iPad 3rd Gen Defect - Apple Customer Relations EXPERIENCE :( [Pictures Included]

[mrwonkers]

I love my new iPad the screen is very even and pleasing to the eye - However there is a manufacturing defect in the case, two areas are slightly raised as a result of the aluminum not having being milled down evenly. I have had the iPad for a week and because the screen is good overall I thought I'd try to keep it [with all the reports of screen issues which are prevalent in this forum]. But I just keep seeing the raised aluminum section out of the corner of my eye and it is starting to annoy me. I have called Apple and sent them pics so I will hopefully get a replacement that has been manufactured with a bit more care - the 1st lady I spoke to told me I may receive a refurbished unit as a replacement [I then asked the call be escalated - a refurbished unit to replace a week old iPad I don't think so...] SEE POST 18 FOR AN UPDATE ON THIS ISSUE

What would you guys do ? [heres some pictures]

 

[iMacC2D]

Removed.

 

[TheMacBookPro]

You can't stand the sight of an extremely minor defect, but you're okay with that huge bubble on your screen protector?

Seriously though, yeah I'd take that back and get an exchange. My first iPad 3 had a very minor mark on the back which I couldn't stand- your iPad's defect is smack bang on the front and your eyes will probably be drawn to it every time you use it.

 

[geo22geo33]

If it's only 1 week old send it back, don't ask for a replacement or accept a refurbish unit. Get your money back and buy another one

 

[azentropy]

You can't stand the sight of an extremely minor defect, but you're okay with that huge bubble on your screen protector?

That is what I was thinking. I always laugh at those who have screen protectors to avoid scratches having the screen protector on makes it look 10x worse than if it did have minor scratches.

If it bothers you go ahead and exchange it, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[spiderman0616]

This is pretty minor--If you're happy with the screen, I wouldn't bother. I just looked at mine and it has a small imperfection on the edge of the metal case in one spot. I don't think it's anything that's deal breaker. If you're happy with the iPad in general, I wouldn't mess with a good thing.

 

[rkahl]

I would return that iPad and get my money back back before I embarrassed myself and returned that iPad for a defect. I also wouldn't show people on here how OCD I really am by pointing out that minor thing. The person could have easily done that while putting on the screen protector.

 

[NoMoreSony]

I have had exactly the same defects (just on different place) on two of my new iPads. If one of them had perfect screen - i'd definitely keep it. This kind of scratches simply shows us off that the unit was opened at the factory to repair something and then re-sealed and shipped to the shop. It has nothing to do with milling works, just shows low level of qualification Foxconn's workers.

 

[Ries]

Looks like "new" damage (cause it is shiny), it will oxidize over time and turn more mat "grey" ish (how much and how fast, I have no clue about).

 

[NoMoreSony]

Looks like "new" damage (cause it is shiny), it will oxidize over time and turn more mat "grey" ish (how much and how fast, I have no clue about).

One month after manufacturing date all of damages on my New iPads were so shiny like new. The quality of aluminium alloy used by Apple is quite high and you'd not notice any "grey" oxidation in much longer time.

 

[koigirl]

If I got a unit with a nice bright, white, even screen, I would NOT return for a minor flaw in aluminum casing. You may not be so lucky next time...

I write this sitting on my back porch typing on my new iPad with a very pink but uniform screen. Life is full of compromises...I

 

[Quiara]

I'd say if it bothers you enough to post about, it's worth at least exploring the possibility of replacement through Apple. And I'd hold to your guns about not wanting a refurb. I've never had any issues with refurb devices, but it's rather the principle of the thing. If their alternative doesn't satisfy you, you can decide how much the defect bothers you or is likely to effect future performance. Best of luck.

 

[Ipadfever]

If you plan on keeping it than no I wouldn't return it, but if you plan on selling it a year from now when the new iPad releases than perhaps.

I just believe it shouldn't be this way where we need to trade off something decent for maybe something worse.

I honestly feel like I am buying a used car and the risks that come with it!

 

[Dlanod]

I have something similar on mine but the screen is pretty perfect and after 9 attempts at a decent screen there is no way I'd return it if you're happy with the screen.

A perfect case with a dodgy screen is much worse. And the iPad is all about the screen.

 

[TheMacBookPro]

That is what I was thinking. I always laugh at those who have screen protectors to avoid scratches having the screen protector on makes it look 10x worse than if it did have minor scratches.

If it bothers you go ahead and exchange it, it shouldn't be an issue.

That wasn't my point, that protector actually looks like it was well applied- the tight fitting snap case is just pushing it up slightly. That's an easy fix.

I'm actually all for screen protectors. A well applied protector looks identical to a naked screen and if it scratches I can easily replace my protector while you're stuck with the scratch.

