Andrew Cunningham
If you have some upcoming travel planned, today’s dealmaster can save you a nice chunk of change on some trusty travel companions. Bose’s super-comfortable QuietComfort 45 noise-cancelling headphones are currently on sale for $280 ($330), while Apple’s two most widely recommendable iPads, the iPad Air (10.9-inch, 64GB) and iPad Mini (8.3-inch, 64GB), are on sale for $500 ($560) and $300 ($400), respectively. Both iPad deals match the lowest prices we’ve tracked for these models. Do note that you’ll receive the discount at checkout on Amazon’s iPad Air deal.
Apple iPad Air, 10.9-inch 64GB for $500 ($560)
Apple’s iPads are the best tablets you can buy, and the latest iPad Air is the best for most people. In our review, we noted that, in addition to the beautiful screen for media consumption, the M1 processor also gives it more power than it has any business having if you need to do a little bit of work. It’s also a well-equipped device for video calls, utilizing a 12 MP front-facing camera with Apple’s Center Stage technology to digitally assist in keeping you the main focus on video. Pair this with Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard compatibility, and it becomes harder to justify spending hundreds more on an iPad Pro.
Samuel Axon
Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch 64GB for $300 ($400)
The iPad Mini fills a similar role at its price point, and with $100 off the typical price, that value only deepens. It uses USB-C to charge, supports the latest Apple Pencil, and has Touch ID built into the power button. It doesn’t have a matching Magic Keyboard, but you can always pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard. As we note in our review, it does well to emulate a mini version of the latest iPads and their newest features. Just note that an 8.3-inch screen can be a bit cramped for multitasking or hours of work. Otherwise it’s a great device for consuming media, sketching, or jotting down notes.
Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones for $280 ($330)
Bose’s QuietComfort 45 is the most comfortable pair of noise-canceling headphones we’ve tried. They also do a commendable job in keeping out sound. Apple’s more expensive AirPods Max may have the best noise-cancelation in their class, but if comfort is of utmost importance, then the QC 45s are worth a look. They fit larger ears better and have a more neutral sound signature, but they lack an EQ tool to make adjustments. The QC 45 is also outfitted with more reliable physical playback buttons compared to touch controls commonly found on other headphones in this class. A full charge gets you about 20 hours of listening time, which should be plenty for most any trip.
Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs.
