[ipad] Disadvantages to buying a used iPad?

[AngryTechnician]

Thinking about picking up a used iPad to evaluate for the school as there's almost certainly going to be a glut of them in the market real soon. Given that I've never used any iOS device for more than about 10 minutes before, I have some dumb questions for those that know.

 

Basically, what are the disadvantages to picking up a used model, other than the used condition and lack of full warranty?

 

• If it has any warranty left, will that be honoured?
  
• How does account association work? Do I just reset it and set it up on a different iTunes account or something?
  
• What accessories come with it that I need to make sure I get with a used one?
  

 

Thanks in advance, and please leave Apple bashing at the door before answering.

Edited April 21, 2011 by ZeroHour

[Arthur]

If it has any warranty left, will that be honoured?

Yes. The warranty follows the device. To check how long there is left, you can enter the iPad's serial number here.

 

How does account association work? Do I just reset it and set it up on a different iTunes account or something?

Yes to the reset. If you want to ensure there is nothing left from the previous owner, run Erase All Content and Settings (Settings » General » Reset). This should only take a few minutes and will securely erase all data. Once it has finished it will prompt you to activate the iPad with iTunes as shown here.

 

What accessories come with it that I need to make sure I get with a used one?

• Dock Connector to USB cable
  
• 10W USB Power Adapter
  
• Documentation
  

By the way, if you get the iPad from the Apple refurb store it will look brand new and have the full one year warranty.

[eejit]

Thanks for the Apple Refurb store tip - didn't know about that. Those are very pricey stil, would you expect the price to drop significantly there once the iPad2 is properly out?

[Arthur]

I wouldn't expect Apple to drop their refurb prices any further than they already are (even with the iPad 2). If you compare Apple's prices with some on eBay I think they are quite good for what you are getting. e.g.

 

32GB WiFi model

Apple: £339 + free P&P

eBay: £310 + £10 P&P and less than three months warranty left!