iPad Another upset customer!

[NathP]

I've had every iPad to date as the upgrade reason each time has just about been worth it, similar with the iPhone. iPad 2 for the all new design plus camera, iPad 3 for retina display.

As the iPad 4 is just a better front camera and faster processor I will definitely not be upgrading. The cons outweigh the pros such as iOS6 and lack of jailbreak which I lost when upgrading my iPhone 4S to iPhone 5. I guess I will be more selective when upgrading the iPad in future because with the iPad mini on the market too, it has made it more fragmented compared to iPhone.

I'm quite happy running my iPad 3 on 5.1.1 jailbreak and using my existing 30 pin accessories and dock

 

[AoS]

When Apple doesn't update, people complain about how slow they are. When they do update, people complain about how they are screwing current customers with the newer versions. Look people, no one is forcing you to buy the new iPad; believe it or not, your iPad 3 is still good.

 

[Reikochan]

I am very upset by this. I purchased my iPad 3 64 days ago. And now it's obsolete. I almost bought the iPad 2 instead because of the price difference but in the end I decided I should get the 3 since it will last longer and get more updates then the iPad 2 would. Now you can't even purchase it from apple.com.

Since I purchased it 64 days ago I am not eligible to return it. I got completely burned by this.

 

[JoelBC]

A similar but different perspective here...

Background...
- long time lover of technology who realizes technology moves on and that all things will be replaced by something newer and better

- long time "anything but apple" owner with the exception of iPods, starting with the first iPod nano, simply never bought into the Apple hype, never understood the pricing premium, and very satisfied with Windows (i.e. I could do everything I needed to on it)

- with the relative maturity of tablets I started look at the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy and others...decided to wait until the next round of upgrades and snagged an iPad 3 at the end of June 2012 after doing a lot of reading

- with the user experience being less than perfect - Apple sent me some free stuff - I soldiered on and eventually got the iPad working...was at the point where I *was* even considering purchasing a MBA on rMBP (albeit I would need to run Windows in order to run some of my applications)

In short I believe that I am the type of customer that Apple would liek to have...tech lover, tech savy, recognizes items are replaced / upgraded, willing to move / try OS X over Windows, would make a "full" transition (i.e. laptop, phone, and tablet) and, did I mention, have 3 Apple loving kids to boot!

So, how do I feel about the iPad 3 being replaced by the iPad 4 and the iPad 3 disappearing after a 7 month cycle...*EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED* because I believe the following:

1. Apple have never -- based on my research -- replaced a product in this short of a time line meaning that I bought my iPad with the idea that it would be current until ~March 2013 meaning I could sell it around Christmas, get most of my money back and then get the iPad 4...this is no longer an option as my iPad 3 just plummeted in price.

2. Apple must have known that they were looking at a 7 month cycle and still went ahead with the release...why could they not have done what they did with the 13" rMBP and wait until they "got it right"

Though I do not pretend to run Apple I do know that in my business treating customers honestly which includes meeting their expectations is key to customer retention and I do not believe that Apple has done so on this case.

3. Apple not only has created an uncomfortable position for me with respect to keep the iPad 3 versus buy the iPad 4 but has also further complicated the situation by not clearly stating their new upgrade cycle...will there be an iPad 5 in April 2013 or October 2013 because as disappointing as things are now, it would be even worse to purchase an iPad 4 now only to have the iPad 5 released in April 2013.

Because i purchased the 64GB WiFi + cellualr option there is no way that Apple is getting $3,000 for iPads from me in a year...read on to 4.

4. Worse of all -- and I say this with perfect knowledge that Apple does not care -- is that I am considering turning on Apple even before seriously going down this road for a number of reasons...there are the points noted above...there are pricing consideration -- for example -- for what Apple wants for a 13 inch rMBP I could get 2 Samsung Series 9 (i.e. a new one each year) and with the Series 9 WQHD having already been shown it cannot be that far away (and yes, it does not have OS X but so what, Windows is honestly not that bad as a lot of people still use Windows).

With todays anoucement it seems possible -- no likely -- that Apple may have lost a customer who would have been prepared to cough up a few $1,000 dollars a year between laptops, phones and tablets but this is becoming more difficult with todays decision.


Your comments and opinions are most welcome.



