Fix Your First-Gen iPad Battery Woes For Just $100
October 13, 2011
When the iPad was first announced way back in early 2010, Apple set out to boost early adopter confidence with an enticing guarantee, allowing users to replace their eventual battery-exhausted units with equivalent refurbished models for just $100. Since the iPad has no screws and cannot be easily disassembled, the move was intended to more or less future-proof the iPad's physical function with as little consumer and aftermarket intervention as possible.
While it's likely most of us are -- or, at least, once were -- aware of this particular replacement policy, there has yet to be any indication of how painless the process actually is.
Until now.
Just recently, Gizmodo's own Jesus Diaz took his first-generation iPad to an Apple store, looking to replace its dried-up power pack. Unaware of the aforesaid replacement policy, he was unsure he'd be able to qualify for the swap. Says Diaz,
My iPad was out of warranty. I didn't buy Apple Care. Furthermore, the iPad itself was broken on one side. One day I dropped it on the floor and the aluminum got quite chipped on one side.Fortunately, none of that mattered. Apple's stance is simple: If your iPad fails to hold a proper charge, a single C-Note gets you a nice, clean refurb with a brand new battery tucked inside. And, better yet, your original unit isn't tossed out. Instead, it's sent back to Apple, spruced up, and dropped back in the cycle. Anyone try this yet? (For more tips on making the trade, visit the source and check out its update.)
