Since Apple’s iPad, just like their iPod and iPhone products, doesn’t have a battery that can be replaced — at least without voiding your warranty — the company has said that, if your battery dies, they’ll give you a replacement iPad… for a service fee of $99.

On their site, Apple writes, “If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.”

Whether or not that’s a good deal probably depends upon a few factors.

1) $99 is around the retail price for most laptop batteries, so that’s reasonable.

2) You have to send Apple your iPad to have it replaced. Are you willing to be iPad-free for however long it takes to get the replacement processed?

3) Apple says “You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data… Before you submit your iPad for service it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc.” So basically you’re starting over again with a completely new iPad when you do get it back from Apple.

They also have this caveat for circumstances under which they won’t replace the battery for just the service fee: “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 Guarantees iPad Battery Life [Information Week]

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