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Still at least $100 too much IMHO.
I have not seen one outside an Apple Store, and it is real, real hard to justify at the RRP, particularly when you consider the need to purchase accessories like the pencil to justify the use case. I think it is priced above what the market will bear. People will pay a premium for Apple products, but I think the iPad Pro managed to breech the upper boundary layer.

The launch of the 12.9 inch iPad Pro was an opportunity to reset the iPad's price points at a lower level across all iPads, and thus help revive sales. That opportunity is now missed without some heavy application of Jobs' RDF, which like Thor's hammer, Cook can't pick up.
 
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One of those was probably an iPad that I returned after being disappointed. Aside from the exorbitant price, there was (almost) nothing wrong with it. I was disappointed because it could not replace my laptop. The trackpad on the MacBook Pro are just irreplaceable.
 
I really want an iPad Pro 9.7 - thin, small, light, best video display out there.

My formula is simple: wait for the second edition, wait for refurb deal on the first edition. Then buy the refurb.

Fairly safe formula since Apple has such high quality control.
 
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I really want an iPad Pro 9.7 - thin, small, light, best video display out there.

My formula is simple: wait for the second edition, wait for refurb deal on the first edition. Then buy the refurb.

Fairly safe formula since Apple has such high quality control.
interesting. especially since new iPads periodically sell for LESS than Apple's refurbs.
 
interesting. especially since new iPads periodically sell for LESS than Apple's refurbs.

It's honestly why I have never pulled the trigger on any of Apple's refurbs(Mac or iPad), especially since you have to pay sales tax. The sales tax alone negates any monetary savings vs buying new from a place like B&H who has lower prices AND no tax.
 
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It's honestly why I have never pulled the trigger on any of Apple's refurbs(Mac or iPad), especially since you have to pay sales tax. The sales tax alone negates any monetary savings vs buying new from a place like B&H who has lower prices AND no tax.

Excellent point. And this is what most consumers do not consider when purchasing from Apple. Also, B&H Photo has an excellent reputation and their price points are some of the most competitive on the Web. They have amazing customer service, same day shipping and an upstanding return policy.
 
Not bad, getting closer to $599 9.7 base price,

still glad I got a best buy geek squad recertified refurbished 12.9 32gb (that was really just open box as far as I can tell) for $450 a few months ago :D what a steal

Sounds like you did well with your purchase. But a for-warning, Geek Squads Refurbished inspections are a joke. They do very little with the device to ensure its fully functional, besides turning it on. They only inspect for physical damage and basic functionality. In fairness, they used to do more with Apple products, but being Geek Squad Employee's have menial hiring requirements and their overall experience levels are that of a novice.

And Apple products can be difficult to service at times.
 
Has a refurb been tested even more thoroughly than a new iPad since it was tested when first shipped and then inspected again and repaired if necessary to refurbish and repackage it? I've often wondered if buying refurbished is basically what I should do for every Apple product. Like should I never buy new. Anyone out there buy refurbish all the time?
 
Pfft...I picked up the 32 GB 9.7" iPad Pro cellular model in mint condition for $525 on Swappa. Very pleased with that price. $679 for the 32 GB 12.9" Wi-Fi only model still seems too high; but I guess people are buying them even at $799 so who am I to judge?

Refurbished means second hand, doesn't it? In that case the price is still very high imho. But it's worth what the customer wants to pay for it. Considering last years parts are worth half the price today (meaning screen, ram, etc. Apple gets them at much lower prices but never adjust those for the consumers)
 
Refurbished is the way to go! Got my Time Capsule and Airport Express that way.
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Has a refurb been tested even more thoroughly than a new iPad since it was tested when first shipped and then inspected again and repaired if necessary to refurbish and repackage it? I've often wondered if buying refurbished is basically what I should do for every Apple product. Like should I never buy new. Anyone out there buy refurbish all the time?

Refurbished products could simply be returned for aesthetic reasons. And then they get a second human review. I am of the opinion that they are actually superior. The way to go if you you don't need something right now, or built-to-order.
 
