Black Friday and Holiday Season: Beware of the iPad Knockoffs
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The name might sound a little ominous, but I think most of us look forward to Black Friday almost as much as Christmas morning itself. Specified as the day after the American Thanksgiving, Black Friday is the official kick-off to the Holiday shopping season. Generally thought of as the busiest shopping day of the year, most retailers offer tremendous sales and incentives to get you through their doors.
While you buy your Dad a new Rolox watch and that Prado bag for mom, you need to keep your eyes peeled for fake iPads.
Sometimes it’s not as easy as avoiding purchases made on street-corner tables or out of the trunk of some guy’s car, imitation products are everywhere! Don’t mistake what I am saying; I’m not referring to off-make devices claiming to actually be iPads and not those that are legitimate competition. For those shopping around for tablets at lower-than-Apple prices there are iPad alternatives that operate on other platforms such as Android.
How can you spot a fake? You can always look for the Apple logo, but some will even try to fool you with graphics that are only very slightly altered. You can check for typos and other give-away details, but that can be difficult when faced with sealed packaging.
Instead, carefully consider where you are making your purchase. I suggest shopping at known retail stores, even when dealing online. Always be sure to listen to your inner voice and trust your gut. Your instincts should tell you that a $499 device being sold for $159 is probably not quite right. Be cautious when buying used electronics and consider only dealing with retailers located in North America. Above all else, always read the fine print.
Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
