According to Apple’s FAQ page on the iPad battery, should something go wrong with your iPad that wasn’t your fault, Apple will replace it with a “replacement” iPad with factory settings.
“If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminshed ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee,” said Apple on its website. “The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.”
Users are urged to ensure the data on their iPad is backed up before sending it in for the iPad battery replacement service, because the replacement iPad “will not contain any of your personal data”.
Apple, however, gives itself plenty of wiggle room in determining whether it’s responsible for issuing a replacement for the tablet-style computers.
“Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as a 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,” Apple states.
Pricing for the Wi-Fi version, which features 802.11 connectivity, starts at $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, and $699 for the 64GB version.
The Wi-Fi + 3G versions of the iPad will ship in late April, according to Apple. The 16GB model is $629, the 32GB model is $729, and the 64GB version is $829.