iPad Pro with strange model number

[FlavioX]

I am about to buy a second hand iPad Pro 2017 but is does not have the usual model number starting with MQ. It is supposed to be MQDA2LL/A but this one is 3D113Y/A.

I have Googled it but could not find anything.

Does this model number mean anything special?

 

[ventmore]

It’s showing up on google on some non-English pages. It seems to indicate that it’s a demo model.

 

[darkarn]

If in doubt, don't buy it.

Buy only when 100% sure!

 

[Brian Y]

Yep, that's a demo unit from Spain.

Walk away!

 

[FlavioX]

What exactly is a demo unit?

Another seller who was trying to sell a demo unit told me that it had some sort of screen protector underneath the glass? I don't know what the purpose of this is.

I have spoken to Apple Support and they cannot give me any information based on the model number.
They only use the serial number (DLXV10Z4J262) and that checks out as the right model and it is still under warranty.

 

[Brian Y]

What exactly is a demo unit?

Another seller who was trying to sell a demo unit told me that it had some sort of screen protector underneath the glass? I don't know what the purpose of this is.

I have spoken to Apple Support and they cannot give me any information based on the model number.
They only use the serial number (DLXV10Z4J262) and that checks out as the right model and it is still under warranty.

A demo unit is one given to retail stores (not Apple retail stores) to display on the shop floor as a demonstration unit.

Whilst it's not illegal to sell them, it's a) often a breach of the stores agreement to do so whilst the product is still current and b) more than likely stolen, as a shop would sell it off themselves as "ex demo" once the model is obsolete (why would a shop sell its demo unit while the product is still current?)

 

[willmtaylor]

Don’t do it. Either been a floor model or it was stolen. Either way, if the seller didn’t disclose their, I would give them any of my hard-earned cash.

 

[darkarn]

Walk away!

Seconding this, way too suspicious to my liking. Also, even if legit, I do not think that Apple will be willing or able to service such units.

Just try more reputable sources or just get a refurb from Apple.

Remember, in such deals, ultimately the customer will lose out!

 

[FlavioX]

Like I said previously Apple does not look at the model number but only at the serial number and gives a valid warranty check. I don't what to think of this.

 

[systemind]

Don’t buy it.

 

[Brian Y]

Like I said previously Apple does not look at the model number but only at the serial number and gives a valid warranty check. I don't what to think of this.

The warranty checker isn't the be-all-and-end-all. For devices not sold by Apple, and not updated by a reseller, it goes purely on the date code in the serial number, which is when the device was made.

If/when it goes off for repair, they will look at the model number. It will have a different part number to a stock unit (yes, consumer model numbers do relate to service part numbers, and chances are that part number will flag up as not eligible for service.

At the end of the day it's your money, spend it how you want.

 

[FlavioX]

The warranty checker isn't the be-all-and-end-all. For devices not sold by Apple, and not updated by a reseller, it goes purely on the date code in the serial number, which is when the device was made.

If/when it goes off for repair, they will look at the model number. It will have a different part number to a stock unit (yes, consumer model numbers do relate to service part numbers, and chances are that part number will flag up as not eligible for service.

At the end of the day it's your money, spend it how you want.

I have decided to buy it. The seller seemed legit and I'll take my chances with the warranty. I was also thinking of buying a 2015 iPad Pro 12.9 and those are out of warranty also. The 2017 one was a better deal.

 

[steve62388]

I have decided to buy it. The seller seemed legit and I'll take my chances with the warranty. I was also thinking of buying a 2015 iPad Pro 12.9 and those are out of warranty also. The 2017 one was a better deal.

Foolish decision. Would it have killed you just to look for a different used unit?