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I wouldn't call the iPad essential tech, and yet, Apple's tablet is the main screen my family uses. When it comes to kids, getting a cheaper iPad is practically a must. Apple's entry-level iPad is more than enough for basic movie-watching, game-playing, video chats and even some light work.
The 10th-gen iPad doesn't work with Apple Intelligence, and it doesn't support the higher-end Pencil Pro stylus, but it can work for art with a USB-C Pencil just fine and has a lot of keyboard case options that nearly turn it into a laptop. It's the least expensive and most versatile computer in our house, and whenever we need to do something quickly, like order groceries online, look at photos together or do some quick research on a trip we're planning, it's usually the first thing we turn to. Today, during Amazon's early Black Friday deals, it's nearly $100 off its list price when you clip the on-page coupon, making it an unbeatable $250.
The best time to get a new tablet is Black Friday, and our shopping team has found the deepest discounts for you to grab.
I can't justify the iPad as a true laptop replacement. However, on any trip my family goes on, it is the first device after a phone that any of us decide to pack. The iPad has fancier varieties that ramp up processing power, display quality and size, and add more storage. Still, in many ways, all iPads feel pretty much the same. That's the great success of the iPad in the first place, and it's also why cheaper iPads are still great gifts.
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The 10th-gen iPad is the perfect size and price
I like the 11-inch iPad size the most. It's a perfect blend of screen size and portability, and it's a great fit for keyboard cases. It's easy to slip in a bag and big enough to multitask on with split-screen apps. I love doing quick writing and notetaking on iPads with keyboard cases, and the iPad is also my preferred quick and easy way to watch TV shows and movies by myself. I don't always play games on the iPad (I'm a game console person), but games like Catan, Balatro and Retro Bowl on the iPad are my personal obsessions.
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See all photosI play with plenty of gadgets in my house, and the iPad is one of many tools in my tech collection. It really hits me how much the iPad is an essential family tool when I see how my wife gravitates to it, or my kids. It's comforting, it's instant and most of the iPads in our home are years old, which doesn't even slightly affect how often we use them. That's why I suggest that buying low is the way to go, despite how nice and speedy higher-end iPads can seem.
Read more: Best iPad for 2024
In a world full of rapidly changing tech and gadgets, it's nice that each generation of the iPad can be so reliable and stable. Sure, the 10th-gen iPad might get updated next spring, but in the meantime it's the best affordable bet for basic uses, such as watching TV, creating art and playing select games.
Will iPads go on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Yes! Black Friday and Cyber Monday historically are a great time to find deals on Apple devices. In the days before Black Friday, Apple has deals on the 9th- and 10th-generation iPads plus the iPad Mini, Air and Pro.
Interested in an iPad? Here are the Black Friday iPads and Apple deals going on right now. For other gift ideas, here are 31 of the best tech gifts under $100 and 50 unique gifts for people who have everything. Also, check out all our great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to shop this holiday season.
If you're searching for more affordable gifts, here are 31 of the best tech gifts under $100 and the best Black Friday deals.