From iPad Air to Galaxy Watch at Record Lows, Three Back-to-School Essentials on One Budget With Refurbished Tech

This article features deals sourced directly by Gizmodo and produced independently of the editorial team. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on the site. There’s a version of back-to-school shopping that ends with a perfectly organized cart and a definite sense of dread when the total cost appears. Few things add up faster than tech when everything is priced at MSRP. Back Market exists specifically for that moment when the need for a new laptop, tablet, wearable, or other tech item is real, but the full retail number is best avoided. Back Market sells professionally refurbished, re-certified devices that have been painstakingly inspected and graded, and every purchase carries a one-year warranty. Their selection is huge, but these three picks cover the student basics: a tablet, a laptop, and a fitness-forward smartwatch. They’re all available right now at prices that leave breathing room in your budget. The iPad Air 5’s secret weapon is Apple’s M1 chip, which is the same processor that powered the MacBook Air for a couple of years and still handles everything in iPadOS without a hiccup. At $299 at Back Market, a full 50% off its retail price, this is a can’t-miss p