That's not the point of this thread though so I'm going to leave it at that

 

[Sylon]

Is the edge sharp in any way? If not, then I wouldn't worry about it. Touch it up with a black sharpie marker, could help make it less noticable.

 

[anthonymoody]

I'm actually all for screen protectors. A well applied protector looks identical to a naked screen and if it scratches I can easily replace my protector while you're stuck with the scratch.

I very much disagree in the case of the brands of screen protectors I've seen and/or used. Even when applied essentially perfectly, I could tell the difference, whether the iPad was on or off. I also don't like the feel of the ones I've tried. I strongly prefer the feel of the glass as is. I'm a heavy user and it really matters to me. So yes it's a risk but there it is.

 

[mrwonkers]

"Within acceptable range for this product" I DON'T THINK SO!

Just a follow up after chatting to Apple Customer Relations and Applecare - They tried to worm their way out of issuing me a replacement because according to Senior Applecare Specialist this issue is "Within acceptable range for this product". I would not back down I declined a refurb and finally got them to agree to ship me an advance replacement.
I am embarrassed for Apple Customer/Support and Applecare that they take the stance that unless you are very forceful and unrelenting they will try and make you keep a sub standard product and try palm it off to you as your problem under the guise of "Within acceptable range for this product"
I have dealt with Apple Customer Relations and Applecare over the years and have never had to take such a hard line to get them to do the right thing. [If there was a quality alternate product ecosystem available, this would definitely be the last Apple product I would buy - the attitude I encountered from Apple staff in this instance was very poor from a customer relations perspective - It seems the bigger they've grown as a company the more slimy they have become]

My advice to anybody else receiving substandard iPads is to be polite and firm when dealing with Apple and insist on a replacement that has been built correctly.

Hopfully my replacement unit has been made with more care...

 

[TheMacBookPro]

I very much disagree in the case of the brands of screen protectors I've seen and/or used. Even when applied essentially perfectly, I could tell the difference, whether the iPad was on or off. I also don't like the feel of the ones I've tried. I strongly prefer the feel of the glass as is. I'm a heavy user and it really matters to me. So yes it's a risk but there it is.

I find that the cheaper ones are actually better. The expensive ones (InvisibleShield etc) tend to be rubbery and make the screen look and feel strange (orange peel effect is what it's called I think), while the cheap ones from eBay tend to feel smooth.

If you like the feeling of glass then go for a Glas.t protector- $30 (which is actually the same price as the crappy Invisibleshield). It's made of glass so it feels identical to a naked iPhone and is as scratch resistant, but if you wear out or scuff the oleophobic layer (a fairly common issue) you can easily rip it off.

 

[spiderman0616]

Just a follow up after chatting to Apple Customer Relations and Applecare - They tried to worm their way out of issuing me a replacement because according to Senior Applecare Specialist this issue is "Within acceptable range for this product". I would not back down I declined a refurb and finally got them to agree to ship me an advance replacement.
I am embarrassed for Apple Customer/Support and Applecare that they take the stance that unless you are very forceful and unrelenting they will try and make you keep a sub standard product and try palm it off to you as your problem under the guise of "Within acceptable range for this product"
I have dealt with Apple Customer Relations and Applecare over the years and have never had to take such a hard line to get them to do the right thing. [If there was a quality alternate product ecosystem available, this would definitely be the last Apple product I would buy - the attitude I encountered from Apple staff in this instance was very poor from a customer relations perspective - It seems the bigger they've grown as a company the more slimy they have become]

My advice to anybody else receiving substandard iPads is to be polite and firm when dealing with Apple and insist on a replacement that has been built correctly.

Hopfully my replacement unit has been made with more care...

I'm not saying you don't have a right to complain---it's your money. BUT

If you are this bothered by something that minor, I'm willing to bet that you will not be happy with your replacement iPad, nor the next replacement and the one after that. You're always going to find something minor.

Good luck to you.

 

[FlatlinerG]

Just a follow up after chatting to Apple Customer Relations and Applecare - They tried to worm their way out of issuing me a replacement because according to Senior Applecare Specialist this issue is "Within acceptable range for this product". I would not back down I declined a refurb and finally got them to agree to ship me an advance replacement.
I am embarrassed for Apple Customer/Support and Applecare that they take the stance that unless you are very forceful and unrelenting they will try and make you keep a sub standard product and try palm it off to you as your problem under the guise of "Within acceptable range for this product"
I have dealt with Apple Customer Relations and Applecare over the years and have never had to take such a hard line to get them to do the right thing. [If there was a quality alternate product ecosystem available, this would definitely be the last Apple product I would buy - the attitude I encountered from Apple staff in this instance was very poor from a customer relations perspective - It seems the bigger they've grown as a company the more slimy they have become]

My advice to anybody else receiving substandard iPads is to be polite and firm when dealing with Apple and insist on a replacement that has been built correctly.

