Bent ipad. UNACCEPTABLE

[mightyjabba]

Seems like some people are getting upset because some users want to hold Apple accountable for a flimsy product. Especially now since according to Apple a bent iPad is now considered "normal".

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...bent-but-its-normal-and-not-a-defect.2161394/

I really think there are two different issues here. One is what Apple was referring to in that article -- a very slight bend caused during the manufacturing process. It won't get worse and doesn't indicate any future problems with durability (at least according to them). I don't agree that this should be normal, and personally I think Apple should replace any iPad that seems at bent. But I've also seen a lot of photos here where the bend is so slight that people aren't sure it's actually there or it's an optical illusion, and I'm pretty sure this is what they are referring to.

The other issue are major, obvious bends -- generally ones that occur sometime after purchase. These are more worrisome in my mind because they imply that the iPads are flimsy. However, I wonder how frequent this really is. It seems like a large portion of the people talking about bending may have actually had a bent iPad from the beginning, but didn't notice it because it was subtle. But people see all the talk of bending and start thinking that these things are fragile snowflakes that can't stand up to being put in a backpack. Now let me tell you right now that if this iPad can't stand up to being put in a bag, it is an utter failure of a product and Apple should recall them all. I don't believe this is the case, however.

 

[Never mind]

I've said that it's a problem and Apple is wrong for calling it normal. I also think it's overblown and people need to grow up a little and realize these things happen and it's not the end of the world.

Until it’s time to resell it .

 

[DNichter]

Until it’s time to resell it .

Well thankfully mine is straight! That should up the value considering all the normal ones are bent.

 

[OLDGUYWITHAHIFI]

I really think there are two different issues here. One is what Apple was referring to in that article -- a very slight bend caused during the manufacturing process. It won't get worse and doesn't indicate any future problems with durability (at least according to them). I don't agree that this should be normal, and personally I think Apple should replace any iPad that seems at bent. But I've also seen a lot of photos here where the bend is so slight that people aren't sure it's actually there or it's an optical illusion, and I'm pretty sure this is what they are referring to.

The other issue are major, obvious bends -- generally ones that occur sometime after purchase. These are more worrisome in my mind because they imply that the iPads are flimsy. However, I wonder how frequent this really is. It seems like a large portion of the people talking about bending may have actually had a bent iPad from the beginning, but didn't notice it because it was subtle. But people see all the talk of bending and start thinking that these things are fragile snowflakes that can't stand up to being put in a backpack. Now let me tell you right now that if this iPad can't stand up to being put in a bag, it is an utter failure of a product and Apple should recall them all. I don't believe this is the case, however.

I agree if this iPad can't stand up to being put in a bag, it is an utter failure of a product and that was my point. I would be afraid to put one in a backpack.

There is always the OCD factor. Some people will find a flaw with ANY product (See bright lights and hold it at a certain angle).

A few comments ago I mentioned someone I know who bent his iPad from user error. The point I was trying to make was he felt silly because when he took in in, he had to act like he was shocked the iPad was bent, and the store employee was acting just as animated claiming they never heard of the problem. He said they both kind of looked at each other like they knew the game they were playing was kind of obvious.

 

[JonMPLS]

Apple really needs to consider another high-tech material than aluminum. Thinking exposed carbon fibre. It could flex a little but then rebound. I realize there are limits to the screen, but I don't hear of many cracked screens with the slightly bent iPads.

 

[mightyjabba]

I agree if this iPad can't stand up to being put in a bag, it is an utter failure of a product and that was my point. I would be afraid to put one in a backpack.

But why are you afraid, is my question. It may seem like dozens of people are complaining of bent iPads, but a good portion of them -- perhaps even most of them -- may not have bent in use, but were like that from the factory. That's still an issue, but it's not nearly as bad as an iPad that bends in everyday use. Also, I was very interested to see that the "similar threads" section below had threads from years past with people complaining about bent iPads of nearly every make and model, but I don't think this was considered an endemic problem with previous models. I certainly never gave it a second thought with any of the ones I owned in the past.

