Exchanging WiFi for 3G

[techiegirl]

We've had the Wifi iPad since the first day so we're past the 14 day return policy. Last night we were at the Apple Store and were told by an employee that early adopters are going to be allowed to exchange their wifi iPads for the 3G version and pay the difference.

I find it hard to believe since we'll be past the return period. Calls to different stores were mixed, between it's not true and they'll do it with 10% restocking fee.

 

[*LTD*]

We've had the Wifi iPad since the first day so we're past the 14 day return policy. Last night we were at the Apple Store and were told by an employee that early adopters are going to be allowed to exchange their wifi iPads for the 3G version and pay the difference.

I find it hard to believe since we'll be past the return period. Calls to different stores were mixed, between it's not true and they'll do it with 10% restocking fee.

Call Apple. Though they *might* be pretty hush-hush about it. Worth a try though, especially if you're already a customer with them who owns other Apple gear.

 

[barkomatic]

If Apple won't take it back you could always try selling it on ebay or craigslist. You would probably get most if not all of your money back if you sell it before the 3G comes out.

 

[Nausicaa]

I really don't think Apple should allow this. This might sound kind of ridiculous, and it doesn't really bother me that much, but is anyone else kind of miffed at all these WiFi owners returning their iPad's for the 3G? As someone who waited for 3G, but didn't preorder, it's kind of annoying that people doing this will make it harder for us to get the 3G when it comes out. Not to mention, it just seems like selfish behavior that people are buying WiFi models with the full intent to use them and return them in 14 days. It kind of bothers me that people might end up buying 'new' iPads that were actually used by someone else for two weeks (unless the returns don't go back out this way). If people want to try the iPad, there are demo units in stores that they can use.

Again, just a thought, not something that keeps me up at night.

 

[ctaborda]

I really don't think Apple should allow this. This might sound kind of ridiculous, and it doesn't really bother me that much, but is anyone else kind of miffed at all these WiFi owners returning their iPad's for the 3G? As someone who waited for 3G, but didn't preorder, it's kind of annoying that people doing this will make it harder for us to get the 3G when it comes out. Not to mention, it just seems like selfish behavior that people are buying WiFi models with the full intent to use them and return them in 14 days. It kind of bothers me that people might end up buying 'new' iPads that were actually used by someone else for two weeks (unless the returns don't go back out this way). If people want to try the iPad, there are demo units in stores that they can use.

Again, just a thought, not something that keeps me up at night.

I pre-ordered, and honestly people should be allowed to do whatever they want to do about their ipads regardless of what anyone else thinks about it. It is their money.

 

[pbellamy]

I'm going to the UK with my Ipad tonight. I'm going to sell it there and then buy a 3g model when I return.
Probbaly going to cover the cost of the upgrade in profit...

 

[msduncan]

I'm happy with my Wifi and intend on keeping it. I was slightly concerned at first that I might have need for the 3G and would regret my purchase. My intention was to stick with my choice though as I didn't feel right about using a Wifi for two weeks and then trading it for the 3G. That costs Apple a new product -- my guess is that any returned units are converted into refurbs.

Anyway... After several weeks of use, I'm on Wifi 99% of the time at all locations that my daily travel takes me to. In the very rare event I need to jump on where there is no Wifi, I go with the tethering.

 

[HelloMikee]

That would be awesome if it were the case. My last day to return was a couple days ago but I didn't want to be without my iPad. I figure if I really want 3g, craigslist is the way to go with my 16GB wifi.

 

[richimages]

I really don't think Apple should allow this. This might sound kind of ridiculous, and it doesn't really bother me that much, but is anyone else kind of miffed at all these WiFi owners returning their iPad's for the 3G? As someone who waited for 3G, but didn't preorder, it's kind of annoying that people doing this will make it harder for us to get the 3G when it comes out. Not to mention, it just seems like selfish behavior that people are buying WiFi models with the full intent to use them and return them in 14 days. It kind of bothers me that people might end up buying 'new' iPads that were actually used by someone else for two weeks (unless the returns don't go back out this way). If people want to try the iPad, there are demo units in stores that they can use.

