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but what if the battery shorts out? I have that occur on several computer devices and the shorted battery prevented the device from starting. Removing the battery fixed that of course but you are talking non removeable batteries here.
also they imply that if you hacked or jailbroke the device and they found out then the exchange program is voided.

Wrong. Software hacking is not detectable via any of the procedures that Apple Retail Stores or Apple Authorized Service Centers will use to replace devices (especially if they've been "Restored" before service). Many, many, many unlocked and jailbroken iPhones have been replaced or received Apple service.
 
1) What if you send in a scuffed up iPad expecting to get a new one for $99, but they refuse the service because it's "damaged"? Now you're double screwed: no new iPad, plus once the battery in your current iPad dies, you're SOL.

2) Even if that's not the case, they'll just keep replacing your iPad with the same model iPad. 4+ years from now are you ACTUALLY going to be interested in paying $99 for a refurbished iPad that's older than the first iPhone is now?

Well true, I guess most people won't bother with battery replacement anyway, since a new iPad will come out every year at least, and the battery will probably last long enough to make the model outdated by the time you need a replacement... But I imagine it won't be a big deal if it's scratched, they say that even refurbished models come with a completely new outer shell, meaning that they discard the outer shell anyway, so if the issue is only cosmetic, they won't mind. I'm sure they'll tolerate signs of normal use as long as it doesn't show that you dropped it on concrete or in the bathtub or something :)
 
so if i scratch my ipad or engrave it or put a sticker on it then apple will still replace the ipad if the battery goes bad after 2 years?:confused:

i already can envision the threads: apple refuses to replace my iPad because it was badly scrated (or engraved or dented). now I have to buy a new $800 ipad instead of replacing a battery for $99.

i wonder how apple deals with this.
 
Why does it take a week to get the replacement? It's not like they have to do any work on yours... they could just give you a swap when you visit the store.

They would probably want to test it in case you were taking advantage of the replacement process with a faulty iPad.

The more I'm reading the replies in this thread, the more it's making sense to me.
 
My Nokia 2630 at 9.9mm thin seems to manage quite well.

I think it's safe to say that there's a substantial amount of difference between your Nokia 2630 and the iPad. That's a little bit like comparing apples and oranges, don't you think? :confused:
 
This is the part I have a problem with. Exactly what "damage" would result in ineligibility for the program? What if a small chip in the corner of the screen, for example, is considered "damage" by Apple? Then if the the battery stops working I'm SOL? Who are they to decide who gets the "privilege" of paying $100 to replace the battery just because they can't figure out a way to engineer the device to have a user-serviceable battery?

The fact that people here consider paying $100 to replace a battery "normal" is itself pretty ridiculous

Have you never replaced a cell phone battery? My black berry was $60.
 
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User damage makes it inelegable for battery replacement?

So if I've got a small dent at the corner of the ipad I've been using for two years daily they would refuse my battery replacement? Personally, I'd sue Apple in small claims court if they refused a battery replacement on an otherwise perfectly functional unit.

It'll be interesting to see how they handle this type of thing, but I assume that if there's a little scratch, a little dent, that shouldn't make you ineligible, as they'll likely just recycle the aluminum into new cases. I'm thinking the damage they're referring to would be internal stuff, like moisture sensors, screen cracks, etc...
 
fail. this shows they are expecting problems. not to mention if the battery is dead how the hell am i going to sync it?

Your first "sentence" is a good response to your second sentence.

This is the part I have a problem with. Exactly what "damage" would result in ineligibility for the program? What if a small chip in the corner of the screen, for example, is considered "damage" by Apple? Then if the the battery stops working I'm SOL? Who are they to decide who gets the "privilege" of paying $100 to replace the battery just because they can't figure out a way to engineer the device to have a user-serviceable battery?

The fact that people here consider paying $100 to replace a battery "normal" is itself pretty ridiculous

The fact that you think Apple should give you a clean and refurbed device for $100 when you crack the screen is even more ridiculous.
 
fail. this shows they are expecting problems. not to mention if the battery is dead how the hell am i going to sync it?
How does this show they are expecting problems? They have a battery replacement program for several of their products and have for sometime. As for the sync question, I hope you were kidding because it's not hard to figure out that once you plug it in to sync it, it gets power from the USB.
 
Some consumers and their expectations...

...never ceases to amaze me the comments I read on this forum and the 'outbreak' displayed on the other forums like Engadget and TUAW.

Here in the UK, if a battery is dead on something even after lets say 12 months, most manufacturers just don't want to know. You will NOT get any kind of replacement offer/warranty/cover, other than buying a new battery yourself, if that is possible, or the only other option is: tough luck, you are out of your 12 month warranty!!

When Apple does something what I consider to be reasonable, and logical - people still complain.

You should be pleased they are giving you the option of having your battery replaced, with a refurb or no refurb unit, no questions virtually asked.

If your are going to whinge and complain and moan like some people, then please be at least fair and reasonable in your argument. Apple, like many others, is not a charity.

Anyway, stop moaning, be lucky your have a great company like Apple that cares about it's customers.
 
