How to get a brand-new Apple – iPad for less than list price.

The apps, its ease to fit into practically any bag you carry, and it’s compatible with everything else Apple you own, make an Apple – iPad a compelling investment.

If you are a student or are employed by a school, you may qualify for special “education pricing” at the Apple Store on computer products. But what about those of us who desire Apple discounts on the Apple iPad tablet?

It’s nearly impossible to find a legitimate Apple – iPad coupon or coupon code.  (Feel free to let me know if you find out otherwise.)  But buying a few Plastic Jungle discount Best Buy gift cards could sink your teeth into 5% off Apple – iPad savings!

Order your Best Buy discount gift cards now and you’ll be ready to buy your Apple – iPad for less.  You could use the money you save to buy additional Best Buy discount gift cards to get popular iPad accessories like a wireless keyboard, docking station, or case at a discount, too.

Equally as worthwhile, if you know someone who does not let a day pass without telling you how much they really, really want an Apple – iPad – consider encouraging their purchase by giving a Plastic Jungle Best Buy discount gift card as a gift.  (We won’t tell that you did not pay face value for it.)

• In-store only
• Valid through September 17, 2011
• While supplies last

• Free shipping on kids purchases over $50, including shoes
• Promo code “SCHOOL”
• Extra 15% off
• Extra 10% select departments
• Valid through August 8, 2011

 
THE CHILDREN’S PLACE

• 25% off Uniforms and Backpacks
• Limited time
• Online only

 
KOHL’S

• Biggest Back-to-School Sale
• 200 Power Hour Specials
• Friday, August 5th and Saturday, August 6th
• Online and In-store
• Get $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent

APPLE STORE

When you buy a qualifying new Mac with Apple education pricing, you’ll get a free $100 Back to School Card to use on the Mac App Store, the App Store, the iTunes Store and the iBookstore. Valid through September 20, 2011.

Who qualifies?

• College students or students accepted to college
• Parents buying for college students or students accepted to college
• Faculty or staff members at any level

Pssst! Have you heard? The Rumor Mill’s been a-churnin’ about a new iPhone 5 release in September!

According to inside buzz, the new iPhone 5 might be lighter and slimmer than the iPhone 4, with an upgraded eight-megapixel camera and possibly a larger screen.

Here are some other potential features to look forward to:

• A faster A5 Processor
• IOS 5 Operating System, which brings more than 200 features including Notification Center, iMessage, Twitter, Newsstand, enhanced photo functions and more
• More Storage
• Face Recognition Security
• Video Chat on a 4G network
• Shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant screen
• Longer battery life
• HD Audio
• Built-in GPS
• Separate rear camera from the flash to reduce “red eye”
• Dual Core Processors for speedy downloads
• More powerful graphics chip cards, to provide better video and still images
• Personalized ring tones

Another major feature that’s expected to launch is “Assistive Touch.” Rather than physically pushing a Home, Mute or Volume button, users can simply just tap the screen’s touch panel to perform these tasks, as well as use “Gestures” like “Pinch” and “Swipe.” This is a terrific enhancement for folks that might have trouble with the traditional hardware buttons. Here’s what it might look like:

Word on the street is that beta testing’s already underway at AT&T and T-Mobile, where the phone carriers are verifying that the iPhone 5 is working properly and reporting any issues back to Apple.

Sales are expected to be swift. Reports shows that the iPhone 5 is projected to be five times more profitable than its predecessor. Sources claim that Taiwanese company “Pegatron Technology” already received an order for 15 million iPhone 5 units that are scheduled for a September shipment.

And while Apple has remained mum on everything, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer hinted in their earnings report that a “future product transition would impact the September quarter.”

So how do you get your hands on one of these new toys? And better yet, how can you get the best price?

Start by buying discounted gift cards at Plastic Jungle! iPhone products can be purchased at Apple Stores, as well as at AT&T Stores, Verizon Stores, Best Buy, Radio Shack and Walmart. Stock up on gift cards now so you’ll have them ready in time for the September launch.

Need to check the balance on your Apple Store Card? Simply call 1-888-320-3301 and follow the instructions. You can also see your balance by visiting the account area of the Apple Store online.

Do you have some old gift cards gathering dust and would rather have the cash to spend on an iPhone 5? Sell ‘em to Plastic Jungle! We’ll buy your unused gift cards for up to 92% of their value.

What iPhone 5 feature are YOU looking forward to most? I personally would love to see longer battery life. In addition to air, food, water and chocolate, it seems like I can’t get through a day without constant access to an iPhone charger!