Hopfully my replacement unit has been made with more care...

I would go ahead and read through the limited warranty that you have agreed to by purchasing the iPad. It clearly dictates that Apple can/will replace your device with a new or like new product at their discretion. Apple doesn't have to do anything for you aside from give you a "refurbished" product. Its a mild scratch on the side. After a few weeks, you'll have more wear and tear than that anyway.

 

[mrwonkers]

I would go ahead and read through the limited warranty that you have agreed to by purchasing the iPad. It clearly dictates that Apple can/will replace your device with a new or like new product at their discretion. Apple doesn't have to do anything for you aside from give you a "refurbished" product. Its a mild scratch on the side. After a few weeks, you'll have more wear and tear than that anyway.

Try actually reading the initial post - it's a raised unmilled section on the aluminum body directly pressing against the glass and not a scratch -
A major worry here also stated in post 2 on this very thread :

Minor as it may be, i'd be wary that imperfections in the milling job could somehow pose a risk to the structural integrity of the display glass.

I don't give a flying hoo-hah what Apples limited warranty states, I will never accept an item with damage that could potentially compromise the structure of the product - I paid for a new iPad not for one that should not have even passed through "quality control".

I did not purchase this item from an Apple Store or Apple online store - I was not presented with the terms of the limited warranty before turning the iPad on and the limited warranty is not present on the outside of the iPad box - Because of crap quality control on initial production units I totally understand why people are returning iPads and Unless Timmy puts stickers on the outside of iPad boxes stating that x + y defects are considered acceptable for this product why shouldn't people return their purchases.

UPDATE:
I have received my week 18 build it shipped overnight and it looks pretty much flawless - It is a 32GB WiFi Model, these apparently are among the faster selling variant of the new iPads. It seems people are having more luck with quality control on these faster selling models than the 32GB + 64GB 4G LTE Variants. Not a mark on the replacement iPads body, no dust under the screen - No screen tint, just bright whites - no dead or stuck pixels.
I am happy that Apple worked with me to resolve this matter, I now believe that there are well made examples of the current Gen iPad out there because I finally own one...

 

[anthonymoody]

I find that the cheaper ones are actually better. The expensive ones (InvisibleShield etc) tend to be rubbery and make the screen look and feel strange (orange peel effect is what it's called I think), while the cheap ones from eBay tend to feel smooth.

If you like the feeling of glass then go for a Glas.t protector- $30 (which is actually the same price as the crappy Invisibleshield). It's made of glass so it feels identical to a naked iPhone and is as scratch resistant, but if you wear out or scuff the oleophobic layer (a fairly common issue) you can easily rip it off.

Interesting thanks!

 

[Jmouse]

Try actually reading the initial post - it's a raised unmilled section on the aluminum body directly pressing against the glass and not a scratch -
A major worry here also stated in post 2 on this very thread :




I don't give a flying hoo-hah what Apples limited warranty states, I will never accept an item with damage that could potentially compromise the structure of the product - I paid for a new iPad not for one that should not have even passed through "quality control".

I did not purchase this item from an Apple Store or Apple online store - I was not presented with the terms of the limited warranty before turning the iPad on and the limited warranty is not present on the outside of the iPad box - Because of crap quality control on initial production units I totally understand why people are returning iPads and Unless Timmy puts stickers on the outside of iPad boxes stating that x + y defects are considered acceptable for this product why shouldn't people return their purchases.

UPDATE:
I have received my week 18 build it shipped overnight and it looks pretty much flawless - It is a 32GB WiFi Model, these apparently are among the faster selling variant of the new iPads. It seems people are having more luck with quality control on these faster selling models than the 32GB + 64GB 4G LTE Variants. Not a mark on the replacement iPads body, no dust under the screen - No screen tint, just bright whites - no dead or stuck pixels.
I am happy that Apple worked with me to resolve this matter, I now believe that there are well made examples of the current Gen iPad out there because I finally own one...

Pretty much flawless you say? It well could be perfect, but for my experience. I've had more than 10 iPads and In fact that you got a brand new unit MAKES you think it's perfect as the previous defect isn't there on the new one. BUT sooner or later you will find other defects.

I am now sick of the exchange cycle and going to keep this one which has a very minor unevenness on the bottom of the aluminium like a small small ding.

I can see it but I think I'm not going to exchange it again simply because there were so many replacement that has dust and what not under the glass.

Times like this I would ask myself would I rather have a small ding/scratches or dust under screen?