iPad Battery Replacement
Apple are very keen on their batteries being non-user serviceable, and being packed tightly away inside their devices in order to make the design of their cool toys amazingly ergonomic.
Batteries are often packed tightly into the case structure in-between components, and simply not accessible unless you want to crack your device open and void your warranty, as we have seen with some of the tear downs and technology reviews on Apple’s Unibody laptops and iPhones.
This begs the question: What do you do if your iPad battery stops holding a charge? Simple, apparently. Send your iPad back to Apple and get a new one!
From the iPad’s FAQ:
What is iPad Battery Replacement Service?
If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.
Note: Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as result of an accident, liquid contact, disassembly, unauthorized service or unauthorized modifications, or if the product is not operating correctly as a result of a component failure. Please review Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions for further details.
How much does it cost?
The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.
All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax.
Being the proud owner of an original iPhone, and various other flavours of iPhone and iPod in-between, all of which still hold a decent charge, I don’t see myself taking advantage of this. But it’s nice to know that if my iPad has a battery which decides to check out early, I am covered.
This replacement service at around US $100 is comparable with the price I have seen third parties charging for battery replacement kits for iPhones and iPods. But without the hassle and risk of those DIY solutions.
I would be surprised if these are actually new iPads though. More likely Apple are intending to recondition existing iPads, also sent in via this service, and recycle them to users. That’s pure speculation on my part, and I am sure some people will really get new ones based on Apple’s stock of used devices. But as we all know, Apple is very good at offering recondition computers already.
Do bear in mind that your iPad is going to have to be in reasonable condition, and that if it’s battery doesn’t work because it was run over by a truck, you may be in for a disappointment! Also you will need to make sure you backup all your data before sending your ailing iPad back to Apple.
But overall this seems a pretty cool deal to me.
Out of interest, how many people here have had problems with integrated batteries in Apple iPhones and iPods?
More details here from EngadgetAdvertisement