iPads 15% and another $20 off

(expires tomorrow July 20)

Staples has a rare 15% coupon that works on Apple products including the iPad using in-store coupon code 41908.  Use your Chase Ink card to get 5 points back per dollar plus another 1% back (if it's signed up with Visa SavingsEdge!).

Refurbished 3G iPad for $429

AT&T is selling a refurbished 1st-generation iPad with 64GB of memory and 3G wireless for just $429 ($100 lower than the price 2 months ago for a new iPad 1).  Now, you might be asking yourself, what would I do with a 1st-generation iPad? Isn't that soooooo 2010? Yes, but...

• Here's what the iPad 2 can't do today: become an iPhone. Check out this article and video demonstrating the iPad 1 working as a fully functional iPhone. Unfortunately I cannot guarantee that 1) you will look cool holding the iPad up to your ear or 2) your risk of brain cancer won't multiply doing this.
• You can use the SIM card from this iPad to turn your iPhone into a $25/month data-only plan that still gets you voice calling (not recommended for your primary phone where voice quality is an issue).

Previous generation iPad for $529

Since the new iPads are tough to find, considering buying a first-generation iPad on sale from AT&T for $200-$300 off the original price with a (cancelable) data plan:

• 64GB with 3G: $529
• 32GB with 3G: $429