Samuel Axon
Today’s best tech deals include LG’s well-regarded C2 55-inch 4K TV and the 2021 iPad Pro at their lowest prices. The C2 and the 2021 iPad Pro are previous-generation models that still offer great performance and display quality. Apple’s entry-level 2023 Mac mini and AirPods Pro also returned to the lowest prices we’ve tracked for them at $400 for the mini and $200 for the AirPods Pro.
Apple iPad Pro (2021) 12.9-inch M1 Wi-Fi + cellular, 256GB for $1,000 ($1,400)
When we reviewed the 2021 (fifth generation) iPad Pro, it was “the best screen we’ve ever seen in a tablet [and] one of the best screens we’ve seen in any personal computing device, period.” The Mini LED display alone could be a good reason to upgrade from previous generation iPad Pros, particularly for avid consumers of HDR content. Apple’s M1 processor took the 2021 iPad Pro to untouchable, “peerless” performance levels on a tablet that already led the market in performance, and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity sweetened the deal for productivity. You’ll likely need a dongle to support heavier workflows since that’s the only built-in port for charging and data transfer.
The sixth-generation 2022 iPad Pro (the latest model) steps up to the newest M2 processor, but we recommend that those who already have a 2021 iPad Pro stick with what they have, making it a solid deal for new users. Especially with cellular capabilities and $400 off—the largest discount we’ve tracked on it—the 2021 iPad Pro is a great pickup. If you don’t need that size or power, we think the 10.9-inch iPad Air is the best choice for most buyers seeking a new tablet, and it does so at nearly half the price.
LG C2 (2022) 55-inch 4K OLED TV for $1,097 ($1,500)
LG’s C series TVs have been widely praised for delivering inky blacks, excellent contrast, wide viewing angles, smooth motion, and gaming-friendly features. Compared to the C1, the 2022 C2 improves peak brightness (specifically in the 55-inch size, not the 42- and 48-inch models) and supports 48Gbps of bandwidth (up from 40Gbps) to the four HDMI 2.1 ports. The C2 also natively supports Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, as well as a variable refresh rate for smoother gameplay. The 55-inch C2 is currently at the lowest price we’ve ever tracked, about $400 off MSRP and at least $150 off the typical street price.
Andrew Cunningham
Apple Mac mini (2023) M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD for $500 ($600)
Apple’s latest Mac mini desktop computer is “Apple’s Goldilocks desktop for semi-professionals.” Equipped with Apple’s M2 processor and 8GB of RAM, we found the Mac mini cool, quiet, energy-efficient, and packing enough power for almost any rich media content creation you’d do outside of a professional studio context. As we noted in our review, “folks who need more should look to the M2 Pro-equipped minis.” The entry-level model is back down from $600 to $500, matching the lowest price we’ve tracked.
Jeff Dunn
Apple AirPods Pro (second generation) for $200 ($250)
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro are also back to their lowest recorded price. The Pro model utilizes noise cancellation and rubber tips to control outside sounds and provide a better fit. It’s great for plane and train rides, but you can turn on Transparency Mode to tune in to your surroundings if you’re out for a run in a busy area. Apple says this mode will also tune in to voices better, which one study found the AirPods Pro to do well enough to compete with some hearing aids. Battery life is about 4.5 hours, but the case provides around 30 hours of charge. The AirPods Pro are sweatproof, according to Apple, and they utilize spatial audio to tune the music to your unique ear shape.
Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs. We use tracking sites like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa to compare current sale prices to the typical street price to ensure the sales we find are good deals.
