Over the years, Apple’s iPad has achieved a level of ubiquity so remarkable that its name has practically become synonymous with the very concept of a tablet device. It is not uncommon to hear someone casually refer to any tablet—regardless of its brand or manufacturer—as an “iPad,” a testament to the cultural and technological influence Apple has cultivated. This association, while humorous to some (apologies to those who champion other brands, including well-intentioned moms everywhere), speaks volumes about the reputation the device has earned through a consistent blend of user-friendly design, impressive durability, and seamless performance that tends to last for years before an upgrade is ever required.
Fortunately for those who have yet to experience the convenience and polish of Apple’s entry-level model, this base iPad is now available at an unprecedented discount. Retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy are currently offering it for just $279—a full $70 off the usual price and the lowest it has ever been—for the duration of Prime Big Deals Day. For anyone who has been postponing the replacement of an older-generation model or considering the idea of gifting an iPad to a friend or family member this upcoming holiday season, this limited-time promotion presents an ideal opportunity to make the purchase without hesitation.
While the standard iPad may not boast the same technical prowess or professional-grade capabilities as the distinguished iPad Air or the cutting-edge iPad Pro, it remains one of Apple’s most well-rounded and accessible devices for everyday users. It features an expansive 11-inch display that renders colors vividly and offers sufficient brightness for both indoor and outdoor use. Its battery life comfortably spans about ten hours on a single charge, ensuring longevity for extended streaming sessions or back-to-back Zoom calls. Powering it all is the A16 processor—a chip more than capable of handling routine activities such as web browsing, video streaming, e-reading, and light gaming without a perceptible lag. When it comes to these everyday tasks, the gap in raw performance between the baseline iPad and its pricier counterparts is surprisingly narrow. Although the more elite models do come with enhanced screen technology and occasionally larger displays, most casual users will find the regular iPad more than satisfactory.
That said, the 11th-generation iPad does exhibit a few modest limitations when compared to its more sophisticated siblings. One notable omission is support for Apple’s new suite of AI-driven Apple Intelligence features, which are reserved for devices with more advanced hardware architectures. Additionally, its stylus compatibility extends only to the standard Apple Pencil USB-C. This version, while precise and reliable, does not offer certain advanced functions—such as pressure sensitivity or haptic feedback—that creative professionals may appreciate in the Apple Pencil Pro. Nonetheless, in terms of performance for entertainment and casual gaming, the iPad holds its ground admirably. It can run visually charming titles like *Dredge* and *Tiny Wings* with no difficulty, even though it lacks the horsepower to fluidly manage graphically demanding ports such as *Resident Evil 4* or *Assassin’s Creed Mirage* under iPadOS.
For individuals upgrading from an older iPad equipped with the now-outdated Lightning port or parents browsing for a capable, easy-to-use tablet for a younger child not yet ready for a laptop, this newest iteration offers extraordinary value. It strikes an excellent balance between affordability and performance, merging Apple’s signature reliability with the flexibility needed for schoolwork, streaming, note-taking, and light gaming. On the other hand, those who crave additional storage capacity, more intensive computing power, or early access to Apple’s latest software innovations may find it worthwhile to look toward the iPad Air or iPad Pro—both of which are also marked down in honor of Prime Day. In any case, this sale presents a rare moment where Apple’s refined design philosophy and cutting-edge functionality meet an inviting price point, making the current entry-level iPad one of the smartest purchases tech enthusiasts and casual users alike could make this season.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/tech/794046/amazon-october-prime-day-11th-gen-ipad-air-pro-deal-sale-2025
