iPad Purchasing refurbished iPad - What concerns should I be aware of? Also looking for model selection advice

[LithePanther]

Hey guys. I'm planning on purchasing a refurbished iPad from Amazon so I can get a fairly decent model but still save a bit of money.

My main concern is I want to make sure that I don't end up with a bad unit that isn't going to last very long since these aren't going to be the better quality Apple-refurbished ones.

What are some physical and software related aspects I should look over and check when I get the iPad so I know if I received a good iPad I can keep or if I need to request a replacement or make a return while I still can?

I'd also appreciate some advice on which model I should pick up. Right now I'm somewhat equally torn between an iPad Pro 10.5 (2017 model) and an iPad Mini 5.

Most of my use would consist of the following:

• Reading eBooks
• Reading Newspapers, Magazines and Comics/Graphic Novels
• Higher quality iOS gaming - Stuff like KOTOR or Jade Empire
• Journaling
• Streaming TV and Movies

Mostly I'd be using the iPad at home in bed or at work at my desk. Also sometimes on public transportation (bus, train, etc.)

I appreciate everyone's advice and tips/suggestions for me. Thanks!

 

[0128672]

I would strongly recommend that you consider buying instead from the Apple Refurb Store (https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad) for many reasons:

• You'll get a like-new iPad with a new case and battery (and anything else that needs replacing). This means you're getting an iPad with no dents, scratches etc. like you might with refurbs offered by other companies. Check out Apple's refurb process
• Apple's one-year warranty just like you get on new devices
• All accessories and cables that came with the original in a new box
• Ability to buy Applecare+ for it
• Good prices
• Easy and free returns

The iPad Mini 5 is a great little rig (I just sold mine), and all of those activities you listed would be fine on it, but you may appreciate the bigger screen of the 10.5 especially for gaming and tv/movies. The Mini 5's portability is also easy, but you might find the 10.5 to be equally as comfortable.

Right now the US Refurb Store has 10.5 with wifi and cellular, no wi-fi only. There's quite a few iPad Mini 5 configs in the refurb store tonight. The refurb stock changes often and there's no set schedule for restocks. It's wise to check daily and when you see what you want, jump on it because it may be gone quickly.

With other companies' refurbs, you don't know who is actually doing the refurbishment or what their quality process is. With Apple, it's a sure thing.

Hope this info helps!

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hey guys. I'm planning on purchasing a refurbished iPad from Amazon so I can get a fairly decent model but still save a bit of money.

My main concern is I want to make sure that I don't end up with a bad unit that isn't going to last very long since these aren't going to be the better quality Apple-refurbished ones.

What are some physical and software related aspects I should look over and check when I get the iPad so I know if I received a good iPad I can keep or if I need to request a replacement or make a return while I still can?

I'd also appreciate some advice on which model I should pick up. Right now I'm somewhat equally torn between an iPad Pro 10.5 (2017 model) and an iPad Mini 5.

Most of my use would consist of the following:

• Reading eBooks
• Reading Newspapers, Magazines and Comics/Graphic Novels
• Higher quality iOS gaming - Stuff like KOTOR or Jade Empire
• Journaling
• Streaming TV and Movies

Mostly I'd be using the iPad at home in bed or at work at my desk. Also sometimes on public transportation (bus, train, etc.)

I appreciate everyone's advice and tips/suggestions for me. Thanks!

I would stick to Swappa for refurbished iPad purchases. Its generally safer than Amazon for those kinds of things.

Swappa

Swappa - Buy and sell used and refurbished tech

swappa.com

 

[ejin222]

Will you be using headphones with them or not? I have a Mini 5 and though you can do everything you listed on it well, the one thing I miss when comparing it to my 12.9" is the speakers. The Mini 5 only fires sound from one end and you miss that full sound experience found on Pro models.

Then again, I had a friend purchase a refurbished unit from Amazon and within a few months, had problems. I would also vote to get an Apple refurb unit.

 

[0128672]

You may also want to consider 2018 Apple refurb iPad Pro 11s. There's some in the refurb store today. A 64GB Wi-Fi is $549; a 256GB is $679. To compare on Swappa, a good condition 11" 64GB recently sold for $600 (mint condition like you would get from Apple's refurb would be higher), and there's no one year warranty on those. I'm not knocking Swappa because I think they run an excellent business, especially for sellers, but as a buyer, it's hard to beat Apple refurbs.

 

[bapegg]

I bought my iPad Pro 11 from the Apple Refurb store and have been completely happy with it. My 2018 Mac mini came from the Refurb Store also. A plus is that you can purchase Apple Care with any refurb bought directly from Apple.

 

[firedept]

Stick with a refurb from Apple online. You get a virtually brand new device. I say virtually as it is refurbed. You could never tell it's not new. You get full warranty. You can't go wrong.