Cracked iPad glass

http://www.otterbox.com/iPad-2-Defender-Series-Case/APL2-IPAD2-D9-E4OTR_A,defaul t,pd.html

What I ordered:

http://www.gumdropcases.com/drop-series-ipad-2-case.html

Higher protection:

http://www.gumdropcases.com/military-edition-ipad-2-case.html

More suggestions:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/225644/dropproof_your_ipad_2.html

Screen repair:

http://www.iresq.com/ipad-repair/ipad-2-repair-replacement-service-parts.html

I too, dropped my IPAD2 from about a 3 foot height. However, I wasn't initially worried because I had it in a $90.00 (thick) protective case. I was surprised to find the glass shattered when I opened the case. The corners on the case were exposed, and one corner took the brunt of the impact. The corner had a tiny chip, and although it works, the glass cracked across the entire screen. Fortunately, I purchased the IPAD2 on my American Express. They have a 'buyer's protection' program that will replace an item that is damaged, lost or stolen within the first 90 days. The process involves filing a claim, (sending them paperwork, receipts, and photos), then sending the item to AMEX (partner company) at your cost. AMEX also has the 'buyer's assurance' program that will double the manufacturer's warranty. If approved, your total purchase price will be credited back to your account. My local, northwestern NJ Apple store is not too accomodating, so I wouldn't expect they'd offer a replacement. I would definitely recommend checking with your credit card company to see if they offer a similar benefit. M

I'm starting to wonder if Apple released a more crack prone product with the iPad 2, I had an iPad 1, it flew over 100k miles with me (USA and EU) and in the end it was fine after a lot of bumps and knocks.

Two weeks ago iOS5 bricked my iPad 2, then I accidentally knocked it 18 inches off my coffee table and the glass cracked down the middle.

Apple Genius managed to restore my iPad 2 to working order but refused to help with the crack saying it's $319 dollars for a replacement. After spending $1600 dollars + App Store purchases in two years the lack of good will shocked me. My iPad 2 is now repaired thanks to ubreakifix for $209 and it's presently for sale on eBay.

A minor say $100 loss to Apple would of kept me happy and lead to an iPad 3 and iPhone 5 purchase in 2012, now I'm jumping ship to an Android Tablet (Kal-El based) next week and my iPhone is next on my list for replacement. Apple has just lost a customer for life.

Jayne,

Do you live anywhere near an Apple Store? If so, make sure everything is backed up if it will still sync, bring it in to them (if not, plan a road trip), tell them the truth, and see what happens. Even though others think you'll never get it replaced or fixed by Apple, I have found otherwise with a shattered glass on an iPhone4 that "can't be replaced".

I'm not saying it definite, but give it a shot. Can't hurt.

And no, you do not need the smart cover. It's just a cover. It's not required to use any other case. (Then go look at http://www.picsupplies.com for their iPad case. The strap is removable).

-Mike

Take it to the Apple store. I had the same problem and they swapped it out for a brand new one which I'm currently using right now to reply to your thread. I wanted to jump up and down when the rep said they'd do it the first time for free. Next time gonna cost $317.00. I strongly encourage you to take it in. I'm almost sure they will do the same for you.

I have a leather portfolio case that I bought on amazon that has served me quite well. It has a cover that flips up and supports landscape/portrait usage. The otterbox would be nice and if I were in the habit of taking it to more 'risky' places, I'd look into one. The issue does seem to be protecting and padding the corners, in addition to not exposing it to tension that might crack it down the middle.

Name a single electronics company that "stands by their product" in regards to accidental damage which means paying for any and all accidental damage for free. There are none. And if too damaged to repair, it is not minor damage.

There are some 3rd party repair services and the number of 3rd party cases available for the iPad from many manufacturers is extensive.

It's unfortunate that that happened to you although no where near uncommon. When dropping any iProduct it's really a game of Russian Roulette. I've dropped my iPhone several times - typically with no case, and it hasn't suffered a single crack. My friend dropped hers, encased, one time and the glass was destroyed. I would say others should heed your warning, not due to poor product design but as a general rule of thumb, naturally you wouldn't drop a flatscreen tv without expecting it to break or at least realizing that it's a possibility - same thing with iProducts. Perhaps Apple won't repair it because they feel the cost of repairs would be higher than just buying a new device. As Allan said there are numerous third party companies who could repair the glass but remember you're taking a risk.

Remember that most cases are designed only to protect the iPad while it's in your bag or from small things tapping against it. They're not designed to protect it from a total drop. Most cell phones would suffer similar damage as would almost any laptop, camera, etc.

As was already mentioned, bring it to an Apple store and maybe they will have sympathy and offer to replace it.

That is still user damage, which is not covered by the warranty. You would be getting a referbished device for the specified fee

You pay the fee and get the replacement, there is no repairing done

That is what everyone says who drops a product with GLASS that breaks - "and it only dropped a foot" or some other BS. At least you didn't try to make such a claim. EVERY other copy machine tablet product with GLASS has a very good chance to experience the same when dropped on a hard surface without any protection, and every iPad that is dropped does not suffer the same. Much depends on what, how, and where on the iPad it is dropped and the same with every other product with glass. There is a reason just about EVERY phone in the smart phone category you see has a case - especially those with a glass screen. Phones in the smart phone category are expensive products, most if not all have a glass screen, and sooner or later EVERY phone will be dropped.

If you go into an Apple Store, they do have cases in Stock for iPads. But, while Apple sells some cases for both iPhone, iPad, iPod, that's not Apples prime business and there are so many other options easily available. For example, I bought the smart cover for my iPad, but decided it wouldn't provide enough protection and I wanted something that would both protect the front and back, plus permit standing the iPad up in Portrait as well as Landscape (something smart cover doesn't do. So, I wound up getting the Targus Versavue at Best Buy. It's a much more protective case and it lets iPad swivel 360 degrees for portrait or landscape viewing.

The point is, there are many many options for your iPad. You can shop online, or you can go to Apple, or can go to Best Buy, or even any number of kiosk vendors at your local mall. They often have very affordable protective options for iPads and iPhones.

Wrong.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/ipad_accessories/cases?mco=MjA1M Dk0Mzc

Because there is a wide range of different cases available from a significant number of 3rd parties with some sold by Apple online and at their stores.

Do a Google search for iPad cases to see for yourself.

Only some are sold via Apple's online store and via their retail stores, which represents a fraction of the number of different cases and styles available.

The case I use was ordered online but not from Apple's online store.

Smar covers are always good. I saw video in youtube.com about the smart cover test. Also, replacing the glasses are very expensive.

This web site has the same youtube video and explains about the cases and covers of iPad 2

Kim