It's a shame they don't extend the offer to those folks who bought an iPad 3 and witnessed Apple release the iPad 4 6 months earlier than expected.

IF i were to have recently bought an iPad 3 or "the new iPad" as it was, i would prefer a generous "swap" price... i would give them the 3 back and pay maybe $50-$100 for the 4....

a swap to the mini though is a downgrade, its ipad 2 specs with a smaller screen..... how that is an upgrade or even FAIR i don't know

this product looks pointless.

Covert_DeathIF i were to have recently bought an iPad 3 or "the new iPad" as it was, i would prefer a generous "swap" price... i would give them the 3 back and pay maybe $50-$100 for the 4....

a swap to the mini though is a downgrade, its ipad 2 specs with a smaller screen..... how that is an upgrade or even FAIR i don't know

iPad mini has the same resolution with a higher pixel density. It's not exactly a downgrade for those who would prefer a smaller tablet, but want to remain in the Apple ecosystem. The pricing on the mini is a little higher than I expected when Apple is a little late to the 7ish" tablet market.

phanbueythis product looks pointless.

My friend has an iPad2 and he likes it. It replaced a very old small laptop. The iPad2 (iPad) is too big to be genuinely portable in a convenient sense. But you're right, this mini-iPad is pointless.

No matter how much my friend enjoys using his iPad2, he bought a Google Nexus and he loves that too. Does everything he needs it too and it was/is way cheaper.

iPad Mini is simply for Apple loyal customers. If you want a smaller form factor 'tablet' the Apple version is too expensive for it's purpose.

And before I get slayed by any Apple loyal customers, remember Mr Apple never wanted this size of device. www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/oct/22/ipad-mini-steve-jobs-7in-tablets

I think they said the ipad mini has no retina display.....

Its not cheap either......

and Its still too big in the pocket....

I don't get the point of the Ipad Mini.... (it's not reallllllli for gaming either)

Samsung Note 2 is ideal for men.

phanbueythis product looks pointless.

this:

iPad Could Save Monkeys in the Wild by Making Them...

Jungle Island uses new technology with orangutans

Too bad the stores will refurbish these and sell them for practically the original price for em and people will still buy them

mini Ipad 2 with retina IS THE BUSINESS. Wait 6 months... ;)

How is this anything special...doesn't Apple have a 30 day return policy? So in other words, some stores are actually abiding by the return policy? lol

MadMan007How is this anything special...doesn't Apple have a 30 day return policy? So in other words, some stores are actually abiding by the return policy? lol

Well it would seem they are also getting some kind of priority in the option to exchange their purchase for the newer item. Rather than simply getti a full refund and having to place a preorder at the back of the line. Not only that but they are advertising the program to encourage people who recently bought these devices to come in, try out the new ones, and know they are basically eligible. Also return rates on most electronics seems to be 15 days now not 30, so this is twice the Apple return window.

Not sure when it became ok to go to a 15 day return down to a 30, but I know AT&T recently made tht policy change. And buy any motherboard, or CPU/RAM at my local Fry's and you only get 15 days as well. So take your recently purchased iPad 3 to a bestbuy and you might get a full refund (might have to argue away a restocking fee on some stuff but usually not Apple since they sell open item pretty quick). But if you get a full refund from best buy, you still have to hope they have the new item in stock, or go to the preorder lists.

So I'd say the Apple stores running this deal are doing right by their customers, and making things as easy as possible. Solid customer service is part of the whole "apple tax". Even people who hate apple tend to admit it is a hell of a lot easier than dealing with customer service rebate programs, or mail exchange programs you might have with say an ASUS or Samsung tablet in this same position, because retailers only reluctantly help out. Unless someone else is footing the bill for the 3rd party stores to run exchanges, they don't want to do it.

Though we now have some Microsoft stores popping up in my area, so looks like they will likely be taking customer service much more seriously with Surface and windows 8 tablets.