what are pros and cons of buying ipad at Best Buy versus Apple Store?

I agree with you Demo, IF you know what you want and either already know how to use it OR how to research to find out, it doesn't matter where you buy your iPad from.

I had downloaded a user manual for my iPad 1 within 30 minutes of purchasing it for free on the internet.

At Best Buy they may let you walk in and buy an iPad, pay, and leave.

At the Apple store you can stand around waiting while they pitch the iPad Air to others and no one can just get it and ring it up. I walked out. May not bother now.

I bought both of my iPads at Best Buy Stores. I see absolutely no difference at all other than if you want to purchase the relatively new AppleCare+ warranty - the one that allows for two incidents of accidental damage with a $49 up charge to get the iPad repaired or replaced which "must be purchased at the same time of the purchase of the iPad" - there is no difference IMO.

Frankly, I was even able to purchase the AppleCare+ over the phone, which I understand is very unusual because the terms state that you have to buy this plan online when you purchase the iPad - or you must buy it an Apple Store within a certain period of time. You have to let an Apple Genius inspect the device, I think.

I bought my new iPad at Best Buy, called Apple the next day, told them what I wanted, and they sold me the plan over the phone,

When I bought my iPad 1 USED, on eBay, I had a 30 day window to buy my SquareTrade warranty, got a TWO YEAR warranty for $64, anything happens to my iPad 1 during those two years, call SquareTrade, they send me a Prepaid shipping label I send the iPad 1 to them, within 7 days my original purchase price of $274.99 is back in my Paypal account. I LOVE IT! Didn't even have to leave my house or get out of my robe, YEA!

Yes, I do realize that there are other insurance policies/warranties for the iPad out there on the market. But my point is that I see no reason to go to an Apple Store to make the purchase - unless the OP does want the AppleCare+ warranty.

If you know exactly what you want when you go to make the purchase, I don't think it matters where you buy the device. If you have questions about the way the iPad works or about some of the features, you might be better off in an Apple Store. Otherwise ... no advantage IMO.

Best Buy: I believe Best Buy may have even broader warranty plans. Must compare.

Apple: For a computer or laptop purchase, the ONE TO ONE, which costs a mere $99.00 is absolutely the most valuable addon that exists. For ONE YEAR-the new MAC owner can schedule for a PRIVATE ONE TO ONE consult/tutoring/project session with an Apple Tech Genius. Whether you are just learning to work on a MAC, want to perfect your MAC skills, or are working on a specific project and need to generate the results you are looking for, on one software or a combination...you have a 'genius' to be your exclusive consultant...and you can do this over FIFTY TIMES in one year. Granted, you have to go to the store for your hour consultant session, but relatively speaking, thats neglible. When I have someone come to help me with computer issues, they charge $100.00 per hour, and its usually at least two hours. With the APPLE ONE TO ONE you can have the luxury of over FIFTY (50) hours of EXPERT consult...for a one time fee of $99.00. I have been advised you can only purchase the ONE TO ONE if you purchase your MAC desktop or laptop...from Apple.

Sunny

Apple Store products are guaranteed to be new.

Best Buy products, even if repackaged, can be items that were returned to Apple or other Best Buys, Refurbs, etc.

They're all great, but if you absolutely want to know that the device is BRAND new, then go to the Apple Store. Also, the Geniuses, while not the brightest ALL the time, are much more knowledgeable than the Best Buy staff, as they receive extensive training from Apple.

EveryBitEpic wrote:

Best Buy products, even if repackaged, can be items that were returned to Apple or other Best Buys, Refurbs, etc.

If represented as "new," that's a major violation of the law, which I seriously doubt that BB would do.

Best Buy has a 30-day return policy if you're unhappy with the iPad. Apple's return policy is only two weeks.

Regarding Best Buy's 30 day warranty, the problem with Best Buy is that THEY may not be there in 30 days, with all the problems they are going through.