Staples has all iPad Air 2 models for $150 off (read if you're considering a mini 4)

[sracer]

So many stores have the iPad Air 2 on sale. There must be something coming this year. We are not even in the holiday season yet. I am trying to determine if I should buy now or wait and see what happens. Thoughts?

For comparison: there have regularly been killer deals on Macbook Airs over the last 12-16 months and yet there were no major new models released (just a minor spec bump).

Sales can be indicative of an attempt to clear out before a new gen is available. But it could also mean that these companies have contracted to sell "x" number of units per quarter/year and with any back-to-school-related purchases over, they may simply want to thin out inventory a bit.

In any case, with the current wave of sales ($150 off the Air 2-- that's $30 cheaper than REFURBS at Apple.com) the question to ask yourself is, "Is missing out on a $150 discount on an Air 2 worth the risk of waiting for a mythical Air 3 released in Oct/Nov (that might not materialize)?"

I asked myself that question. The answer was a 128GB Space Gray Air 2 arriving at my doorstep.

 

[Iceburgh]

Thanks for posting this deal. Mine is ordered.

 

[viperGTS]

I'm debating if I should go for this deal; I'm getting a 6S+ soon and I'm not sure if I won't use it much because of its larger screen compared to my 4S. What do you guys think? I've been wanting a new iPad ever since I gave my iPad 2 to my mother. I used to use it for class textbooks and web surfing, and I think that with a good PDF document reader (like Documents), I might be able to get away with using it for taking notes and annotating PDFs without having to carry my MacBook around.

 

[viperGTS]

Um I don't think it has to do with BT at all. These are exactly the same iPads they sell everywhere. Same part number.

The reason I think is because they're trying to move the inventory fast. I have a feeling Apple is moving out the inventories to make room for iPad Air 3 (Or whatever they're gonna call it now) in late October that will have 3d Touch, TouchID 2, A9X and probably still 2GB of RAM. In perfect time for Thanksgiving and other holiday season.

More likely than not, these iPads being sold have Bluetooth 4.0. Seems like they're trying to rid of old stock.

Kind of sucks, but I don't have a use for Bluetooth on an iPad anyway. YMMV, and if you get your iPad replaced at an Apple store at some point, it will most likely have 4.2.

 

[dugbee]

I'm debating if I should go for this deal; I'm getting a 6S+ soon and I'm not sure if I won't use it much because of its larger screen compared to my 4S. What do you guys think? I've been wanting a new iPad ever since I gave my iPad 2 to my mother. I used to use it for class textbooks and web surfing, and I think that with a good PDF document reader (like Documents), I might be able to get away with using it for taking notes and annotating PDFs without having to carry my MacBook around.

I went from a 4S to a 6+, and have an iPad 3. Despite the slowness of the iPad 3 vs my iPhone 6+, I still use the iPad when I'm at home. It's just more comfortable for doing lots of reading. That said, the 6+ is a monumental upgrade from the 4S, and if you've been getting by with just the 4S - you might be OK holding off on an iPad with that shiny 6S+.

 

[newellj]

For comparison: there have regularly been killer deals on Macbook Airs over the last 12-16 months and yet there were no major new models released (just a minor spec bump).

Sales can be indicative of an attempt to clear out before a new gen is available. But it could also mean that these companies have contracted to sell "x" number of units per quarter/year and with any back-to-school-related purchases over, they may simply want to thin out inventory a bit.

In any case, with the current wave of sales ($150 off the Air 2-- that's $30 cheaper than REFURBS at Apple.com) the question to ask yourself is, "Is missing out on a $150 discount on an Air 2 worth the risk of waiting for a mythical Air 3 released in Oct/Nov (that might not materialize)?"

I asked myself that question. The answer was a 128GB Space Gray Air 2 arriving at my doorstep.

Agree, and want to mention that there's another question that I think points the same way, at least for me: are the likely updates on the iPad Air 3 anything I'm going to feel I was glad that i waited for and pair more for? I've looked that list up and down and don't see anything at all.

 

[viperGTS]

I went from a 4S to a 6+, and have an iPad 3. Despite the slowness of the iPad 3 vs my iPhone 6+, I still use the iPad when I'm at home. It's just more comfortable for doing lots of reading. That said, the 6+ is a monumental upgrade from the 4S, and if you've been getting by with just the 4S - you might be OK holding off on an iPad with that shiny 6S+.