 

[OLDGUYWITHAHIFI]

But why are you afraid, is my question. It may seem like dozens of people are complaining of bent iPads, but a good portion of them -- perhaps even most of them -- may not have bent in use, but were like that from the factory. That's still an issue, but it's not nearly as bad as an iPad that bends in everyday use. Also, I was very interested to see that the "similar threads" section below had threads from years past with people complaining about bent iPads of nearly every make and model, but I don't think this was considered an endemic problem with previous models. I certainly never gave it a second thought with any of the ones I owned in the past.

Same reason I am hesitant to buy a new MBP. After reading about issues with some Apple products on various sites throughout the internet, and considering the cost of these items, I have concerns about quality and value. I still buy other Apple products, but I have to say that reviews and articles do influence my purchasing decisions.

To be honest, with my current iPad I have no problem throwing it in a bag and running out the door, but I do have concerns doing the same with the new iPad Pro models based mainly on the articles and user accounts I have read. It may be irrational but I do take it into consideration.

 

[mightyjabba]

I'll admit that I was a little hesitant to buy a new iPad Pro because of what I had read here, but then I realized that there are always threads like this about just about every new Apple product. There's almost always some "huge" problem that people complain about in the first few weeks and then it dies down. I guess time will tell if this is actually an issue, but I think the chances of Apple releasing a flagship product that is literally unable to stand up to everyday use are pretty slim. I have a new 12.9" iPad Pro wrapped up and waiting for Christmas, so I've already made my decision.

 

[vmflapem]

We want them thin.
We want them light.
We want them durable.

We can’t have it all ways.

It makes perfect sense that something so thin and light, with a massive surface, would bend with some pressure applied to it. I’m not defending Apple and this makes me nervous, but what is everyone willing to sacrfice? Lightness? Thinness? Durability? I’m not sure I can answer this myself.

To the OP - I’m sorry that. Really sucks. Bring it to the Apple store and be nice. They will help you.

Majority of people do not ask for paper thin ipads that bend just like a piece of paper. Consumers want ipads that do not bend easily. It's Apple's job to find a balance.

 

[PanAm-L1011]

Majority of people do not ask for paper thin ipads that bend just like a piece of paper. Consumers want ipads that do not bend easily. It's Apple's job to find a balance.

Ok, come on, Apple obviously does their research. There’s a reason why phones and tablets are getting thinner and lighter. It’s called market research. They spend millions on it, you don’t. So you don’t know what you are talking about, no offense.
[doublepost=1545363445][/doublepost]

I've had several iPads over the years. I have traveled with them, put them in my luggage, backpacks, duffle bags, sat on them, dropped them, and spilled stuff on them. Never, never did one of them bend.

It's quite simple... If it bends out of the box, or bends as a result of user error, the thing is flimsy. I would not take the new iPad with me on the road. Period. I would be afraid to put it in a backpack or even a brief bag. Sort of defeats the purpose of having a portable device that you can take with you.

And then we have all these apologists and defenders telling users to get over it, it's not Apple's fault, stop whining, etc.

Seems like some people are getting upset because some users want to hold Apple accountable for a flimsy product. Especially now since according to Apple a bent iPad is now considered "normal".

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...bent-but-its-normal-and-not-a-defect.2161394/

They are not flimsy. I’ve had mine for a month. I take it with me every where, in a bag full of stuff. It’s only protection is the Apple folio or the Apple Keyboard folio. It’s as straight as straight can be. I don’t use it any differently, or protect it any differently than I have with any other tech product I’ve ever had. Yes, I take care of my things and protect them to the best of my ability. The only issue I’ve ever had, in all the Apple products I’ve ever owned, is cracking my MacBook screen twice. Sucks, but it was my fault. I owned up to it. They were kind enough to fix it for free the first time, out of warranty. The second time I wasn’t so lucky. THAT’s my problem with posters on here. They don’t take care of their **** then blame Apple when they won’t exchange it. Quite frankly, it’s stupid.

