Broken iPad :(

[disneysteve]

My wife emailed me this morning to say that she accidentally dropped her iPad. One corner is all broken and there's a crack running diagonally across the screen. It's an old iPad (2nd gen) but she still uses it daily. We've been talking about updating it at some point but this might speed things along.

Have any of you ever used any of those repair places that replace the screens, like in the mall? How much do they charge? I wouldn't be willing to spend much since it's old tech. I'd rather put the money toward a new one. But if it's nominal, I'd fix it, even it it is just to keep it as a back up.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

The repair places are spotty, because the screen isn't just a glass screen, it's a capacitance touchscreen, and the replacement screens don't always work like the original.

[Jluke]

time for a new one!

I'd hold out for the holiday season, if possible.

also, Apple is having another product launch announcement on October 27 for Macs; usually iPads are this time of year too.

to add: can always find a refurbished one on apple's website. wholesale clubs also have deals. or since you're a fan of target, they usually give a store gift card with a purchase of the iPad (at sale time).

[creditcardfree]

I've replaced a screen on Samsung Tablet before. My husband actually did the first one, and then cracked the new screen with too much pressure, but we ordered another one for $30 and I installed it much gentler. Definitely worked for us. The $60 we spent was far cheaper than a new one.

I used YouTube videos to figure out how to do it. Easier than you would think. And I believe I bought the screens on Amazon (Yes, I did the company was Prokit Adhesive. And looks like you could get one for an iPad 2 for less than $20 if you have Amazon Prime).

[kork13]

A guy I work with does those repairs on the side, I think he charges ~$75 for a simple screen repair. He mentioned that when he opens one up, he frequently ends up having to replace a couple of other parts as well, simply because of how they are constructed/connected, and it's very easy to damage other components once you open then up. The screen, Wi-Fi antenna, and something else is what he specifically mentioned... So just be careful if you plan on trying to repair it yourself off of YouTube videos.

[creditcardfree]

A guy I work with does those repairs on the side, I think he charges ~$75 for a simple screen repair. He mentioned that when he opens one up, he frequently ends up having to replace a couple of other parts as well, simply because of how they are constructed/connected, and it's very easy to damage other components once you open then up. The screen, Wi-Fi antenna, and something else is what he specifically mentioned... So just be careful if you plan on trying to repair it yourself off of YouTube videos.

Yes, I agree that the parts are easy to damage. Slow and gentle are best is what we found out.

[james.hendrickson]

I used to have the iphone 5, and I dropped it a couple of times in the parking garage where I was living. The first time I got a replacement phone - which cost something like $600 bucks. The second time I took it to the apple store and had them repair it. That fee was something like $125.

Clearly seeing if you can repair the phones is probably a better option.

Finally, don't be afraid to invest in a drop shield for the phone. I bought one for around $30 dollars and its prevented my phone screen from shattering during the several times I've dropped it since.

[Jluke]

what's the closest Apple Store to you - king of prussia mall?

You could call the store and see if you can get a quote on the repair.

then decide.

[Tabs]

Just FYI, here is the part you want.

[snafu]

I knocked my MacBook Air off the coffee table cracking the screen and a call to one of guys who work in IT and operate a home based, sideline repair businesses as mentioned by kork did the fix.

I dropped off the laptop, said hi to his cute kids and drove to a nearby Tim Horton's [local version of Starbucks] to wait for the call. I think the screen cost $ 30. or so, $ 20. for service, about $ 55. including tax. What I liked best was that it took less time including transportation to fix than to complete the buying process at the nearby Apple outlet.

While my laptop works well, I'm hoping for a new iPad for the holidays.

[kork13]

...... and drove to a nearby Tim Horton's [local version of Starbucks] .......

My dear snafu, you besmirch the good name of Timmy Horton's comparing it to such codswallop as Starbucks!

I work with a bunch of Canadians, who swear up and down by Tim Horton's. Having taken a swing up by Goose Bay (not recommended... That place is BACKWOODS), I got to try out Timmy. I'm not one for coffee, but I will say that their cider is outstanding.

[Like2Plan]

I had to replace a screen on an iPhone and found it was significantly less expensive to repair at an after market repair place.

I don't know if the iPad is constructed similarly to the iPhone, but they had to take out all the components on the iPhone to get to the screen. Many were very, very tiny parts.
I was glad I didn't try to tackle the job myself.

It wouldn't hurt to be an estimate.

[FLA]

Apple refurbed products are a good bet, they have the same full one year warranty as new products have

my son replaced an iPhone screen at a mall place and it worked for maybe 3 mos.

[Singuy]

I would absolutely update it to the newest one or the one with retina display (Ipad air). This is something she uses daily, not worth it to cheap out on it. I have seen the Ipad 2 before in action and really hated the screen. Retina all the way! It's a HUGE improvement! Lighter, faster, much nicer screen..you can't go wrong!

[Outdoorsygal]

My wife emailed me this morning to say that she accidentally dropped her iPad. One corner is all broken and there's a crack running diagonally across the screen. It's an old iPad (2nd gen) but she still uses it daily. We've been talking about updating it at some point but this might speed things along.

Have any of you ever used any of those repair places that replace the screens, like in the mall? How much do they charge? I wouldn't be willing to spend much since it's old tech. I'd rather put the money toward a new one. But if it's nominal, I'd fix it, even it it is just to keep it as a back up.

Did you call Apple? I'd do that first.

If not, I can ask my son who is level 2 tech support for apple. You might be able to buy an apple care plan extension (sic, not sure the exact name) and get it covered to be fixed that way. I think it is $200