I actually downgraded from a 5S to a 4S because it broke, so I haven't been on this 4S for that long. Would you still recommend I wait?

 

[dugbee]

I actually downgraded from a 5S to a 4S because it broke, so I haven't been on this 4S for that long. Would you still recommend I wait?

That's a tough one. It's all a matter of what you're used to. The first few weeks with my 6+ I felt that it was enormous. Now it's just normal size, and when I look at a 4S it seems child-sized! Frankly for me if I had to read textbooks or anything intensive, I'd want to do it on an iPad. As to buy now or wait... I guess that depends on how important the $150 discount is vs potential new model. These decisions are never easy!

 

[viperGTS]

That's a tough one. It's all a matter of what you're used to. The first few weeks with my 6+ I felt that it was enormous. Now it's just normal size, and when I look at a 4S it seems child-sized! Frankly for me if I had to read textbooks or anything intensive, I'd want to do it on an iPad. As to buy now or wait... I guess that depends on how important the $150 discount is vs potential new model. These decisions are never easy!

I agree; reading on an iPad was so nice, even if I was doing so on a non-Retina display. I'm not too concerned about a potential Air 3 though, because the Air 2 is still so powerful.

I think I'll be going for one of these. This deal is too good to pass up!

 

[Shirtin]

For comparison: there have regularly been killer deals on Macbook Airs over the last 12-16 months and yet there were no major new models released (just a minor spec bump).

Sales can be indicative of an attempt to clear out before a new gen is available. But it could also mean that these companies have contracted to sell "x" number of units per quarter/year and with any back-to-school-related purchases over, they may simply want to thin out inventory a bit.

In any case, with the current wave of sales ($150 off the Air 2-- that's $30 cheaper than REFURBS at Apple.com) the question to ask yourself is, "Is missing out on a $150 discount on an Air 2 worth the risk of waiting for a mythical Air 3 released in Oct/Nov (that might not materialize)?"

I asked myself that question. The answer was a 128GB Space Gray Air 2 arriving at my doorstep.

Even if they do come out with an iPad Air 3 soon I can almost certain that it won't have 4gb of ram. 2gb of ram will be a very limiting factor now that split screen is going to become more popular.

 

[mi7chy]

Tempted but gonna hold out for iPad Prosumer. 2GB DRAM fixes the Safari and app reloads but it's going to be a bottleneck with heavy productivity split view apps where the 4GB on iPad Prosumer will shine.

 

[MrGuder]

Ordered online to have shipped to my store for pickup since they were out of stock, just got an email saying a delay in shipping by 1 day, should be there on Wednesday, I guess I can wait 2 more days!!! Feels like Christmas.

 

[iKwick7]

I got you beat.

At lunch today picked up the 64 gb for the $449 price match, used 10% cartwheel and then the extra 5% off for using Target's red card.

About $384 plus tax. Couldn't be happier. Was leaning towards the new mini but I'll happily take this Air 2 for almost $120 less!

Ok I'm crazy but just got it for 404 and tax. 10 percent cartwheel slick deal people used stacked with staples price match.

This is for 64gb. This coupled with 8.4 and another perfect screen, the mini4 16gb has to go back

Thanks op!!

 

[sracer]

Tempted but gonna hold out for iPad Prosumer. 2GB DRAM fixes the Safari and app reloads but it's going to be a bottleneck with heavy productivity split view apps where the 4GB on iPad Prosumer will shine.

Absolutely. 4GB on the iPad RT will handle multiwindow/splitview much better. However, with these sales, the Air 2 is roughly 1/2 the price of the Pro... which is justification enough for me to hold out for the 2nd gen.

 

[Cape Dave]

I got my 16GB wifi space gray unit at Staples today. They had plenty in stock. Used Apple Pay with Discover for the first time ever so actual price, for me, including sales tax is about 335. Not bad! A refurb iPad Air 1 at Apple.com was $339. Plus tax.

I have determined that this was such a good price that I will A. Not worry about it and B. Not think that I would ever use it for work. For work, I require a keyboard (backlit) and mouse or trackpad.

So, since I needed this for a trip this weekend, I will now wait and see what transpires in October If a 14 inch MacBook appears with Skylake, then I shall behave accordingly

All in all, a nice deal on an iPad Air 2, for sure.