For the hundredth time, these iPads are not bending on their own. They are bending at the factory and being shipped that way, or they are being bent by their users applying too much pressure to them. Of course, you notice it’s bent out of the box, return it - Apple will exchange it in that 14 day window. Outside of that window, how the heck are they supposed to know it was really bent out of the box. They are a business. They are there to make money. For every exchange they lose money. And you, as a consumer, can make your choice not to buy their products.

Bottom line - don’t be stupid and pay attention when you unbox a product to make sure it is to your liking. Don’t be careless and take care of your crap. It’s not that hard.
[doublepost=1545363837][/doublepost]

I agree if this iPad can't stand up to being put in a bag, it is an utter failure of a product and that was my point. I would be afraid to put one in a backpack.

There is always the OCD factor. Some people will find a flaw with ANY product (See bright lights and hold it at a certain angle).

A few comments ago I mentioned someone I know who bent his iPad from user error. The point I was trying to make was he felt silly because when he took in in, he had to act like he was shocked the iPad was bent, and the store employee was acting just as animated claiming they never heard of the problem. He said they both kind of looked at each other like they knew the game they were playing was kind of obvious.

Mine goes in my bag every single day. To work and home from work. Not bent. Don’t do anything different. This whole problem is way over exaggerated. Just like the poster who said the store employees were acting shocked. Exaggeration or lie.

 

[OLDGUYWITHAHIFI]

Ok, come on, Apple obviously does their research. There’s a reason why phones and tablets are getting thinner and lighter. It’s called market research. They spend millions on it, you don’t. So you don’t know what you are talking about, no offense.
[doublepost=1545363445][/doublepost]

They are not flimsy. I’ve had mine for a month. I take it with me every where, in a bag full of stuff. It’s only protection is the Apple folio or the Apple Keyboard folio. It’s as straight as straight can be. I don’t use it any differently, or protect it any differently than I have with any other tech product I’ve ever had. Yes, I take care of my things and protect them to the best of my ability. The only issue I’ve ever had, in all the Apple products I’ve ever owned, is cracking my MacBook screen twice. Sucks, but it was my fault. I owned up to it. They were kind enough to fix it for free the first time, out of warranty. The second time I wasn’t so lucky. THAT’s my problem with posters on here. They don’t take care of their **** then blame Apple when they won’t exchange it. Quite frankly, it’s stupid.

For the hundredth time, these iPads are not bending on their own. They are bending at the factory and being shipped that way, or they are being bent by their users applying too much pressure to them. Of course, you notice it’s bent out of the box, return it - Apple will exchange it in that 14 day window. Outside of that window, how the heck are they supposed to know it was really bent out of the box. They are a business. They are there to make money. For every exchange they lose money. And you, as a consumer, can make your choice not to buy their products.

Bottom line - don’t be stupid and pay attention when you unbox a product to make sure it is to your liking. Don’t be careless and take care of your crap. It’s not that hard.
[doublepost=1545363837][/doublepost]

Mine goes in my bag every single day. To work and home from work. Not bent. Don’t do anything different. This whole problem is way over exaggerated. Just like the poster who said the store employees were acting shocked. Exaggeration or lie.

Well since you own a new iPad and have not had any issues, I guess no one else can complain or share experiences that are different from yours. You obviously know all there is to know about Apple's research and marketing strategies to the point where you claim others have no idea what they are talking about. To accuse someone of exaggerating or lying means you were obviously there in the store when a store employee was acting animated and shocked that someone brought in a bent iPad.

Passing all this judgment and claiming no one else is using common sense all because your iPad hasn't bent. Somehow that makes you an authority. I am glad you are happy with your product, and you obviously take care of your things, but the way you are reacting to other comments and situations seems a little harsh and unreasonable.

If other people have had less fortunate outcomes or have a negative opinion of a product it in no way should take away from your satisfaction or experience with the product. Conversely, just because you are satisfied does not mean everyone else is too.

