Q: I want to buy used iPads for my boys, which model, amount of storage and wifi or wifi + cellular plan should I get

I would go for the 4

the giggage depends on what you're going to use it for. A 16 gig iPad will have about 13 gig of usable space...or about 3 movies.

I would say wifi only over cellular, if not to save the 100 dollars or so, cellular will also require a data plan. The carrier depends on yoru area and who has the best package for your needs

As to where to get it, a reputable place. make sure the iPads are completely wiped before you get them. IOS7 brought with it an activation lock which means its linked to the original owner's apple ID. If it was wiped right, you'll have no issue, if not, you've bought a brick. So make sure the place has a good rep and return policy.

The following article may help a little: it calls the iPad 4 a small but welcome upgrade from the iPad3: http://www.imore.com/ipad-4 The iPad4 does have a newer processor and may therefore have a longer useful life before it becomes obsolete.

As to storage, 16 is likely to be adequate unless they plan to have a huge amount of photos or music stored on the device.

Wi-Fi or Cellular depends on where they would need to have internet access. If you have internet at home and have a wireless router (or can add one) the wi-fi only iPads can use that and for me that is enough. When away from home there are a lot of things that can be done on the iPad without needing an internet connection and I am happy with my wi-fi only iPad -- and cellular plans do cost some money.

One thing you may want to consider is a refurbished iPad from Apple; they include a one year warranty: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals

One other thing to consider is getting a protective case for the devices. Gorilla glass may be the bee's knees and all that but it will break and the iPads will only take so much. Plus the fact that they are not waterproof.

Ever since I got mine, put it in a Lifeproof nüüd case and have had the freedom to use it anywhere, even in the rain, pool or shower. Best part is when you come back with the thing a total mess and just rinse it clean under the faucet, much to the amazement of onlookers.

Emily -Suzanne:

i am not sure the iPad 4 comes in any size other than 16gb.  You may need to look at used,  refurbished  or the iPad Air if you want to go with more storage than 16 gb.

With that said, you can get the cellular models and not activate it.  Talk to verizon Ask about activation charges and how and when they apple. 

you can buy on line, at big box stores of from verizon Just to name a few.    iPads are sold all over the place.   You might get all your questions answered at an apple store. 

I Would recommend a larger storage, as large as you can afford. 

Read these forums too. There are lots of knowledgeable  and helpful people on here.

GOod luck.

I would recommend a refurbished iPad from Apple.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad/ipad4gen

You can select various models, sizes, etc at the left on the above link.

i purchased a refurbished 16 GByte WiFi only iPad 4 about 16 months ago and have been very happy with the device. It came with a 12 month warranty. It took a week to arrive after I ordered it.

16GB vs 32GB vs 64GB: Which new iPad storage capacity should you get?

http://www.imore.com/2012/03/08/16gb-32gb-64gb-ipad-capacity/

How much content will fit on my iPod or iPhone?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1867

How Much iPad Memory Do You Need?

http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad-Tutorials/a/How-Much-iPad-Memory-Do-You-Need.htm

You might consider getting a refurbished iPad for less than the regular retail price.

Buy a Refurbished iPad? The What, When, Why and How

http://www.maciverse.com/refurbished-ipad.html

Has new screen, back and battery, and 1-year warranty.

Refurbished iPads from Apple

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

If you get a wifi + cellular model, you don't have to activate the cellular.

 Cheers, Tom

Emily-Suzanne wrote:

 

Is it possible to get the wifi + verizon and NOT sign up for the cellular plan?  I am thinking that we might not need a cellular plan now, but in the future, what if one of them want to take his iPad outside where there may not be wifi service?

Back here (Mexico), we can purchase unsubsidized/unlocked/unshackled wifi+cell iPads either directly from the Apple Store or storefront authorized dealers with no problem. Mine's virgin SIM slot has never known a cell carrier in its life! Another advantage of the cell version is that it has GPS capabilities, which allow for a slew of interesting geographic-oriented apps plus permit Find My Phone to give a much more accurate report of where the device is at all times.

As for the size, when I got mine (iPad 4, 64GB, Wifi_Cell, White), you could get up to the 128GB model. Dunno if that changed with the release of the iPad 5, aka Air and reshuffling of the catalog. The bigger you can afford, the better, since they are non-upgradeable. And the big books, games and magazines do take up a lot.