Refurbished is the way to go! Got my Time Capsule and Airport Express that way.
[doublepost=1470833311][/doublepost]

Refurbished products could simply be returned for aesthetic reasons. And then they get a second human review. I am of the opinion that they are actually superior. The way to go if you you don't need something right now, or built-to-order.
Yes, they could simply be returned for aesthetic reasons. They could also be returned for damage that is not immediately visible (for example: exposure to excessive heat/cold, etc.) that wouldn't be detected by a "second human review". That wouldn't affect usage now, but could impact longevity of the device.

You are entitled to believe that refurbs are superior, but I prefer to buy new... especially when they can be purchased for LESS than a refurb.
 
Sounds like you did well with your purchase. But a for-warning, Geek Squads Refurbished inspections are a joke. They do very little with the device to ensure its fully functional, besides turning it on. They only inspect for physical damage and basic functionality. In fairness, they used to do more with Apple products, but being Geek Squad Employee's have menial hiring requirements and their overall experience levels are that of a novice.

And Apple products can be difficult to service at times.

Mine is still fully in warranty and I thoroughly inspected before the 30 days was up. I fear nothing :p
 
Refurbished is the way to go! Got my Time Capsule and Airport Express that way.
[doublepost=1470833311][/doublepost]

Refurbished products could simply be returned for aesthetic reasons. And then they get a second human review. I am of the opinion that they are actually superior. The way to go if you you don't need something right now, or built-to-order.

I've been thinking the same thing. That second level of review might be adding value. If I'm getting a better product and paying less, then maybe I should only buy refurbished.
 
It's possible I could be interested in a refurb 9.7" iPad Pro once they become available. Although I'd like to see newly updated iPad Mini's released this Fall instead. I really like the size of the Mini better than the more full sized models.
 
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It's honestly why I have never pulled the trigger on any of Apple's refurbs(Mac or iPad), especially since you have to pay sales tax. The sales tax alone negates any monetary savings vs buying new from a place like B&H who has lower prices AND no tax.

To be fair, I think the tax thing really depends on what country/state you're in, as (at least in the USA) not every state enforces sales tax.
 
To be fair, I think the tax thing really depends on what country/state you're in, as (at least in the USA) not every state enforces sales tax.
True, but it still doesn't really affect much. For example, assuming your state has no tax, Apple's price for a 128GB Wi Fi 12.9" is $809. B&H has it brand new for $849. I'll pay the $40 on a thousand dollar device to get it brand new.

In place like where I live, Los Angeles Metro area, I pay 9%. So in the example above, I'd actually be paying more for a refurb than a new iPad Pro from B&H.

Similar with the Macs. $1699 for a refurb base 15" would be good deal, but I'm going to pay $130+ in tax, bringing the price to around $1830. B&H has it brand new for $1849. Even if your state has no tax, you might as well pay the relatively minor $150(For a $2K device) to get brand new. But that's just me.

Same with my Apple TV. I paid $208 in total for a 64GB Apple TV 4 + Apple HDMI cable from B&H. The same combo was $5 cheaper for a refurb from Apple after tax. Even with no tax, it still would've only been $20 cheaper.

If you're sweating $20-40 on 1-2 thousand dollar devices, you probably shouldn't be buying iPads and rMBPs.
 
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It's honestly why I have never pulled the trigger on any of Apple's refurbs(Mac or iPad), especially since you have to pay sales tax. The sales tax alone negates any monetary savings vs buying new from a place like B&H who has lower prices AND no tax.
Technically, you are supposed to pay the tax when you file your annual tax forms...
Kind of like speeding when no cops are there...
 
Technically, you are supposed to pay the tax when you file your annual tax forms...
Kind of like speeding when no cops are there...

I'm well aware. Didn't know the IRS and the State employees browsed Macrumors. :p:rolleyes:

Even then, its only really if the item is over $1000. There's a general tax that you can pay if you don't have all the receipts from all online purchases less than $1000 which covers throughout the year - came out $2 total. (I'm in college still so I make less than $10,000 a year). I'll continue to buy from B&H with no sales tax thank you. :p
 
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