At first I wondered how this replacement battery policy would coincide with Apple's environmental stance, assuming that the iPad's would be "disposed of" rather than conservatively reissued. However, after reading the article and the following comments it seems logical that Apple would rather obtain iPad's. This program strengthens Apple's insistence in maintaining quality and environmental control by recycling parts and reissuing systems that are mechanically sound. E-waste is a MAJOR contributor to environmental toxins as more companies are producing cheaper "throw away electronics". With cheaper electronics arrives the tendency for consumers to simply discard their electronics rather than recycle used parts and properly dispose of parts unused. I commend Apple for demonstrating to electronic as well as companies in general that environmental awareness does not equate to bad business. Kudos.

...never ceases to amaze me the comments I read on this forum and the 'outbreak' displayed on the other forums like Engadget and TUAW.

Here in the UK, if a battery is dead on something even after lets say 12 months, most manufacturers just don't want to know. You will NOT get any kind of replacement offer/warranty/cover, other than buying a new battery yourself, if that is possible, or the only other option is: tough luck, you are out of your 12 month warranty!!

When Apple does something what I consider to be reasonable, and logical - people still complain.

You should be pleased they are giving you the option of having your battery replaced, with a refurb or no refurb unit, no questions virtually asked.

If your are going to whinge and complain and moan like old people, then please be at least fair and reasonable in your argument. Apple, like many others, is not a charity.

Anyway, stop moaning, be lucky your have a great company like Apple that cares about it's customers.

Newsflash, Americans are spoiled ;). Having had the benefit of living in many different parts of the world, as an American I can vouch for most of the U.S. We have a lot to be thankful for, and to take granted for as well.
 
1) What if you send in a scuffed up iPad expecting to get a new one for $99, but they refuse the service because it's "damaged"? Now you're double screwed: no new iPad, plus once the battery in your current iPad dies, you're SOL.

2) Even if that's not the case, they'll just keep replacing your iPad with the same model iPad. 4+ years from now are you ACTUALLY going to be interested in paying $99 for a refurbished iPad that's older than the first iPhone is now?

Hey didn't you used to live in Sweden not more than a year ago? Now you're a grad student in Arizona? Quite a change :).
 
I work in an Apple Authorized Service center and never ever have we seen Apple give a new unit as a warranty replacement.

They are always refurbished units when exchanged due to service issues.

really because the mp pro i am using right now was brand new when i got it. and i got it because my old mb pro was having hella problems. So they gave me a brand new one in the box. And the new one they gave me was almost 2 years newer. Much better computer!
 
This is a warranty fee that you pay up front when you buy the iPad?

This is only for out of warrantee. Math: $105.95 divided into $499 => failure has to happen within 4.7 years. That is longer than the $99 battery warrantee. In other words, it ain't worth it folks. Add in the % probability >0 of refusal due to some "customer abuse" and it gets even worse.

Based on standard math for warrantees I come up with the cost to consumers should be $49 to be worth it. That should include standard shipping.

The fact that you'll be without the device for a week is a further reduction in value of the warrantee. Apple once kept my PowerBook for a very extended period. In fact, they thought they had lost it. Most annoying.

I'll pass on this warrantee. Statistically it is better to just get an extra iPad. :)

Are you saying that this $99 "Battery Replacement Fee" is a warranty (not warrantee) that you pay when you buy the iPad, not a "battery replacement fee" that you pay if and when the battery no longer will hold a charge? Apple has had battery replacement fees in the past, for iPods, that were not a warranty that you paid at time of purchase. If this is truly a warranty, then it is deceptive wording to call it a "battery replacement fee".
 
1) What if you send in a scuffed up iPad expecting to get a new one for $99, but they refuse the service because it's "damaged"? Now you're double screwed: no new iPad, plus once the battery in your current iPad dies, you're SOL.
You're implying a fraudulent service request on a device you cosmetically damaged, sent in under the false pretense of a "battery replacement" when the battery is still working normally?

Of course you'd be SOL. If they turn on the device, test its battery capacity and find it does not need to be replaced, then they would send your unit back without performing service.

When the battery does require service, so long as the iPad has suffered normal wear and tear (light scratches and dings), it would be replaced.

Cracked screens, dents deep enough to deform the iPad frame, and mechanical failures would result in a rejection. You'd have to pay for their flat rate repair service in order to fix your broken iPad before it would be eligible for battery service.

so if i scratch my ipad or engrave it or put a sticker on it then apple will still replace the ipad if the battery goes bad after 2 years?:confused:

i already can envision the threads: apple refuses to replace my iPad because it was badly scrated (or engraved or dented). now I have to buy a new $800 ipad instead of replacing a battery for $99.
As long as it's normal wear and tear, you're fine. Extensive physical damage or hardware failure would make it ineligible, not a scratch from your keys or a sticker on the back.

They deal with these the same way they handle all battery replacements.

but what if the battery shorts out? I have that occur on several computer devices and the shorted battery prevented the device from starting. Removing the battery fixed that of course but you are talking non removeable batteries here.
also they imply that if you hacked or jailbroke the device and they found out then the exchange program is voided.
If the battery shorted out after warranty, it's almost always due to physical damage, which isn't covered. If there is no sign of physical damage upon inspection, they'd probably remove the battery and test it specifically to ensure a battery failure. Once confirming that, you'd get the replacement.

