New iPad time, where to buy? Ebay?

Not a clue on eBay but I have in the past years ago bought refurb direct from Apple, how much are you going to save? Do you need a pro? I’m currently using an 11” pro with M2 chip that cost over £800 when new, I notice now the basic Air comes as 11” with M2 for £599.

I’ve had good experiences with back market and music magpie - both buying and selling, and, importantly, returning and refunds if something was not up to snuff.

Music Magpie have been great. Daughter has had Ipad Pro and I buy her iphones from them.

Fair point, doesn't have to be a pro.

IMO I would definitely go with the M series chip rather an A series. It made a huge difference when I use to use zwift. Especially if you plan sticking with it for a while. Bit like you I love my iPad that much I sold my M3 MacBook Air and now just use the iPad, it does everything I need it to do.

Bought mine from johnpye auctions, brand new in box, £500 cheaper than anywhere else. First saw Johnpye on here and have bought a few things from them now. Just take into account VAT and auctioneer fees when bidding

I've had good luck with Curry's eBay outlet for ex display. Had a phone and more recently a Mac Book - both looked brand new.

Otherwise the Apple refurb store.

eBay (or amazon etc) + "refurbished" - I'd want hard proof of the "refurbishments"

"Second hand", sure. Refurbished? I call bs.

If you want genuinely refurbed (new shell, new battery), get it from the apple refurb store - where they actually refurb it (with OEM parts) + provide an apple warranty

Obviously, generally, an iPad will never die (call it in 10 years of being bought) so it doesn't matter, but words matter and the apple [actual] refurb is definitely worth the premium IF having a refurb device matters to you.

Also got an iPad Pro from Curry’s eBay outlet 5 years ago that is still heavily used today.

I’ve purchased “refurb” iPhones from eBay. Just check that the returns policy is fair and send back if they aren’t any good. Though I’m not sure if you can check iPad battery health can you? That and the screen condition are the two things that you’re likely to want to send one back for.

I got a gen 5 pro 12.9" to use as a music score reader a couple of years ago.      second-handphones.com are on eBay, but you'll save a few quid buying it direct. It was in good to very good condition and a huge saving over the eye-watering price of a new one.