The iPad 10.2 can attract laptops, and at $ 279 it’s a surprisingly affordable option.
Sarah Tew / CNET
Can’t find a Chromebook for the upcoming virtual school year? Consider an iPad, which is currently surprisingly affordable and can handle many class activities just like a laptop.
How affordable? For a limited time, and although deliveries take time, Walmart has the Apple iPad 10.2 in space gray or gold for $ 279. That’s $ 50 off the regular price. I’ve seen it as low as $ 249 in the past, but seeing the high demand at the moment (it’s pretty much sold out at Amazon), it may take a while before this deal comes up again.
With its 10.2-inch screen, the iPad is definitely a little more cramped than most laptops. But I think that will not be much for students, especially if the primary need are apps like Google Classroom and Zoom.
There are two key elements to running this: a stand and a keyboard. You can feed two birds with one scone by opting for a keyboard case, which places the tablet in a comfortable viewing angle. There are many such products available; one good bet is this iPad 10.2 keyboard case for $ 39.
Again, students might not care, but a keyboard of that size is pretty cramped. Fortunately, any Bluetooth keyboard will work. (Over here a full size for $ 28.) And there are any number of cheap or free DIY ways to back up an iPad, like this cardboard stand.
You want to check with the school to make sure an iPad is a viable option for this year’s curriculum. If it is, I would do this deal before it’s gone. It will be, and soon.
See again:
First look at Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad
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