If it was determined not to be a battery problem (for example, a corrupted bootloader due to tinkering), it would be sent back to you with a "sorry, you killed it" letter.

Wrong. Software hacking is not detectable via any of the procedures that Apple Retail Stores or Apple Authorized Service Centers will use to replace devices (especially if they've been "Restored" before service). Many, many, many unlocked and jailbroken iPhones have been replaced or received Apple service.
Not wrong, just unlikely. If his scenario occurred, it would prevent him from restoring the device. The unusual nature of the problem (being unable to switch on at all) also calls for special testing. If no battery problem was found, the device would be returned to the customer saying "not a battery problem. Schedule a flat rate repair."

It's simply not true for you to suggest that repairs have ever been denied due to software modification. If you can successfully restore factory firmware, then yes, you're in the clear...but if you can't and there's no evidence of an unrelated hardware problem, then you're going to be denied.

The $99 battery replacement is exactly that: battery-related service. If you submit hardware that has no battery problem, you're not going to get a replacement. It's not an "oops, I scratched it", or an "oops, I tried to program my own bootloader and fried everything", or an "oops, I left it on my patio in the rain" replacement service.
 
At first I wondered how this replacement battery policy would coincide with Apple's environmental stance, assuming that the iPad's would be "disposed of" rather than conservatively reissued. However, after reading the article and the following comments it seems logical that Apple would rather obtain iPad's. This program strengthens Apple's insistence in maintaining quality and environmental control by recycling parts and reissuing systems that are mechanically sound. E-waste is a MAJOR contributor to environmental toxins as more companies are producing cheaper "throw away electronics". With cheaper electronics arrives the tendency for consumers to simply discard their electronics rather than recycle used parts and properly dispose of parts unused. I commend Apple for demonstrating to electronic as well as companies in general that environmental awareness does not equate to bad business. Kudos.
....

Good post, and this makes a lot of sense - Apple using the program to improve the e-waste situation. Virtually all of the iPad batteries will be properly disposed of. Plus, a large number of "dead" units will be disposed of. I suspect a fair number of people with iPads that have been damaged (water, dropping, etc) will try to get a new one by sending it in for a battery.

Once Apple has determined the unit actually needs repairs I could see them offering to repair it (your $100 then acts as a deposit), or to dispose of it for you and refund the battery fee.

Apple may be able to divert the vast majority of iPads out of landfills. If so, you know they will use this in their advertizing.
 
You're implying a fraudulent service request on a device you cosmetically damaged, sent in under the false pretense of a "battery replacement" when the battery is still working normally?

Of course you'd be SOL. If they turn on the device, test its battery capacity and find it does not need to be replaced, then they would send your unit back without performing service.

When the battery does require service, so long as the iPad has suffered normal wear and tear (light scratches and dings), it would be replaced.

Cracked screens, dents deep enough to deform the iPad frame, and mechanical failures would result in a rejection. You'd have to pay for their flat rate repair service in order to fix your broken iPad before it would be eligible for battery service.


As long as it's normal wear and tear, you're fine. Extensive physical damage or hardware failure would make it ineligible, not a scratch from your keys or a sticker on the back.

They deal with these the same way they handle all battery replacements.


If the battery shorted out after warranty, it's almost always due to physical damage, which isn't covered. If there is no sign of physical damage upon inspection, they'd probably remove the battery and test it specifically to ensure a battery failure. Once confirming that, you'd get the replacement.

If it was determined not to be a battery problem (for example, a corrupted bootloader due to tinkering), it would be sent back to you with a "sorry, you killed it" letter.


Not wrong, just unlikely. If his scenario occurred, it would prevent him from restoring the device. The unusual nature of the problem (being unable to switch on at all) also calls for special testing. If no battery problem was found, the device would be returned to the customer saying "not a battery problem. Schedule a flat rate repair."

It's simply not true for you to suggest that repairs have ever been denied due to software modification. If you can successfully restore factory firmware, then yes, you're in the clear...but if you can't and there's no evidence of an unrelated hardware problem, then you're going to be denied.

The $99 battery replacement is exactly that: battery-related service. If you submit hardware that has no battery problem, you're not going to get a replacement. It's an an "oops, I scratched it" or an "oops, I tried to program my own bootloader and fried everything" replacement service.
Don't people read the thread before posting? I mean come on how many times will we have to read over and over about the policy? I cannot believe that many of you are smart enough to send your iPad in to Apple because you are not smart enough to understand what it is after dozens and dozens of answers here to the same stupid questions. Read the prior posts before asking the exact same questions please.
 
Sounds like the perfect opportunity for DIY people with a FastMac replacement battery or the like.
 
I wonder what they class as "damage"? What if you looked after your iPad and got a scuffed up refurb as a replacement?

Have any of Apple's refurbs ever been "scuffed up". From what I've seen they all look like new.

Actually you may get better quality at the refurb store than buying new product. All of the refurbs were checked out by a tech one at a time before being placed in the box
 
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