Popular retailer Best Buy slashed the price tags on all iPad 3 models to some of the lowest prices yet, offering 30 percent discounts.

While the iPad 3 is already one-year old and it's not the latest Apple tablet on the market, it still remains a reasonable choice for many consumers looking to get a shiny new Apple gadget. The iPad 4 features a few upgrades over its predecessor, but the iPad 3 has plenty to offer as well. Rumors also suggest the Cupertino giant is looking to bring an iPad 5 to the market this year, but nothing is set in stone yet.

All in all, the iPad 3 is an attractive option despite its age, and Best Buy's new sale aims to make it even more attractive. The retailer just dropped the price of the iPad 3 to the lowest price point so far, offering up to $234 in discounts. No other outlets offer such deals. Best Buy's new prices for the iPad 3 are even lower than Apple's prices for refurbished versions of the tablet.

Best Buy cut the price tags on all iPad 3 models. The 16GB Wi-Fi-only version of the iPad 3 is now available for $314, while the most expensive model, the 64GB iPad 3 with 4G LTE, is now down from $799 to just $545.99. The sale seems to be a limited time offer, as the retailer apparently extends the deal only through Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, respectively. Once this sale ends, the iPad 3 will return to its normal pricing for all models.

The discounted iPads, however, are only available via in-store pickup, and it seems that selection varies among stores. Interested shoppers can check the availability for individual models at their local Best Buy stores on the company's website and reserve the tablet for in-store pickup.

The price drops may have something to do with the much-rumored iPad 5 launch. Speculation suggests a release date as early as April or as late as October, but Apple has yet to confirm anything. Retailers generally slash prices on older products ahead of a major launch of a new product, as a way to clear old inventory and make room for the new gadgets.

Could the iPad 3 massive sale in the U.S. herald the arrival of the new iPad 5, or is it just part of Best Buy's spring sale?