EDITORIAL NOTE: I am not bothered by the lighting connector or the improved FaceTime camera as I see these as incremental changes but the processor change is what gets me!!
+++++++++++

What will I do with my iPad 3...two possibilities:

1. Keep it and wait for the iPad 5 as I do not want to get burned twice; OR

2. Sell it to purchase a MBA or Ultrabook which would avoid the issues surrounding iPad updates.

 

[Hjmoore420]

What I did got me banned from Mac forums

I emailed apple today to vent my frustration but I also called 800-275-2273 and spoke with customer care. He was somewhat helpful, but passed me to his supervisor, who passed me to some care specialist.

It took about 20 mins, but it was my commute. I told this guy, Matt, that I was pretty ticked and a lot in the apple community seemed to be as well and I suggested a exchange program, that if you have apple care, and your product was in good shape for $100 you can upgrade. He thought it made sense and said he would pass it along. He also gave me a $100 coupon to use in the next 6 months, just in time for ipad 6.

If everyone who is ticked off calls, they will probably do something . for this I am banned from apple forums.

 

[Rhyalus]

A similar but different perspective
What will I do with my iPad 3...two possibilities:

1. Keep it and wait for the iPad 5 as I do not want to get burned twice; OR

2. Sell it to purchase a MBA or Ultrabook which would avoid the issues surrounding iPad updates.

So after this long rant, your two options are to buy more Apple products?

I am angry because I spent 600 bucks two weeks ago and now that same amount of money buys a better product.

You ruined your reasonable post with an unreasonable conclusion.

R

 

[sinsin07]

A similar but different perspective here...

Background...
- long time lover of technology who realizes technology moves on and that all things will be replaced by something newer and better

- long time "anything but apple" owner with the exception of iPods, starting with the first iPod nano, simply never bought into the Apple hype, never understood the pricing premium, and very satisfied with Windows (i.e. I could do everything I needed to on it)

- with the relative maturity of tablets I started look at the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy and others...decided to wait until the next round of upgrades and snagged an iPad 3 at the end of June 2012 after doing a lot of reading

- with the user experience being less than perfect - Apple sent me some free stuff - I soldiered on and eventually got the iPad working...was at the point where I *was* even considering purchasing a MBA on rMBP (albeit I would need to run Windows in order to run some of my applications)

In short I believe that I am the type of customer that Apple would liek to have...tech lover, tech savy, recognizes items are replaced / upgraded, willing to move / try OS X over Windows, would make a "full" transition (i.e. laptop, phone, and tablet) and, did I mention, have 3 Apple loving kids to boot!

So, how do I feel about the iPad 3 being replaced by the iPad 4 and the iPad 3 disappearing after a 7 month cycle...*EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED* because I believe the following:

1. Apple have never -- based on my research -- replaced a product in this short of a time line meaning that I bought my iPad with the idea that it would be current until ~March 2013 meaning I could sell it around Christmas, get most of my money back and then get the iPad 4...this is no longer an option as my iPad 3 just plummeted in price.

2. Apple must have known that they were looking at a 7 month cycle and still went ahead with the release...why could they not have done what they did with the 13" rMBP and wait until they "got it right"

Though I do not pretend to run Apple I do know that in my business treating customers honestly which includes meeting their expectations is key to customer retention and I do not believe that Apple has done so on this case.

3. Apple not only has created an uncomfortable position for me with respect to keep the iPad 3 versus buy the iPad 4 but has also further complicated the situation by not clearly stating their new upgrade cycle...will there be an iPad 5 in April 2013 or October 2013 because as disappointing as things are now, it would be even worse to purchase an iPad 4 now only to have the iPad 5 released in April 2013.

Because i purchased the 64GB WiFi + cellualr option there is no way that Apple is getting $3,000 for iPads from me in a year...read on to 4.

4. Worse of all -- and I say this with perfect knowledge that Apple does not care -- is that I am considering turning on Apple even before seriously going down this road for a number of reasons...there are the points noted above...there are pricing consideration -- for example -- for what Apple wants for a 13 inch rMBP I could get 2 Samsung Series 9 (i.e. a new one each year) and with the Series 9 WQHD having already been shown it cannot be that far away (and yes, it does not have OS X but so what, Windows is honestly not that bad as a lot of people still use Windows).

