Traveller's temptation: iPad on sale today for $398

By danwarne, March 7 2011

If you've been tossing up whether to buy an iPad to take on your next trip, your decision just got a lot easier.

Big W is now selling the first generation iPad starting from $398. That's the amazingly low price for the base model with 16GB and WiFi, and it's $51 below Apple's own discounted price as iPad stocks are cleared to make way for the new iPad 2, due for Australian release on March 25th.

Big W has also slashed the price on other iPad models by between $40-$50 under Apple's revised pricing.

The iPad 2 has met a generally lukewarm reception, with many dismissing it more as 'iPad 1.5' — it's essentially just a slight tweak of the original design made predictably slimmer, lighter and faster. The biggest advantage is the addition of front and back cameras for video chat and photography.

Apple's official prices for the original iPad are:

Big W is undercutting these prices by up to $50 depending on the model.

If you're torn between the old iPad and the new model, and you're wondering if it's worth spending the extra to get the new one, Australian Business Traveller's advice is to snap up this offer.

And if you're soon heading overseas you can get back the 10% GST on your iPad via the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), bringing the cost for Apple's cheapest iPad down to $360. (See our guide to claiming the TRS.)

You can check the full details of this offer at Big W's website.