Walmart and Best Buy Cut Prices on iPad, iPad Mini - East Idaho News
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Walmart and Best Buy Cut Prices on iPad, iPad Mini

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Getty B 011912 iPadHands?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1365179994202David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — It’s looking like a good time to buy an iPad.  That is if you aren’t holding out for the next version of Apple’s tablet.

Walmart, Best Buy and other retailers have just dropped the price of the iPad and iPad Mini.  Walmart has cut the price of the 16GB iPad Mini from $329 to $299.  Apple released the smaller tablet last September; it has a 7.9-inch screen compared to the 9.7-inch iPad.

But there are discounts on that full size iPad, too.  Best Buy has trimmed the price of the third-generation iPad by 30 percent.  The $449 16GB tablet is now $314 and the 64GB version is $454.

The third-generation iPad was released in March 2012; the fourth-generation, released in fall 2012, has the same screen and design, but a faster processor and Apple’s new charging port.

Some have speculated that the move to clear inventory signals that Apple might be preparing to launch the next version of its tablet.  Walmart, however, says that the drop is just about providing customers with “prices they can afford.”

“Some have asked us if we think this signals the possibility of a new iPad to be released.  That is not the case,” a Walmart spokesperson told ABC News.  “Walmart’s move is due to consumer demand and our commitment to providing the best price, not potential new product introductions.”

Apple and Best Buy did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment on the pricing.

Speculation about the next iPad release date have been varying.  Some believe it would come as soon as this spring, while others pin a fall launch. Some say the 9.7-inch iPad is being redesigned to look like the iPad Mini, with thinner edges.

In June, Apple is expected to hold its Worldwide Developers Conference and preview the next version of iOS, the operating system for the iPad and iPhone.  Apple is also reportedly ready to launch its next iPhone this summer.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

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