With todays anoucement it seems possible -- no likely -- that Apple may have lost a customer who would have been prepared to cough up a few $1,000 dollars a year between laptops, phones and tablets but this is becoming more difficult with todays decision.


Your comments and opinions are most welcome.



EDITORIAL NOTE: I am not bothered by the lighting connector or the improved FaceTime camera as I see these as incremental changes but the processor change is what gets me!!
+++++++++++

What will I do with my iPad 3...two possibilities:

1. Keep it and wait for the iPad 5 as I do not want to get burned twice; OR

2. Sell it to purchase a MBA or Ultrabook which would avoid the issues surrounding iPad updates.

This is a very presumptuous, self indulgent, first world problem, narrative. Will there be a movie?

When has Apple ever clearly stated their update/upgrade cycle?

 

[thedeejay]

OMFG, I'm so ****ing pissed. I'm gonna boycott apple and not buy anything from them again. Give me a break, how can my iPad 2 already be obsolete!!!!!!!

You have go to be kidding me, cry me a river. You'll still get the same amount of updates. I have an iPad 2 so if anything I should be worried. I got a box of tissue though, want some?

 

[djransom]

When Apple doesn't update, people complain about how slow they are. When they do update, people complain about how they are screwing current customers with the newer versions. Look people, no one is forcing you to buy the new iPad; believe it or not, your iPad 3 is still good.

Jackpot!

 

[Jman13]

Your iPad 3 is not obsolete. It will get the same updates it would have gotten anyway.

If it was worth it to you to purchase it for the price you paid 4 weeks or 3 months or 7 months ago, then what's the problem? Guess what? In 6 months to a year, the iPad 4 will be superseded by a new model too. Oh, the horror!

 

[mkbook]

Technology advances, Apple releases a new product, and people are upset. I never understood this type of thinking. The only explanation I can think of is you bought the product not because it actually fulfilled a need, but it was bought simply because it was a gadget.

 

[Tigerman82]

I don't get why people are upset about Apple releasing iPad 4 -- even though even I didn't expect it. I've been writing to a few forums about the problems of iPad 3. About the "Plan B" theory, about the thickness and the weight, about the heat problems, about the uneven screen, about the super long charging time, about the sluggish performance in graphic-heavy applications. I'm not an expert but this list isn't just your average complaints about a new product. Still, just about 95% of people were giving me the "that's nonsense, why don't you wait for iPad 99 while you're at it" routine. Yup, most of the time you shouldn't wait for the next-gen device but sometimes it does pay to wait.

And look what happened. IPad 4 is here and while the size and weight are the same, I'm hopeful that the other problems have been addressed -- although I guess there's nothing that can be done about the slight unevenness of screens.

Even if iPad 3 didn't have Retina-related problems (and I know most people are happy with their iPad 3s), there has been talk for ages about possible iPad updates in September-October. Yet I see people crying in these forums because they bought their iPad 3s 1-2 weeks ago. Why did you buy them, then? It was a risk they accepted when they bought the iPad 3.

I have never owned an iPad, or a tablet for that matter, but will buy one for my studies and leisure. While I think it's great that Apple released the iPad 4, I am a little disappointed about the size and weight being the same and that it looks like they didn't use IGZO. Moreover, with Surface and Windows 8 -hybrids coming, I would've liked to see Apple releasing a keyboard smart cover. The best such cover I've seen is the Logitech Ultrathin keyboard cover but it's not exactly as compatible to the iPad as Surface's own keyboards.

 

[master-ceo]

I emailed apple today to vent my frustration but I also called 800-275-2273 and spoke with customer care. He was somewhat helpful, but passed me to his supervisor, who passed me to some care specialist.

It took about 20 mins, but it was my commute. I told this guy, Matt, that I was pretty ticked and a lot in the apple community seemed to be as well and I suggested a exchange program, that if you have apple care, and your product was in good shape for $100 you can upgrade. He thought it made sense and said he would pass it along. He also gave me a $100 coupon to use in the next 6 months, just in time for ipad 6.

If everyone who is ticked off calls, they will probably do something . for this I am banned from apple forums.

Good deal! I could use a $100 coupon right now. Thanks for taking one for the team.

 

[AJAAY]

I emailed apple today to vent my frustration but I also called 800-275-2273 and spoke with customer care. He was somewhat helpful, but passed me to his supervisor, who passed me to some care specialist.

