The iPad is an invaluable tool for university students, excelling in various tasks such as taking lecture notes, writing reports, and viewing materials. However, many students struggle with the high cost of a new device and are unsure where to find the best deal.

This article details where students should buy an iPad, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each purchasing method.

[Conclusion]

The price, benefits, and warranty terms for an iPad can vary significantly depending on where you buy it. Students can often get a better deal by utilizing student discounts.

However, since iPads are still expensive, consider purchasing a used iPad to save as much as possible.

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2025年02月25日

For Students | List of iPad Purchase Locations

We've compiled a list of places where students can purchase an iPad.

For Students | Where is the best place to buy an iPad?

When students purchase an iPad, it's crucial to choose a purchase location that aligns with their priorities.

[What you want in an iPad]

• I want to buy it as cheaply as possible.

• I want to buy a new one for a little less.

• I want to buy it with a warranty for a good price.

• I want to replace my current iPad.

• I want to reduce the burden with installment payments.

I want to buy it as cheaply as possible.

For students who want to get an iPad as cheaply as possible, a trustworthy used electronics store is highly recommended.

While flea market apps and auctions might offer lower prices, they often lack warranties, posing a risk of purchasing defective products and regretting the decision.

With a reputable used electronics store, you can rest assured that quality checks and operational tests have been performed. Additionally, many products come with a warranty, minimizing the chance of regret if there are any issues.

PRODIG only sells iPads that have cleared strict standards and offers support for unexpected issues. If you want a reliable iPad at the lowest possible price, consider PRODIG.

I want to buy a new one for a little less.

If you insist on a new iPad but want to save a little money, take advantage of the student discount at the Apple Store. University, vocational, and technical college students are eligible for a discount of approximately 5-10%.

During "New Year's Sales" or "Higher Education Campaigns," you might receive an Apple Gift Card in addition to the student discount, further increasing the effective discount.

You can use the gift card to purchase accessories like the Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard, making your iPad even more useful for student life.

I want to buy it with a warranty for a good price.

If you want to balance affordability and peace of mind, Apple Certified Refurbished products or used retailers that offer warranties are highly recommended. Apple Certified Refurbished products are almost identical in quality to new ones and come with a one-year Apple warranty. The fact that they can be purchased at about 15% less than new is also appealing.

Additionally, with used retailers, if you choose a trustworthy shop like PRODIG, you can get an even better price with operational guarantees and initial defect support.

The warranty period for used retailers varies by store. Be sure to check the length of the warranty period before making a purchase.

I want to replace my current iPad.

If you are already using an iPad and considering an upgrade, you should utilize "trade-in" or "buyback" options.

With Apple Store's "Apple Trade In," the trade-in value of your old iPad is deducted from the purchase price of a new one. The advantage is that it's an easy way to get a discount without much hassle.

If you want a higher buyback amount, use a used electronics store's "buyback" service to upgrade to a new iPad. Generally, used electronics stores offer higher buyback prices than official channels.

▼PRODIG offers high-price buyback for smartphones, tablets, PCs, and more!

I want to reduce the burden with installment payments.

If it's difficult to pay a lump sum, stores offering installment plans are recommended. At the Apple Store, you can use "Paidy Apple-only Postpaid Plan" to pay in 12-24 interest-free installments.

Purchases from carriers also support installment payments, which can reduce the monthly financial burden. Additionally, if you have a credit card, installment payments are available at electronics retailers.

4 Ways to Buy an iPad Cheaply

Here are four ways for students to buy an iPad more cheaply:

• Buy a used iPad

• Buy an Apple Certified Refurbished product

• Utilize student discounts

• Take advantage of sales and campaigns

Buy a used iPad

Purchasing a used iPad is the cheapest way to get an iPad. Models released 1-2 years ago are still perfectly usable in terms of performance, yet their prices are significantly lower than new ones.

[Advantages]

You can purchase it at approximately 20-50% cheaper than a new one. Additionally, you can buy older models, allowing you to choose a high-performance model within a limited budget.

[Precautions]

Be aware of battery degradation. Before purchasing an iPad, check the years of use and the battery condition. Also, warranty details vary by retailer, so it's recommended to confirm them.

Specialty stores like PRODIG sell used iPads with operational guarantees under thorough quality control, ensuring peace of mind even for first-time used iPad buyers. They also often carry older models that are no longer available new, allowing you to find the perfect iPad while keeping costs down.

