iPad Mini Dilemma

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Y_K

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I have an ageing iPad Mini with 128 RAM that was dropped at a local service centre in order to get a new battery - $99 charged.
They shipped it to Apple a few days ago. Today I got a call about this being a mission impossible but for $284 they will put me through "product replacement".
It was said as a-matter-of-fact and a medical fact with no choice for a terminal patient, and this is the part I do not appreciate.

They advertise the battery service, they initiate the procedure and issue an order number online, they charge you the advertised and agreed upon sum, and then they change the rules of the game.
That's my wife's iPad, a trial with Apple after a decade of abstinence, but not much have changed. She is currently using an old Nexus 7" (2013) that is actually working snappier.
She was happy with the iPad, but doesn't want to pay the premium for no advantage in her use case

Do I have any other options on the battery issue? Or better check out the S Tab tablets? No specialised software or any other special requirements here.

TIA
 
Yep, Apple logic is great. Needs a $40 battery, but they'll tell you that the whole thing needs replaced. There's a guy on YouTube who does board level repairs on Apple devices who is very very outspoken against Apple's policies. For instance, the "Genius Bar" told a lady it would cost $475 to replace the logic board on her MacBook because it wasn't charging. Turns out the battery connector wasn't properly seated. Absolutely nothing wrong with it after properly plugging it back in.

Have a local place replace the battery. They're not that difficult for someone who has done it, and you won't have to deal with Apple giving you the run around. Or do it yourself, a place like ifixit will sell you the parts and tools to do it for $40-$50, and they have the guides available for free.

My sister had a Galaxy Tab S, it was nothing but nightmares with the battery, even after sending it back to Samsung for replacement.
 
I'd rather get the battery replaced myself or for cheap by a local shop.

The performances of the first generation iPad mini doesn't give it credit for a pricey (100$+) battery replacement in 2019
 
Originally Posted by Superflan
I'd rather get the battery replaced myself or for cheap by a local shop.

The performances of the first generation iPad mini doesn't give it credit for a pricey (100$+) battery replacement in 2019

Originally Posted by Superflan
I'd rather get the battery replaced myself or for cheap by a local shop.

The performances of the first generation iPad mini doesn't give it credit for a pricey (100$+) battery replacement in 2019



I agree, buy a used late model from Gazzle and call it a day.
 
I had to quit using my mini years ago, at least for web surfing, as it just couldn't handle the content. In the end, nothing lasts for ever, I'm happy if I get 3 years out of something new.

I liked the size of my mini, it was good for all around usage, but went to the larger one this past time. Eyes aren't getting younger. Waited until I found a good sale.

I did try the Amazon Fire 8" version, it's ok, but it feels clunky. But talk about much cheaper! If it's just for media content I'm not sure what Apple has over the Fire.
 
Changing a battery on I phones, ipads and other tablets or phones is very very easy, provided you have the right tools. I got a electronics repair kit from iFixedit for 20 bucks and it has everything you need including suction cups to replace the screens. You can buy the battery online, but I caution against buying cheapo no name batteries, get a good one or OE from apple. After that just go to youtube or the ifixedit website and they have step by step instructions with pics. Its quite easy to do, I only have 1 arm and was able to do it on my kids samsung tablet and 3 iphones. Don't be afraid of electronics they aren't as mysterious as most people think. The hardest part is usually opening the case. Take your time and be gentle, don't force anything. What I do (on cars too) is to take pictures at the beginning and of every component I remove in its original location. I also sort any screw that is removed next to the part so I don't have "extras" at the end. A well lit work area is also important since most components are very small and black in color. Good Luck
 
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What is "product replacement"? Are they offering to replace it with the same generation or are they offering you a newer generation...?
 
Mine is the latest generation. They came up with "one of the sound buttons is sticky" excuse. Anyway, I have offered my feedback to them and shall see what comes out of it
 
Originally Posted by Y_K
I have an ageing iPad Mini with 128 RAM that was dropped at a local service centre in order to get a new battery - $99 charged....

TIA

Originally Posted by Y_K
Mine is the latest generation. ...


I am confused. Is it a old one or a new one?
I can't see any reason a 8 month old iPad mini would need a battery replaced (the "latest generation" is a iPad Mini 5, released in March of 2019).

My mom has an original iPad Mini still on it's original battery and my wife has a iPad Mini 3 or 4 that also is on original battery.
The original mini is showing it's age, but for what my mom uses it for (e-mail, face time, texts, reading scriptures) it works just fine.

But I agree with others, if the battery needs replacement, local is cheaper than going to Apple directly.
 
Did original iPad Mini came with 128 GB option?

Sorry, I missed the 5th generation. Hers is 4th. It's been used on daily basis for close to it's capacity limit of 9 hours.
Android Nexus was also used in the same way by another family member, it still works OK, albeit shows signs of impending battery trouble.
Much easier to transfer movie files when we travel.

Anyway,the iPad Mini 4 has been taken care of by a local outfit that I found inside Batteries +.
 
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