It took about 20 mins, but it was my commute. I told this guy, Matt, that I was pretty ticked and a lot in the apple community seemed to be as well and I suggested a exchange program, that if you have apple care, and your product was in good shape for $100 you can upgrade. He thought it made sense and said he would pass it along. He also gave me a $100 coupon to use in the next 6 months, just in time for ipad 6.

If everyone who is ticked off calls, they will probably do something . for this I am banned from apple forums.

Apple currently does have an exchange program. It's called the 30 day return policy. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your product you can return it (and then buy another i product). After 30 days you are SOL.



I have to say, Apple produces the most pretentious self absorbed customers imaginable.

 

[GoCubsGo]

So my iPad 3 that I purchased 4 months ago has already been super-seeded by the iPad 4.

Can't believe how pissed of I am that the update has come so quickly. I feel like selling my iPad and telling them to stick it up their arses!!

The faster processor and better front camera is ideal for the iPad 3 retina display. This is what the iPad 3 should of been!

Super-seeded? Do you use Apple seeds?

Look, the iPad 3 is a wonderful device still. I don't quite understand if you felt the iPad 3 didn't have the specs it should have why you even bought it in the first place. Something tells me the only person to be mad at is yourself. Technology moves very fast, nothing new.

 

[rockyroad55]

So my iPad 3 that I purchased 4 months ago has already been super-seeded by the iPad 4.

Can't believe how pissed of I am that the update has come so quickly. I feel like selling my iPad and telling them to stick it up their arses!!

The faster processor and better front camera is ideal for the iPad 3 retina display. This is what the iPad 3 should of been!

I know right! All of a sudden your iPad 3 and everyone else's stopped working yesterday. I went to the Apple store today and all the iPad 3 just had the reboot screen on it!

 

[paulrbeers]

Maybe I'm crazy, but now I think is a great time to buy an iPad 3....

Retina display iPad refurb for less than than an iPad 2? Sign me up...

16GB model starting at $379. For $120 less, all I lose out on is a better facetime camera and the CPU of my iPhone 5....

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad/ipad3/wi_fi

Edit: My daughter still uses and loves my original iPad. Granted she's only 1 and only understands how to play the Peekaboo series, but it works great for her....

 

[kicko]

So my iPad 3 that I purchased 4 months ago has already been super-seeded by the iPad 4.

Can't believe how pissed of I am that the update has come so quickly. I feel like selling my iPad and telling them to stick it up their arses!!

The faster processor and better front camera is ideal for the iPad 3 retina display. This is what the iPad 3 should of been!

I feel what your saying but that's also like saying the ipad2 should have been what the ipad3 is. Your never going to win with technology, tomorrow will always be better than today. If your happy with your purchase then just enjoy what you have, if not then sell it and trade up.

Wait 6 months and they will have a mini with retina display.

 

[Kii20]

Well shoot..

Long time lurker,

But I had to post since I believe this is a great community and I have always valued the information I read here enjoying reading like minds bouncing off ideas.

I am an iPad 3 owner, I use it all the time and bought it when it first came out. I was able to sell my iPad 2 for a decent amount and was able to upgrade quite painlessly to the iPad 3 with retina display and camera that actually takes somewhat decent pictures. Upgrading to the 3rd gen was a no brainer. The introduction to the 4th or rather 3S generation was a deer in headlight moment. I would of told anyone that asked me if a new iPad was coming out yesterday to put on some reading glasses and look again at the promo picture to read between the lines.

The many that state, in a rather unabashingly harsh way, that our iPads are not obsolete and grow up must not seem to understand the word obsolete. Not going to do the whole eye no moar Engrish here me roar route but, if a product is no longer retail sold anymore(refurbs exist but meh), the doc connector is now incompatible with new and upcoming products and has a lower spec as the current, wouldn't that sort of imply that it is obsolete? Keep in mind I do not believe obsolete means worthless, its just outdated now and with that comes different set of problems that have been addressed yet oddly ignored. Btw those that says to sell, here are a few prices for a 32 wifi black 3rd generation ipad:

Gazelle $300
Amazon $455 gift card
Apple $350 gift card
Ebay instant sale $277 paypal
Best buy 363.75 gift card
Walmart 277.81 lowest prices guaranteed!