Buy an Apple Certified Refurbished product

Apple Certified Refurbished products are items that have been returned, refurbished by Apple in a factory to like-new condition, and then resold.

[Advantages]

They come with the same 1-year Apple warranty as new products, and the battery and exterior are replaced with new ones. In terms of quality, they are almost identical to new products, and the price is about 10-15% lower. There's also the peace of mind of purchasing from the official Apple website.

[Precautions]

Stock is often limited, and the desired model or color may not be available. Also, the latest models are rarely available as Apple Refurbished products. Student discounts do not apply, so consider which is more advantageous, a student discount or a refurbished product, before purchasing.

Utilize student discounts

Students enrolled in educational institutions such as universities, vocational schools, and technical colleges can purchase iPads at a reduced price by utilizing Apple's student and educator pricing (student discount).

For students who want to buy a new iPad, there's no reason not to use the student discount.

[Advantages]

You can purchase a new iPad for approximately 5-10% less. Additionally, by utilizing campaigns, you may receive gift cards, making the purchase even more advantageous.

[Precautions]

To use the official Apple student discount, UNiDAYS student verification is required. This will require your student ID or an educational institution email address. Also, products purchased with a student discount are prohibited from resale within one year. There are also limits on the number of devices you can purchase per year; for iPads, it's two units per year.

Take advantage of sales and campaigns

By skillfully utilizing sales and campaigns, you can purchase an iPad at a lower price.

Here's a summary of typical sales and campaigns:

• Rakuten Ichiba: "Rakuten Super Sale" and "Shopping Marathon" (increased point reward rates)
• Amazon: "Time Sale" and "Prime Day"
• Electronics retailers: "Clearance Sale" and "New Life Support Sale"
• Used retailers: Seasonal sales (e.g., PRODIG)

[Advantages]
By utilizing point rewards and other benefits, it's possible to purchase at a lower price than the regular cost.

[Precautions]
Sales are for a limited time, and if you miss them, you'll have to pay the regular price. Also, popular models tend to sell out quickly, so gathering information beforehand is crucial.

Used electronics stores regularly hold sales, offering a chance to purchase items at an even lower price than usual. Sale information is often distributed via newsletters and social media, so it's a good idea to follow any shops you're interested in.

▼PRODIG Official X here!

▼PRODIG SALE items here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are frequently asked questions from students regarding iPad purchases and their answers.

What are the warranty and return conditions for used iPads?

The warranty and return conditions for used iPads vary significantly depending on the retailer.

For Apple Certified Refurbished products, they come with the same 1-year Apple warranty as new products. Initial defects or malfunctions under normal use are eligible for free repair.

On the other hand, for used retailers, warranty details differ from store to store. Reputable retailers like PRODIG often offer operational warranties of around 180 days. Always confirm the warranty details before purchasing.

In peer-to-peer transactions, such as on flea market apps, warranties and returns generally do not apply. A refund negotiation may only be possible through the platform if there is a discrepancy between the product description and the actual item.

Can't I sell an iPad bought with a student discount?

According to official Apple Store terms and conditions, iPads purchased with a student discount cannot be resold for profit within one year of purchase. This means you cannot immediately resell an iPad purchased with a student discount at a higher price.

How many times can I use the iPad student discount in a year? Is there a purchase limit?

Apple Store's student discount has an annual purchase limit per product category (iPad, MacBook, etc.). For iPads, you can purchase up to two units per year (from April to March of the following year).

These limits apply per category, so for example, you can purchase one MacBook and two iPads.

Summary: Find the Best Place to Buy Your iPad

Where you purchase an iPad depends on your budget and priorities. If you prefer a new device, buying from the Apple Store with a student discount is recommended. If affordability is your priority, consider used retailers or Apple Certified Refurbished products.

During university life, there are various expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and club activities.
Therefore, it's crucial to make the best decision for your iPad purchase within your budget.

Students with limited budgets or those wanting to keep initial costs low should consider a used iPad.

When buying a used iPad, purchasing from a reputable retailer ensures peace of mind regarding quality and warranty.PRODIG, an official online store for used smartphones and tablets, sells a large number of used iPads under strict quality control.

Consider purchasing a used iPad to improve your learning efficiency within your budget.