14 DAY TRIAL // Here’s something worthy of posting on our Personal Thoughts section - Apple has set in place a Battery Replacement Service for future iPad owners who, believe it or not, will have their units completely replaced when the battery dies out, rather than having Apple service the device for them. Customers will have to carefully sync all their data to their Mac or PC before sending in the device for replacement. And have we mentioned that Apple charges some $105.95 (including shipping) to do the swapping?
To get everyone on the same level, the iPad is Apple’s latest unveiled product, a tablet device running an enhanced version of the iPhone OS, taking the iPhone experience to new heights (for more details, check out more iPad stuff from Softpedia here). As far as tech specs are concerned, particularly the battery, the iPad is sealed up in an aluminum-and-glass shell, which customers cannot open up to replace the parts. The device boasts a built-in, 25-watt-hour rechargeable, lithium-polymer battery, which offers up to ten hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music, according to Apple. It can be charged via its power adapter, or via USB with a computer system.
Apple’s policies regarding upgrades, the warranty service, and part replacement never cease to amaze us. This time around, Apple won’t even bother cracking open that nicely finished iPad to replace the battery inside, once it’s reached the end of its life cycle. Instead, the company will require $99 (plus a shipping fee) on your end, to completely switch your device with a different one, probably a refurb too, as Engadget points out. The tech site spotted this knowledge base article on Apple’s website, which says that, “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.”
After outlining that a damaged iPad is not eligible for the Battery Replacement Service, the Mac maker proceeds with offering additional pieces of information on it, which, evidently, is not an actual battery-replacement service at all.
“The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping,” Apple goes to mention. “The total cost is $105.95 per unit. All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax,” the Mac maker points out. “Battery replacement service may be arranged via your local Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or you can contact Apple Technical Support,” Apple explains, urging customers not to send any accessories with their iPad. Most importantly, since the entire device is being replaced, Apple will require users to make a complete backup of their data, which they’ll have to sync to the new iPad when it arrives.
“You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc,” the company further explains. “Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.”
And, if your were wondering “How long will it take to receive my replacement iPad?” Apple has this topic covered too. “If you arrange service by calling Apple Technical Support, you can expect service to be completed within approximately one week from the time you send your iPad to Apple,” the Mac maker unsurprisingly reveals.
Also according to Apple (revealed elsewhere on the company’s website), “A properly maintained iPhone battery is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity at 400 full charge and discharge cycles.”
On its web site, Apple shows a graph with the charge stages of Lithium-Polymer batteries employed by its portable devices
Credits: Apple
Since the company doesn’t brag about the iPad’s battery at all, we’re guessing there haven’t been any advancements in this area. This should mean the iPad pretty much has the same fate as the iPhone. This, in turn, should translate into no more than two years of satisfying battery cycles, and that’s IF the user recharges the device by the book.
Tell us how you feel about this so-called replacement program for iPad customers. We’re almost certain of your impressions, but we’d like to hear them nonetheless.