy quite a lot from Costco each year, and the 2% rewards I get would cover my membership. So I plan to keep Costco membership.

Recently, I booked a rental car using Costco travel for an upcoming trip. The great thing about getting a rental car through Costco Travel is that one can add a driver for free. That alone would save a lot of money to help justify Costco membership.

 

[LibbyLA]

You’re correct. WiFi models only.

I once had a cellular model and barely used cellular connection. Most of the time, I had WiFi or mobile hotspot nearby. So I’m going with WiFi only this time.

I have a Samsung phone and a 2G data plan (with 2G additional bonus data). We usually spend a couple of weekends a month at our camp, which has no electricity (we have a camper with propane tank, some solar, and generators when we need power) so no phone, no internet, and poor cell signal. I’d go through that data in no time if I hotspotted my phone. I used to have a hotspot device on my plan but deactivated it once I got cellular iPads.

My phone is Verizon and we have poor Verizon signal at the camp but decent AT&T. It’s cheaper for me to pay $70 to AT&T for cell service on two ipads (Mini 5 for hauling around when I run my cameras, iPP 11 when I need bigger screen/keyboard) than it is to go to a larger (unlimited) Verizon plan and add two tablets to it, not to mention the Verizon signal issue. I pay less than $160/month for service for two Samsung phones and a cellular trail cameras (under $90 to Verizon plus $70 to AT&T), which is quite a bit less than I’d spend on a larger data plan, not to mention convenience.

When we are traveling to our camp (a little over 2 hours), I have the Mini 5 navigating, streaming our favorite radio station, and I’m checking email, social media, playing games, etc. When I’m checking cameras at the camp, I use the Mini 5 to monitor cell cams I’m tinkering with, plus keeping in touch when I need to.

We have fairly frequent power outages for bad weather but my cellular iPads keep me tuned in. My parents don’t have internet and Verizon signal is bad. T-Mobile seems to have reasonable signal there so I switch between T-Mo and AT&T while I’m there. I have to go out in the yard to get signal on my Verizon phone. (Why Verizon? At home, where I am most of the time, it’s way more reliable than AT&T during disasters and it costs me less.)

I know cellular isn’t for everyone, probably not even for most people, but it’s just about a necessity for me.

 

[ac360]

I have a Samsung phone and a 2G data plan (with 2G additional bonus data). We usually spend a couple of weekends a month at our camp, which has no electricity (we have a camper with propane tank, some solar, and generators when we need power) so no phone, no internet, and poor cell signal. I’d go through that data in no time if I hotspotted my phone. I used to have a hotspot device on my plan but deactivated it once I got cellular iPads.

My phone is Verizon and we have poor Verizon signal at the camp but decent AT&T. It’s cheaper for me to pay $70 to AT&T for cell service on two ipads (Mini 5 for hauling around when I run my cameras, iPP 11 when I need bigger screen/keyboard) than it is to go to a larger (unlimited) Verizon plan and add two tablets to it, not to mention the Verizon signal issue. I pay less than $160/month for service for two Samsung phones and a cellular trail cameras (under $90 to Verizon plus $70 to AT&T), which is quite a bit less than I’d spend on a larger data plan, not to mention convenience.

When we are traveling to our camp (a little over 2 hours), I have the Mini 5 navigating, streaming our favorite radio station, and I’m checking email, social media, playing games, etc. When I’m checking cameras at the camp, I use the Mini 5 to monitor cell cams I’m tinkering with, plus keeping in touch when I need to.

We have fairly frequent power outages for bad weather but my cellular iPads keep me tuned in. My parents don’t have internet and Verizon signal is bad. T-Mobile seems to have reasonable signal there so I switch between T-Mo and AT&T while I’m there. I have to go out in the yard to get signal on my Verizon phone. (Why Verizon? At home, where I am most of the time, it’s way more reliable than AT&T during disasters and it costs me less.)

I know cellular isn’t for everyone, probably not even for most people, but it’s just about a necessity for me.

I agree. I depends on each person’s needs.

 

[iamMacPerson]

If you're buying from Costco, it would also be worth picking up AppleCare. It's normally $129 and $149 for the 11" and 12.9" respectively from Apple but Costco has them for $99 and $114.99. I had to sit and do some napkin math. For me, since I got the education discount from Apple, the savings would be about $79 including AppleCare going through Costco. I was sitting debating waiting it out, if the Costco order took longer to arrive than the last week of May, and that's when I remembered I was using a bunch of Apple Gift Cards to buy the iPad and decided it wasn't worth it lol. It's an excellent deal though! Just know it seems these coupons expire next Friday so act quickly.

Also, not only do they not have the Cellular models, they do not seem to have the 1TB and 2TB models. I can't find them anywhere. I'm not sure if they're too expensive and they're not going to carry them or if this is due to a shortage of the Terabyte models.