References: www.iphone5release.org, www.iphone5specs.org, www.hubpages.com/hub/iPhone-5-Review,
www.iphone5rumours.com/2011/07/19/july-19th-ios-5-to-feature-gestures-to-replace-buttons/, www.businessinsider.com/iphone-5-rumors-2011-6#

What gift cards topped your shopping list in June? Surprisingly, almost the exact same ones, in the same order as last month – but with a little twist.

Home improvement giants continued to top the list, with Home Depot and Lowe’s ranked at #1 and #2. The secret is out – builders, subcontractors and professional handymen can increase their margins by buying discounted gift cards from Plastic Jungle. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s cards are currently offered at 7% off, immediately shaving costs and adding profit to the bottom line.

And it’s not just skilled experts that enjoyed savings. With June graduations and the Father’s Day holiday, Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards made terrific gifts for the home improvement hobbyist.

Walmart and Target again ranked #3 and #4 respectively. As one-stop shopping centers, Junglers saved on nearly everything under the sun, including house wares, toys, clothing, electronics, and even groceries. With 3% discounted gift cards stacked on top of Walmart and Target’s already uber-competitive low prices, these cards get swiped up fast, so sign up for a notification alert to get first access.

Best Buy again ranked #5. A great source for computers, video games, televisions, digital cameras, mp3 players, mobile phones & appliances, Best Buy gift cards likely made for some great Father’s Day and Graduation gifts as well.

The next three spots were filled by clothing department stores: Macys (#6), Kohl’s (#7) and JC Penney (#8). Perhaps our Junglers were freshening up their summer wardrobe with new shorts, tanks, sundresses, swimsuits and sandals. All three merchants have darling summer clothing collections on sale now, as they make room for their fall and back-to-school collections.

The Apple Store held spot #9. Our family celebrated the end of school and good report cards with a new iPhone for my daughter, a new iTouch for my son and a new Nano for mama (I deserved a little treat for helping with all the homework and packing lunches all year long, right?!) Apple Store gift cards are quite popular, so be sure to plan ahead and sign up for an email alert when they become available.

Rounding out the Top 10 was Barnes & Noble. (Cabela’s filled this spot in May.) A popular go-to, slam-dunk teacher’s gift is always a Barnes & Noble gift card. Was your child’s teacher the lucky recipient of one of these end-of-the-school-year gifts?

Special Honorary Mention goes out to iTunes, who ranked #6 in quantity (vs. revenue), with a whopping 6,125 cards sold in June. That’s a lot of TV, video, movie, app and music downloads!

These Top 10 gift cards are just the tip of the iceberg (or should we say tip of the palm tree?) Plastic Jungle has  nearly 400 brands, with discounted gift cards offered up to 35% off. Click here to see what hot cards we’ve got up for sale now!

What gift cards topped your shopping list last month?

After being cooped up for a long winter, shoppers were ready to get some fresh air and visit their favorite big-box retail stores. Nearly all of the gift cards in the Top 10 were to superstore chains. And with Cinco de May, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, there were plenty of holidays to celebrate.

Home Depot and Lowe’s topped the list (#1 and #2 respectively). Perhaps many of you were tackling home improvement projects or shopping ahead for Father’s Day.  Nearly 10,000 Home Depot gift cards were purchased – that’s Jungle-riffic!  Did you paint a nursery?  Re-tile a bathroom?  Build new shelving?  Not only are our Plastic Jungle friends savvy shoppers you are also quite handy!  We’d love to hear your home improvement stories and see pictures of your new-and-improved abodes.

Here’s your Top 10 Most-Wanted list for May:

#1 Home Depot – buy today for 7% off!

#2 Lowe’s – buy today for 7% off!

#3 Walmart – no gift cards currently available but check back soon or get set up on a notification alert. New gift cards are added all the time!

#4 Target – buy today for 3% off!

#5 Best Buy – buy today for 5% off!

#6 Macy’s – no gift cards currently available but check back soon or get set up on a notification alert. New gift cards are added all the time!

#7 Kohl’s – buy today for 15% off!

#8 JC Penney – buy today for 14% off!

#9 Apple Store - no gift cards currently available but check back soon or get set up on a notification alert. New gift cards are added all the time!

#10 Cabela’s – buy today for 10% off!

And check this out – the top six also made an appearance in the May 2010 Top 10 list. Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Macy’s have been solid merchants year-to-year.

What are YOUR favorite gift cards this month? Can you predict who will top the charts in June?