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How to Buy an iPad Air and Apple Pencil

How to · Tech

How to Buy an iPad Air and Apple Pencil

Get the right setup for note-taking and design without paying interest, if you plan it right.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $41.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You are buying this setup to take notes, sketch, and get real work done for the next few years, so we want you to buy it once and get it right. Aim for the Air and Pencil combination that handles your actual workload instead of paying extra for features you will not touch.

Tech updates happen fast, but the current iPad Air stays capable for years. If a new version drops right before you buy, look at last year's model on sale since the specs are usually close enough to save you some cash.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money, and what happens if the balance is still there at the end is that you will get hit with back interest charged from day one at the standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the education store

    Apple offers education pricing to students and teachers year-round, plus extra gift cards during back-to-school season. See if you qualify before you look anywhere else.

  2. 02

    Time your purchase with sales

    Major holiday weekends and back-to-school windows bring the best retail discounts on Apple bundles. Waiting a few weeks for a sale can easily save you fifty bucks or more.

  3. 03

    Map out your monthly math

    Take the total cost of about $750 and divide it by your timeline so you know what you are committing to each month. Spreading that amount across the 18-month window comes out to $41.67 per month.

  4. 04

    Use your card window

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break up the cost without paying extra in interest, as long as you pay it off in time.

  5. 05

    Confirm the final bundle

    Double-check that you have the right storage size and the correct pencil generation for your specific iPad model before you click buy. Returns on opened tech can sometimes be a hassle.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I get the base storage or upgrade?

If you plan to download lots of movies, games, or heavy design files, the base storage fills up fast. Grab the next tier up if you hate managing cloud storage all the time.

Does the Apple Pencil really matter?

Make sure you get the pencil model that actually charges and pairs magnetically with your specific iPad Air version. Older pencils do not work with newer frames.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cancel your zero-interest deal entirely. Set up autopay for at least the minimum so you do not accidentally mess it up.

Is refurbished a safe bet?

Apple refurbished gear comes with a new battery and the same warranty as a brand-new device. It is one of the easiest ways to shave money off the $750 total without taking on extra risk.