 

[ac360]

If you're buying from Costco, it would also be worth picking up AppleCare. It's normally $129 and $149 for the 11" and 12.9" respectively from Apple but Costco has them for $99 and $114.99. I had to sit and do some napkin math. For me, since I got the education discount from Apple, the savings would be about $79 including AppleCare going through Costco. I was sitting debating waiting it out, if the Costco order took longer to arrive than the last week of May, and that's when I remembered I was using a bunch of Apple Gift Cards to buy the iPad and decided it wasn't worth it lol. It's an excellent deal though! Just know it seems these coupons expire next Friday so act quickly.

Also, not only do they not have the Cellular models, they do not seem to have the 1TB and 2TB models. I can't find them anywhere. I'm not sure if they're too expensive and they're not going to carry them or if this is due to a shortage of the Terabyte models.

Uh oh, I already placed the iPad order without AppleCare+.

Hmm, not sure if I can add AppleCare+ from Costco at this point…

Oh well.

 

[thadoggfather]

Uh oh, I already placed the iPad order without AppleCare+.

Hmm, not sure if I can add AppleCare+ from Costco at this point…

Oh well.

Skip a few AC+ and roll the dice, and you'll have paid for a new device after a handful of purchases.

I'm not convinced anymore its worth it. Even when major issues crop up, like spotlighting, its well past what the AC+ period would be.

your mileage may vary

 

[ac360]

Skip a few AC+ and roll the dice, and you'll have paid for a new device after a handful of purchases.

I'm not convinced anymore its worth it. Even when major issues crop up, like spotlighting, its well past what the AC+ period would be.

your mileage may vary

That was my experience with my MBPs and my prior iPad Pro. Never used AC+ on them, so I stopped buying AC+ for those devices.

I always had AC+ on my iPhone because of the iPhone Upgrade Program (it’s my guilty pleasure to have a new iPhone every year).

 

[iamMacPerson]

Skip a few AC+ and roll the dice, and you'll have paid for a new device after a handful of purchases.

I'm not convinced anymore its worth it. Even when major issues crop up, like spotlighting, its well past what the AC+ period would be.

your mileage may vary

I mean it's $149 for the 12.9" from Apple directly. You would have to skip buying it on 7 iPads of the same price in order to pay for a new base model 12.9".

For me it's worth it. Almost every device I have owned has had to be repaired or replace within the 1-2 additional years of coverage AppleCare affords. It was not uncommon for me to have 4-5 logic board replacements for video problems on my MacBook Pros until I landed on my 2018. As much hate as the the 2018 MacBook Pro gets it's been the most reliable out of all the MacBooks I have owned. My 10.5" iPad Pro had the volume buttons stop responding while under AppleCare and my iPhone had speaker static and cutting out issues about 2 months before the warranty lapsed. Just one instance of repair makes the AppleCare worth it and I almost always have to use it.

 

[thadoggfather]

I mean it's $149 for the 12.9" from Apple directly. You would have to skip buying it on 7 iPads of the same price in order to pay for a new base model 12.9".

For me it's worth it. Almost every device I have owned has had to be repaired or replace within the 1-2 additional years of coverage AppleCare affords. It was not uncommon for me to have 4-5 logic board replacements for video problems on my MacBook Pros until I landed on my 2018. As much hate as the the 2018 MacBook Pro gets it's been the most reliable out of all the MacBooks I have owned. My 10.5" iPad Pro had the volume buttons stop responding while under AppleCare and my iPhone had speaker static and cutting out issues about 2 months before the warranty lapsed. Just one instance of repair makes the AppleCare worth it and I almost always have to use it.

That’s one scenario

another is you’re betting on losing where you may not need to

there’s arguments to be made both ways

if you tack on cost of a warranty the Costco deal becomes a break even. If you don’t need to use that warranty you’ve essentially saved nothing

never needed to use my s4 watch ac+, expired. Never needed to use my iPad mini 5 stock warranty and ac+ if I had it would’ve expired by now

would’ve been able to use my 12.9 2017 ac+ if I had it for spotlighting only ... if only it didn’t happen several years later like it did, not in the 2 year timeframe

‘used’ ac plan on my 2016 no Touch Bar MacBook Pro, but it was for things covered with an extension even without warranty (spotlighting was acknowledged as an issue , same with the butterfly keys failing )

there’s a counterpoint where it wouldn’t have helped anything

 

[iamMacPerson]

That’s one scenario

another is you’re betting on losing where you may not need to

there’s arguments to be made both ways

if you tack on cost of a warranty the Costco deal becomes a break even. If you don’t need to use that warranty you’ve essentially saved nothing

never needed to use my s4 watch ac+, expired. Never needed to use my iPad mini 5 stock warranty and ac+ if I had it would’ve expired by now

would’ve been able to use my 12.9 2017 ac+ if I had it for spotlighting only ... if only it didn’t happen several years later like it did, not in the 2 year timeframe

‘used’ ac plan on my 2016 no Touch Bar MacBook Pro, but it was for things covered with an extension even without warranty (spotlighting was acknowledged as an issue , same with the butterfly keys failing )

there’s a counterpoint where it wouldn’t have helped anything

For me it's rarely not been worth it, so I still buy it. To each their own. Personally I still recommend getting it. The only time I didn't was on my Apple Watch as they've rarely been problem devices, and a friend's iPad 8th Gen as the cost the warranty made up too great of a percentage of the device itself.