Not bad but, I guess I can try craigslist again if I do go the upgrade route, but than what happens in the Spring?

To the profit defenders, I think we all understand Apple is a business, albeit one that relies on loyal customers. However, I know I will be checking out choices I never thought even possible just because the direction they are heading while profitable, just rubs me the wrong way.

To all those that bought their iPad little over a month ago, yeah you really got screwed. Adopt a cat maybe from a shelter to get free purrs and cuteness; if you are allergic, may I suggest a hairless cat over a dog?

 

[poppy10]

A lot of people would have planned to sell their iPad 3s in January/February to recoup most of their value and then buy the iPad 4, presuming this would have been released in March. Now those users are SOL, they've had the values of their devices cut drastically, given Apple's current discounting on the iPad 3 models on their refurb store.

 

[Mr Rogers]

Apple too the Sheeple for mugs

I think a few of the posters have hit the nail on the head - basically Apple are gouging, they have to price gouge and charge over the odds to maintain their share price and push it towards the much vaunted US$1000 mark - an absolute joke, bet hey, I'm not a financial analyst or owner of Apple shares.

now for those stated that iPad3 owners should be happy, this is not the case and here's the real reason why?

In September last year people began talking about 'Retina' this and 'Retina' that and like the iPhone the iPad should be Retina - Apple answered, but in doing so launched a seriously flawed product by way of the fact that Retina displays are hungry for GPU power and hence battery power - this time last year Apple also would have been working on its new connector and indeed the A6 chip - all of which was mean't to launch a new and improved iPad.

now, given what Apple know and had planned, I think it would have been better to launch the product that was launched yesterday ahead of the iPhone 5, probably in the June/July framework to catch the back-to-school market - instead, they kept to their 12 month timeframe for launches and launched a unfinished product onto the world and consumers brought it in their millions - Apple shares went up and all were happy, except, all those who actually supported Apple and in effect purchased a half realised product have been taken for fools - for low and behold only 7 months down the road the actual product Apple should have launched in March/April, came along yesterday.

if you think this analysis sucks, just consider this, the revamped iMac is still not available due to manufacturing issues and maybe supply constraints on top-end GPU units - now Apple could have just done a refresh in May and the revamp this month, they decided to wait and launch what they consider a good machine - I have my opinion on this - so, they should have done this with Retina iPad's rather than launch half arsed products with a shelf life on 6 months and then expect the people it has already gouged to come back for more - regretfully this is what they will do, for the latest iPad, as with the latest iPhone is a fashion and status symbol - its such a shame that they have now made the iMac essentially a fashion and status symbol - particularly given the new pricing of the thing.

I rest my case!!!!

 

[Noisemaker]

So my iPad 3 that I purchased 4 months ago has already been super-seeded by the iPad 4.

Can't believe how pissed of I am that the update has come so quickly. I feel like selling my iPad and telling them to stick it up their arses!!

The faster processor and better front camera is ideal for the iPad 3 retina display. This is what the iPad 3 should of been!

You're pathetic. You bought the iPad 3 because of its specs. You got exactly what was advertised, and it still works just like it did five minutes before the keynote.

Deal with it instead of acting like a crybaby because you don't have the shiniest, top of the line toy anymore.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

Apple has traditionally stuck to 12 month cycles. Hell with the iPhone 4 they made that a 15 month cycle. Instead they cut the lifetime of the iPad 3 down to 6-7 months. Maybe if you spent $500-850 on the iPad 3 then you would have been pissed too.

I did. 64 GB model. Not pissed. Nor do I think the lifespan of my iPad has changed.

 

[nostresshere]

I am very upset by this. I purchased my iPad 3 64 days ago. And now it's obsolete. I... I got completely burned by this.

This and similar posts are pointless, illogical, worthless drivel.

Question for these crybabies:
If Apple had not released the 4th Gen, you would be happy, right? That means you are happy with what you bought. Right?

Two days ago you were happy with your purchase, right?

Why does the fact that a newer model came out make it so terrible? You were obviously happy with what you had on Monday.

And guess what - in 6,8,10 or 12 months they might come out with a better one. Gonna cry some more?

 

[Compile 'em all]

The competition finally reached a point where Apple had to act. Spare the customers' feelings and get left behind or fast track the next generation to be competitive?

What product exactly was competing with the retina iPad? Please list any here, thank you.