On Friday Apple quietly increased the discounts on refurbished iPad 2s, offering some considerable savings just in time for the holidays. The 16 GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 now starts at $419, which is $80 cheaper than buying it new.
When the iPad 2 first debuted in Apple’s refurb store, discounts were relatively small: $50 off each model, representing discounts of between 5 and 9 percent, depending on which model you looked at. Now 16 GB models are discounted $80, and 32 GB and 64 GB versions carry an even steeper $100 price drop, representing between 12 and 16 percent off the value of a new, nonrefurbished device.
The new pricing applies to both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models, and Apple currently lists pretty much every model as being in stock, with the exception of the 64 GB AT&T model. All Apple-refurbished iPads come with a full one-year warranty, a new battery and outer shell, and free shipping. There’s really no downside if you’re looking for a gift when comparing these to new iPads, except that you can’t get engraving on refurbished gear.
Apple doesn’t say anything about these price changes’ being limited-time offers, but, as is always the case with refurbished products, supply is limited. You have to wonder if this isn’t a precursor to the arrival of an iPad 3 early next year.

{"source":"https:\/\/gigaom.com\/2011\/12\/09\/refurbished-ipad-2s-get-a-price-drop\/wijax\/49e8740702c6da9341d50357217fb629","varname":"wijax_435ff0ed83c2d8aa320f600f3f42ec25","title_element":"header","title_class":"widget-title","title_before":"%3Cheader%20class%3D%22widget-title%22%3E","title_after":"%3C%2Fheader%3E"}