 

[doboy]

That was my experience with my MBPs and my prior iPad Pro. Never used AC+ on them, so I stopped buying AC+ for those devices.

I always had AC+ on my iPhone because of the iPhone Upgrade Program (it’s my guilty pleasure to have a new iPhone every year).

Never purchased AC+ on any my iPads I’ve owned (9 of them so far) and won’t be buying one for this one either. However, I did use Citi Costco card which extends warranty by 2 additional years, although not as easy to use as AC. Knock on wood.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Uh oh, I already placed the iPad order without AppleCare+.

Hmm, not sure if I can add AppleCare+ from Costco at this point…

Oh well.

It is not sold separately at Costco unfortunately.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Can anyone share their experience with warranty service through Costco/Citi? The only reason to get AC+ through Costco would be the accidental coverage, because otherwise the Costco warranty is longer — though I don’t know if it’s a hassle to make claims.

 

[muzzy996]

Skip a few AC+ and roll the dice, and you'll have paid for a new device after a handful of purchases.

I'm not convinced anymore its worth it. Even when major issues crop up, like spotlighting, its well past what the AC+ period would be.

your mileage may vary

Dice roll for sure and does vary. Wasn't worth it for my macbook pro years back but has been worth it for my gen2 iPP 12.9. I'm on replacement device 3 having only paid the original $129 AC+ fee and about 7 months of $6/mo payments on AC+. Each device I got developed touch screen sensitivity issues several months into ownership. Had I rolled the dice and not gotten AC+ I would have had to have bought into the 2018 model and would have been behind several hundred bucks in the process right now, especially considering I'd have to buy new a newer generation keyboard and pencil too.

To me it depends on the purchase price of the iPP. I wouldn't get AC+ on a lower end device but I'd at least consider it on a higher storage cellular 12.9. I do believe out of warranty replacement is a flat rate $699 or something but still, shelling out that kind of cash on top of the high original purchase price stings.

All that said, the newer generation models of the iPP were less likely to develop the touch screen issues or white spot issues that were seen on the 12.9's and 10.5's so although the cost of ownership is higher now the risk may be lower. Time will tell what the XDR screen 12.9 will be like though.

 

[thadoggfather]

Dice roll for sure and does vary. Wasn't worth it for my macbook pro years back but has been worth it for my gen2 iPP 12.9. I'm on replacement device 3 having only paid the original $129 AC+ fee and about 7 months of $6/mo payments on AC+. Each device I got developed touch screen sensitivity issues several months into ownership. Had I rolled the dice and not gotten AC+ I would have had to have bought into the 2018 model and would have been behind several hundred bucks in the process right now, especially considering I'd have to buy new a newer generation keyboard and pencil too.

To me it depends on the purchase price of the iPP. I wouldn't get AC+ on a lower end device but I'd at least consider it on a higher storage cellular 12.9. I do believe out of warranty replacement is a flat rate $699 or something but still, shelling out that kind of cash on top of the high original purchase price stings.

All that said, the newer generation models of the iPP were less likely to develop the touch screen issues or white spot issues that were seen on the 12.9's and 10.5's so although the cost of ownership is higher now the risk may be lower. Time will tell what the XDR screen 12.9 will be like though.

I think that makes sense. If you go with a high end SKU, I definitely see the perceived value.

 

[rui no onna]

To me it depends on the purchase price of the iPP. I wouldn't get AC+ on a lower end device but I'd at least consider it on a higher storage cellular 12.9. I do believe out of warranty replacement is a flat rate $699 or something but still, shelling out that kind of cash on top of the high original purchase price stings.

Yep. At the high OOW repair cost, one can be quite torn between warranty replacement with 90-day warranty or just upgrade to a new device with full warranty. Worse yet is if the device breaks shortly before keynote but longer than the return period.

Another consideration for me, that $699 is subject to sales tax in my area so it's more like $770.

 

[questioner76]

Thanks for the tip! For folks who need to call or ask Costco for the promo code (which I just got through doing), it's a save $100 off of $500 promo code. That might make things faster for you.

 

[python0704]

I also got the code but debating whether to upgrade my 10.5 Pro which still runs good except for the aging battery. I could just change the battery for $99 but I don’t want to waste such a good code.