 

[Lowfi22mac]

Out of interest, are new LTE iPad's now shipping without bends? I'm on my second with a bend out of the box. Apple told me to come back early January for a replacement (Christmas return window is until the ~8th Jan, IIRC).

 

[millydog]

Out of interest, are new LTE iPad's now shipping without bends? I'm on my second with a bend out of the box. Apple told me to come back early January for a replacement (Christmas return window is until the ~8th Jan, IIRC).

My second one that was shipped to me, received yesterday, is not bent, if that helps.

 

[Lowfi22mac]

My second one that was shipped to me, received yesterday, is not bent, if that helps.

Thanks Millydog. It was an LTE one?

 

[millydog]

Thanks Millydog. It was an LTE one?

Yes, it is a 12.9” 1TB with cellular, space grey. I ordered it on Monday and delivery was listed as being 10th Jan, but I got it yesterday, so much earlier than expected. I am in Australia, but they do all come from China.

 

[Lowfi22mac]

That's positive news. Sounds like Apple might have a handle on it then.

Enjoy the new, un-bent iPad

 

[millydog]

That's positive news. Sounds like Apple might have a handle on it then.

Enjoy the new, un-bent iPad

No problem. Good luck with your next delivery. Don’t give up. It’s worth trying until you get a straight one. This is my favourite computing device ever.

 

[dljor]

It never left the dinner table. The ipad is inside a case fullbody protected. I would say: if they made the ipad 1 or 2mm thicker it would bent less. Only cellular is mostly likey bended out of the box. Reason: atenna lines makes it weaker or its the diff materials that go wrong

bent and developed cracks on its own? I find this hard to imagine.

 

[symphony]

Small bumps like these? If so, they most likely came like this out of the box.

Regardless, go get it exchanged if you can. Bending is not acceptable.

 

[slickshal]

How is a bent but functional iPad “planned obsolescence “?

your joking right.

how long do u think itll be before people start seeing hairline cracks or malfunctions in the screen from the shoddy build. looks like u need to go work for apple cause your clueless like the red shirts in the store.

 

[Silver Idaten]

I would stick with the 11 and just exchange for another. I had the choice of the 10.5 and the 11 and I ultimately went with the 11. Why? It seems almost near definite now that the 10.5 gets the bright spot after 1-1.5 years, whereas the 11 could come bent out of the box. Mine did not. Exchange and I guarantee your next one will be fine. If it somehow isn’t, exchange again.

 

[magicschoolbus]

You’re bending it wrong

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

I call a heat related warp a "by itself type thing" - sure, forces caused it blag blah etc but not human error as apple implied to me. At release I guess people weren't looking/trusting the company QA as it has been, not expecting warps I didn't look, it went straight on my desk. Anyway thanks to threads like this, people will now check.

If it's a heat related thing, as apple say "cooling off" would it be so absurd that when the iPad is worked hard, with little cooling/no fans that it may reach a temperature and cool causing another warp? kinda by itself.
I don't know much about metals? just asking?

 

[Frosties]

It's lack of knowledge in casting and development of the prototype for casting in alumnium. It is what it is. Until it is fixed Apple will have a product with low quality.

 

[jimmy_uk]

This news has put me off the 2018 pro. While there will be hundreds, if not thousands of people who have straight ipads out of the box (as it should be) who knows how long this will last as clearly the lack of internal support in the casing structure and super thin metals makes this one of the weakest ipad builds to date. Who's to say that the internal heat generated from the processor and battery won't warp the casing?

It's far too expensive an item to have to worry about receiving a bent one and having to deal with returns or thinking about possible defects in the future. I pay Apples higher prices to receive the best product that's going to last.

It's a damn shame but as usual, don't buy first gen designs. Waiting for the revision.

For the out and out defenders of all things Apple, if your happy with your product then more power to you. Just understand for some spending this kind of money, we expect defect free products.