Staples now has a special offer in place for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only iPad Mini, selling the tablet for $249, i.e. $80 off the regular $329 price tag.

It's worth pointing out that this deal is for the original iPad Mini launched in 2012, not the iPad Mini with Retina display launched this year.

Apple launched its first-generation iPad Mini last year to offer an alternative to its full-size iPad, as consumers were increasingly interested in smaller-screen tablets. The iPad Mini was disappointing to some because it did not sport the company's much-touted Retina display, but it proved to be hugely successful nonetheless.

Even without the high-resolution Retina display, the first-generation iPad Mini still packs high-end specs and features that made it very popular among consumers. The 7.9-inch iPad brought the experience and features iFans expected (sans Retina) to a smaller, more compact device that boasted a new design.

Apple changed the design with its iPad Mini, introducing a tablet with narrow bezels around the display that offered a nearly edge-to-edge screen. The company also opted for a new aluminum case design with its smaller tablet, which made the device ultra thin and light.

In fact, the iPad Mini's design proved to be so popular that Apple tried to mirror it with its fifth-generation full-size iPad, which launched under the name of iPad Air.

Apple may have launched a new iPad Mini and this time it included the popular Retina display, but the original iPad Mini still packs a punch and attracts plenty of buyers. Staples is now looking to make the tablet even more appealing with its new price cut, offering the 16GB Wi-Fi iPad Mini (2012) for just $249 instead of its regular $329 price tag.

As a reminder, the iPad Mini sports a 7.9-inch LED backlit IPS display with a resolution of 1024 x 728 pixels. It packs Apple's A5 chip, features a FaceTime HD camera and ships with iOS 7, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system. In terms of battery performance, the tablet will last for up to 10 hours of continuous use.

Staples offer is limited-time only, so interested buyers may want to take advantage of it while it lasts. The deal expires on Monday, Dec. 2.