 

[Mystro]

Well guys, I couldn't resist. I managed to buy 2 new iPad Air 2 today. I managed to get Bestbuy to price matched then used my rewards points coupon and then put the two on my BestBuy cc to get some additional reward points later. To top it all off I got 12 month same as cash. I am too embarrassed to say how much I paid. The manager had to do two price match over rides and tried to say they couldn't do the deal this low. I said you either price match or you don't. He reluctantly had to and use my Best Buy credit card perks as well especially as a valued Best Buy card holder.

My new IPad Air 2 is a Gold 128gb and I purchased my wife a Silver 64gb. Did the iOS 9 upgrade on both and restored both without any problems. Both are running like a race car. pip on a screen this size is so much easier to see over the Mini 4.

After a few days with my Mini4, my eyes were strained at the end of the day. I kept saying it was grass allergies that was bothering my eyes but my wife reminded me this all started when I got my Mini 4. She was correct. After 4 hours of setting up two new Air 2's my eyes feel great. So the Mini 4 goes back to Apple. It's a great micro tablet but my older eyes need a bit of help.
Luckily I can still use my twelve south stand with the Air 2. It looks like a gold idol on my night stand with the Air 2 on it but is cool looking. I still am getting the Pro so my Air 2 will now be my portable.
Man is this iPad Air2 is fast with games. Screen looks great and speakers sound really loud and clear.
I may be the first convert to go from the Mini 4 back to the Air 2.

Thanks for the heads up on this deal.

 

[MrGuder]

Well guys, I couldn't resist. I managed to buy 2 new iPad Air 2 today. I managed to get Bestbuy to price matched then used my rewards points coupon and then put the two on my BestBuuy cc to get some additional reward points later. To top it all off I got 12 month same as cash. I am too embarrassed to say how much I paid. My new IPad Air 2 is a Gold 128gb and I purchased my wife a Silver 64gb. Did the iOS 9 upgrade on both and restored both without any problems. Both are running like a race car. pip on a screen this size is so much easier to see over the Mini 4.

After a few days with my Mini4, my eyes were strained at the end of the day. I kept saying it was grass allergies that was bothering my eyes but my wife reminded me this all started when I got my Mini 4. She was correct. After 4 hours of setting up two new Air 2's my eyes feel great. So the Mini 4 goes back to Apple. It's a great micro tablet but my older eyes need a bit of help.
Luckily I can still use my twelve south stand with the Air 2. It looks like a gold idol on my night stand with the Air 2 on it but is cool looking. I still am getting the Pro so my Air 2 will now be my portable.
Man is this is iPad fast with games. I may be the first convert to go from the Mini 4 back to the Air 2.

Thanks for the heads up on this deal.

Great story and great to hear you loaded up iOS 9 that is what I plan to do as well first thing. I still love my mini 2 but the iPad Air 2 will be so much better at home watching media and surfing the web. When my sister comes over she has an iPad Air 1 and I think it runs great now I will get to tease her with the newer model better screen and faster processor etc...she's going to hate me. Lol

 

[myrtlebee]

Ironically, I ordered three of these: 16 GB silver for my mother, 64gb silver and 64 gb gold for me - would keep one and return one unopened. Could not decide on silver or gold when checking out and did not want to risk seeing "out of stock" when I finally made my mind up on color, so I just ordered them both.

Bear in mind that it is only one per model per customer and the system will not let you put two 16gb silvers in your cart, let's say, but it will let you put the different ones I did. Checkout went fine. Credit card shows temporary authorization. Got the standard email saying they would update me when it ships.

But this afternoon I got the following email from Staples. Uh - what? Their system let me place the order. 3 iPads of different models is hardly buying in bulk. I called customer service who spoke with the "processing" department who said it looks like a mistake because my order is still processing and not cancelled and that that email should only be sent when someone buys 4 or more iPads. So, I decided to email the address in the email and double check that my order is indeed being processed. So, now waiting for a response. Has anyone else received this email? I know most people probably only bought one.

