Don't hold your breath. Apple never cuts prices, only increases content and value. When the iPad 4 comes out, they may cut the iPad 3 by $100 while supplies last, and you may find similar deals on refurbs. Or you can wait to see if the 'mini' materializes, less money for less capability.
FWIW, a cheaper tablet is unlikely to measure up on features or construction. It may be good enough for your needs, but don't expect it to be equivalent to an iPad. Other manufacturers have said they can't make the same tablet as cheaply as Apple. The Retina screen is expensive, and worth every penny.
Like any computer purchase, you should buy what you need to run the software that's important to you.
milliHelen: amount of beauty required to launch one ship.