IPad battery

My iPad 2 is starting to consume juice a bit quicker. The battery will probably need to be replaced soon. I'm sure apple will do it for a huge fee; any other place you'd recommend? Guesstimate as to $$$?

T I A

Apple runs a diagnostic test first to make sure the battery is the problem. You can buy a replacement kit online and try to tackle doing yourself.

Mine is having same problem -- they told me it is more than 3 years old and asked what did I expect? I said for $800 I expected it to last more than 3 years. But the whole tech industry has been built by making low quality products that need to be replaced.

Thanks. Did they quote you a price? How long? My iPad is used for light duty...email, surfing I try to avoid vids. I don't want a new tablet unless it's only a bit more than what I currently have. This is a DIY I'd prefer to NOT DIY.

@mikescott, have you done the replacement? If so, on which model? I've replaced batteries in iphone 4's and it was moderately hard. I tried replacing a screen on an iphone 4S and failed. I replaced batteries in a couple of iphone 5S's, and I decided I won't be opening any more i-devices any more because I nearly ruined them. Serviceability in Apple products has always been bad, and it seems to be getting worse.

I did not do the replacement yet. They wanted $150.00 and no guarantees. They just keep telling me I have to back it up.

I called around a bit and got a quote of $130 to replace my battery. That seems quite hgih so I checked for a 2-in-1 a/o laptop. I found the puter shown below for an extra $50. At Micro Center. Larger and heavier- butt easily manageable, with burner; not sure about a camera. I don't really need cam. I assume this would serve my needs admirably.- at least as well as my iPad 2-.seems too good to be true.

Aspire ES1-531-C3X2 15.6" Laptop Computer - Diamond Black $179.99

Any thoughts?

slow as a slug, I would say it isn't even worth the $180. if your iPad is otherwise in good shape, I think you'll get far more enjoyable use out of it vs this slow slow laptop - replace the battery!

Apollo_T said:

I called around a bit and got a quote of $130 to replace my battery. That seems quite hgih so I checked for a 2-in-1 a/o laptop. I found the puter shown below for an extra $50. At Micro Center. Larger and heavier- butt easily manageable, with burner; not sure about a camera. I don't really need cam. I assume this would serve my needs admirably.- at least as well as my iPad 2-.seems too good to be true.

Aspire ES1-531-C3X2 15.6" Laptop Computer - Diamond Black $179.99


Any thoughts?

@mikescott, the $130 price I got for ipad 2 was at Cell Phone Repair- a small shop on rte 22. Recommended by knowlegeable frieend.

Just an FYI, an iPad 2 is quite old. And they seem to sell for $75-$100 used on eBay. (A new one in box seem to go at about $200). So pouring $130 into something potentially worth $100 seems a little crazy to me. I personally would just recommend getting a new one (yeah, it'd be $399) or if you're looking to save money just get an iPad 2 used for $75-$100 and see if the battery seems any better. Just keep in mind that you save money at the expensive of personal convenience.

Thanks Apollo -- might check it out... or might just get a new ipad mini.

Really love the ipad, but hate that it is a disposable item.

I would recommend to you all that you make an appointment at the Genius Bar to have your issues checked out before trying something else. My son had problems recently with an iPhone battery and his iPad and got extremely favorable results from the Geniuses. No reason not to see what they have to say before going elsewhere, in my opinion.

You won't like that laptop as much as the ipad. Look at all you've been through. I recall your recent description of how well your ipad has lasted, and it's impressive. If the geniuses can't do something for you, keep using it until you can't any more, then get another ipad.

I do in fact love my iPad 2 and I really don't want/need more computer for mobile use. But for me mobile use is limited to moving around the house. I took it with me to Charleston for vacation a couple of weeks ago. I can't remember the last time before that.

The reason I waxed so poetic about my ipad is the bluetooth keyboard I got. The best $40 I've spent on anything techie. It made the ipad into a very small lightweight handheld computer- suitable for my modest needs. It's those modest needs that I'm looking at. I've only taken ipad out of the house fewer than 6 times in the 3 yrs I've had it. I don't have, nor do I need, a data plan. (Everyone laughs bc I don't have a cell phone either. A couple of times a year I borrow wife's phone.)

The lowest price 9.7" ipad- with wifi, no cell, is $400. And it will last 3-4 yrs; whereas last laptop lasted 10+ yrs with battery that cost $40 and 40 seconds to replace. The thing I will miss will be touch screen; I didn't really miss with that laptop (nor this desktop)

I don't think you'll get 10 years from a laptop...

Given usability and function I'd say the iPad is the best value. And I'd say they're better than just 3 years longevity.

An alternative could be an Amazon Fire tablet. My daughter uses hers extensively for video and tv watching (she doesn't own a tv), and is very happy with it.

https://www.cnet.com/products/amazon-fire/

mikescott said:

Thanks Apollo -- might check it out... or might just get a new ipad mini.

Really love the ipad, but hate that it is a disposable item.

You are certainly in the minority if your iPad is a "disposable" item. They are known for their durability and longevity. We have a 2nd gen iPad for about 5 1/2 years and it has never given us a single problem. It is as good as the day we bought it. The one and only thing I've noticed is a slight slowness compared to what it used to be (but by no means slow) the past few months. So, your experience is definitely out of what is typical.

conandrob240 said:

mikescott said:

Thanks Apollo -- might check it out... or might just get a new ipad mini.

Really love the ipad, but hate that it is a disposable item.

You are certainly in the minority if your iPad is a "disposable" item. They are known for their durability and longevity. We have a 2nd gen iPad for about 5 1/2 years and it has never given us a single problem. It is as good as the day we bought it. The one and only thing I've noticed is a slight slowness compared to what it used to be (but by no means slow) the past few months. So, your experience is definitely out of what is typical.

Actually, if you read any number of articles and reviews, many of them talk about a 3 year lifespan - partially because of the lack of software updates. However, my first one last more than 3 years. My second one has been a huge disappointment and started to lag after 2 years and yes, I made two trips to the Genius bar. Backed it up, reloaded the IOS, and their best advice was to upgrade to a new one. It is about 4 years old but has not worked right for about 15 months.

Yes, they can last much longer depending on a variety of factors but considering my laptop is over 5 years old and still works like new - I just expected and hoped for better.

I agree with peteglider. Either ipad or Amazon Fire (or similar). Laptops do not last ten years, especially not cheap ones.