Should I buy an iPad from Apple or from Verizon?

I have an appointment tomorrow to visit the Apple store to have them look at my bricked iPad. By "bricked" I'm referring to error code 9 when attempting to restore using iTunes. The iPad doesn't work at all. I've already spoken to Apple on the phone and then attempted using 3rd part software to fix the issue (Dr. Fone). Noting is working and I'm expecting to be told tomorrow to make plans for an iPad funeral.

That's the background information for context.

My question is if it would be better to purchase an iPad directly from Verizon (my carrier) or should I buy directly from Apple? My dead iPad was bought from Verizon and it has it's own cel number (really great feature).

I'll be calling Verizon in the morning to see if they'd have some technical issue if I bought directly from Apple. I've already spoken to Apple and they feel buying directly from them should work just fine. Apple told me that I may need to visit the Verizon store for a current sim card - otherwise it should be fine (according to Apple).

I'm throwing the question out to others who have gone down this route.

Why buy an iPad from Apple? Or, why buy from Verizon?

Thanks for reading.

David