If you're looking to get your hands on an iPad 3 or iPad mini for one of the just-discounted prices at stores like Best Buy and Walmart, you may have some trouble. The tablets went on sale Thursday, and Best Buy is already reporting Friday that many stores are sold out.  

Because the third-generation iPad is no longer in production at Apple, Best Buy will not be re-upping its stock. Fortunately, some stores seem to have a few discounted tablets left, but you may need to rush before they're all gone. With no such new devices in production at Apple, the sell-outs should be hitting Walmart soon, too.

According to ABC News, Walmart brought down the price of the 16GB iPad mini to $299 from $329. The regular 16GB iPad now goes for $314 and the 64GB version is now $454. That's a 30-percent markdown, which should make even the most Apple-unfriendly device owner take notice.  

Some are speculating that there's not actually any point in buying even the discounted tablets, as a stop on the inventory may bolster rumors of a sooner next-generation tablet from Apple in the works. Walmart balks at this idea, however, saying it has slashed prices to make the iPad 3 and iPad mini purchasable at "prices [customers] can afford."

The price-slashing of the iPad 3 and iPad mini by Walmart and Best Buy also comes in time for spring holidays such as Mother's Day, Father's Day and the graduation season.

"Some have asked us if we think this signals the possibility of a new iPad to be released. That is not the case," a Walmart spokesperson said in ABC News' report. "Walmart's move is due to consumer demand and our commitment to providing the best price, not potential new product introductions."

Best Buy concurred with Walmart, suggesting its rationale for cutting iPad 3 and iPad mini prices had nothing to do with the possibility of the next-gen tablet coming out sooner than later.

"At Best Buy we're always looking for ways to provide the best selection, service and value for our customers," Best Buy said in a statement. "The current offer on the iPad 3 is a great example of that and is just one of many great offers we have right now."

What do you think? Are you rushing out now to get yourself a cheaper iPad 3 or iPad mini? Or are you waiting for the iPad 5? Let us know in the comments below!

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