"Dear Valued Customer,

We are contacting you regarding order number #########. Unfortunately, we are not able to fulfill your order due to our contract with Apple. If you wish to order Apple products in large quantities, please contact Apple directly at 1-800-275-2273.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at support@orders.staples.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Staples Customer Service"

 

[fieldsphotos]

my Staples buying experience was a bit of an adventure as well. I ordered one for shipping on Friday when the price was $50 higher, then decided to do store pickup when the price dropped, so I just ordered another one. I accidentally ordered a space gray when I wanted silver, and I quickly figured out you can't cancel staples orders online. Awesome.

So I went ahead and ordered the correct one and figured they would sort it out in store. Well, come the next morning I never got the store pickup confirmation. So I head to Staples anyway to see what's up. Turns out they had a power outage the day before and had not received any of the store pickup orders. Their system was still mostly dead, so they ended up pulling one from stock and checking me out normally, then canceling the two store pickup orders I had made. Whole process took about an hour, which sucked.

I DID get my iPad tho! Got home and booted it up and installed iOS9. I need to find a nice sleeve now.

 

[CaptMarvel]

Ironically, I ordered three of these: 16 GB silver for my mother, 64gb silver and 64 gb gold for me - would keep one and return one unopened. Could not decide on silver or gold when checking out and did not want to risk seeing "out of stock" when I finally made my mind up on color, so I just ordered them both.

Bear in mind that it is only one per model per customer and the system will not let you put two 16gb silvers in your cart, let's say, but it will let you put the different ones I did. Checkout went fine. Credit card shows temporary authorization. Got the standard email saying they would update me when it ships.

But this afternoon I got the following email from Staples. Uh - what? Their system let me place the order. 3 iPads of different models is hardly buying in bulk. I called customer service who spoke with the "processing" department who said it looks like a mistake because my order is still processing and not cancelled and that that email should only be sent when someone buys 4 or more iPads. So, I decided to email the address in the email and double check that my order is indeed being processed. So, now waiting for a response. Has anyone else received this email? I know most people probably only bought one.

"Dear Valued Customer,

We are contacting you regarding order number #########. Unfortunately, we are not able to fulfill your order due to our contract with Apple. If you wish to order Apple products in large quantities, please contact Apple directly at 1-800-275-2273.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us at support@orders.staples.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Staples Customer Service"

gosh, you iPad hoarder you, leave some for the rest of us why don't you! kidding of course...sounds like quite a rollercoaster of an adventure.

 

[Mystro]

BestBuy didn't really want to price match the Staples price for me. I printed off a hard copy of the Staples prices that had a date on it before going to the store. Ended up leaving with two but wasn't with out insisting they adhere to their price matching policy.
Bestbuy can't price match on Apple products online due to a agreement with Apple but if you go to the store, they are allowed. We are getting the most current uptodate IPad Air lower than the price of anyone's returned/used units. How could anyone even considering buying a new iPad not buy at these prices?? Heck, I am buying a Pro in November and still couldn't pass up buying 2 Air 2's.

 

[anthonybkny]

checked the stock online and said the staples closest to me had 2 in stock, drove there and they had none. was bummed and was about to go home but said screw it and went to the next closest one and was able to snag a 16GB space grey wifi. i just bought a mini 4 so im going to use them side by side and see which i prefer. im leaning towards the mini 4 though because its lighter and for some reason, the screen looks better to me eyes.

 

[kim2272]

Staples is out of stock online. I tried to go to Best Buy and they wouldn't price match it because it is out of stock.

 

[Mlrollin91]

More likely than not, these iPads being sold have Bluetooth 4.0. Seems like they're trying to rid of old stock.

Kind of sucks, but I don't have a use for Bluetooth on an iPad anyway. YMMV, and if you get your iPad replaced at an Apple store at some point, it will most likely have 4.2.

How do we know if it has Bluetooth 4.0 vs. 4.2. Apple lists the iPad Air 2 with BT 4.2 as model number MGKL2LL/A for a 64GB Space Grey. Thats the same model number I bought from Staples yesterday. How can I confirm the bluetooth version I have?

 

[thadoggfather]

How do we know if it has Bluetooth 4.0 vs. 4.2. Apple lists the iPad Air 2 with BT 4.2 as model number MGKL2LL/A for a 64GB Space Grey. Thats the same model number I bought from Staples yesterday. How can I confirm the bluetooth version I have?

I was curious about that, too.

My air2 PM'd at target was made in August so I'm sure its 4.2, but wondering if this is a mild hardware change or one with software?