Best Buy Preparing for iPad Updates with $50 Price Cut, Inventory Cuts

Potentially signaling its belief that the launch of the iPad 3 is imminent, Best Buy is now offering $50 discounts across the entire line of iPad 2 models, with pricing now beginning at $449.99 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi model.

ipad 2 best buy 50 off
Furthermore, Engadget reports that Best Buy has begun updating its internal inventory management systems to reflect a "deleted" status for iPad 2 models.

best buy ipad 2 deleted
Best Buy generally does not have advance notice of new Apple products, especially those that are anticipated to appear as part of a major media event. Consequently, Best Buy's moves should not be taken as specific indicators of an iPad 3 launch, although numerous sources have indicated that a debut is near, with March 7 rumored for the planned media event.

But Best Buy certainly appears to be adjusting its offerings to make way for the updated model, and the company is not alone in that regard. Grocery and retail store chain Meijer earlier this month offered the entry-level iPad for $429, a $70 discount from the regular retail prices. Meijer's pricing has since returned to normal, but indications are that retailers are anticipating the arrival of the iPad 3.

Related Roundup: iPad
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Top Rated Comments

striker33 Avatar
172 months ago
If 4g is already built in, and no wifi option is available, it's pretty much guaranteed to have a higher price point.

This is before even accounting for a higher resolution screen

There has to be a WiFi model though for European markets. No one in the UK uses 4g/LTE networks, so the inclusion would be pointless. There is however, strong HSPA+ coverage.

Plus they'd have to look at the market anyway. Over here, the most popular model by a mile is the 16GB WiFi option. If consumers were forced to pay extra for things like 4g and modem capabilities, they'd just stick with an iPad 2.

Personally I dont see the point in having a 3g/4g enabled iPad. I always have my phone with me, and most phones support tethering or can be used as WiFi hotspots, so an extra data plan is pointless. But thats just me though.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Nostromo Avatar
172 months ago
You'd have to be nuts to buy an iPad now.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FrizzleFryBen Avatar
172 months ago
Just sold mine this weekend. I'm just going to go to the Apple Store and pick/rent an iPad 2 up for a few weeks. No restocking fees, no big deal.

It is not renting, it's causing a company to lose money for your selfish intentions. When you say it that way it sounds more like theft doesn't it?

I suppose you think it's OK for old people to steal batteries too!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AppleHater Avatar
172 months ago
Just sold mine this weekend. I'm just going to go to the Apple Store and pick/rent an iPad 2 up for a few weeks. No restocking fees, no big deal.

Unfortunately, the rest of us are paying for those losses...:(
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
min_t Avatar
172 months ago
The CIA and FBI should be hiring these bloggers that ferret out Apple rumor stories. A deleted item in inventory in a retail chain database, a shipping manifest of air cargo carriers pointing to a change in schedule, the sudden shift in the trade winds - all pointing to an all-out iPad3 launch next week. :rolleyes:.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
berkleeboy210 Avatar
172 months ago
please no 4g lte. The battery drain would be nasty. I dont want to lose my 10+ hour battery life. Retina display would be nice though.

I'm sure you'll be able to turn it off if you're not using it...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)