Again, just a thought, not something that keeps me up at night.

Apple should have released both models at the same time. If they had, it would be interesting to see if folks would have purchased the exact model they purchased, (or preordered). Of course, I'd rather have the wifi only sooner (if that was the one I wanted ... it's not, I don't have one, and we're still waiting for 3G to be available); still, you would think with Apple being all hush hush about their new products, they could have released both models simultaneously.

So ... was this a marketing thing with some strategy that doesn't make sense to me, or was it simply a production thing, or some FCC thing?

Anyway ... our units will be delivered soon enough ... whatever Apple decides about those who want to return their units, pay a 10% restock fee and buy a 3G is fine with me ... I would have waited anyway just to save the 10% restock fee ... doesn't matter to me.

IMO, as a customer, they're treating me good enough ... if they want to treat someone else better, that's fine ... they're treating me good enough.

- still waiting for our 3G to show up ... not losing sleep over it in the meantime ...

 

[traylorc]

I pre-ordered, and honestly people should be allowed to do whatever they want to do about their ipads regardless of what anyone else thinks about it. It is their money.

I think you missed the point of Nausicaa's post.....

Nobody's questioning how other folks spend their money. The question becomes is it fair that some individuals essentially "rent" an ipad at no cost for 2-3 weeks, and then return that unit to purchase a 3g. In those instances where a restocking fee is not being charged, those individuals essentially get to rent a unit for free until the 3g units come out. So what does that do, it puts a bunch of "pre-owned" units back into inventory that will essentially be re-packaged as brand new.

Additionally, these former Wi-fi owners now jump in line to purchase 3g units thereby potentially taking away potential purchase opportunities for those individuals who patiently waited for a 3g all along.

Personally I'm torn about what I think about this...is there anything ethically wrong with purchasing a wi-fi unit knowing full well you have no intention of keeping it? Apple doesn't aggressively persuade folks not to engage in this practice. While there is a potential 10-15% restocking fee, we have all probably read stories about Apple stores and Best Buy not enforcing that fee. So to me, Apple doesn't view this as a serious issue. If Apple really wanted to curb this practice, they would increase the re-stocking fee and aggressively enforce the fee.

Like I said, I just don't think Apple views this as a major issue. At the end of the day, they want more of their customers to purchase the more expensive 3g units. This will lead to greater revenues and overall profitability. Besides, I would be willing to bet the higher pricing on the 3g models subsidizes the lower pricing offered on the wi-fi models.

 

[pbellamy]

I am using my wifi on tether via my iphone jailbreak a lot.

I will migrate to the ipad 3g though as I'm worried about tethering being tougher to do with iphone 4 OS.

For me it's about future proofing

 

[timotheezz]

I am using my wifi on tether via my iphone jailbreak a lot.

I will migrate to the ipad 3g though as I'm worried about tethering being tougher to do with iphone 4 OS.

For me it's about future proofing

On my 3GS I've got MyWi, and I've been happy so far with my WiFi iPad + MyWi. But you bring up a great point. Tethering and jailbreaking will eventually happen on the 4th gen iPhones and OS 4.0, but will it be as easy as the solutions we've had so far (blackrain)?

I hope it is. I was considering getting a 3G iPad recently, but to tack on another $15 or most likely $30 a month on top of my $100 AT&T iPhone bill... well, that's just silly. What to do!!

 

[techiegirl]

I'm happy with my tethering, but it kills the battery on your phone. I can't get my phone to last more than a few hours with tethering on.

 

[leesweet]

In those instances where a restocking fee is not being charged, those individuals essentially get to rent a unit for free until the 3g units come out. So what does that do, it puts a bunch of "pre-owned" units back into inventory that will essentially be re-packaged as brand new.

Why do you think this? Unless you just mean from the purchasers' standpoint, that they got a free ride (which I agree with).

There is no evidence that the iPads would be resold as new.

I do agree those that want to do this should pay the restocking fee (10%?) as the 'rent' for the almost a month of free use.

 

[techiegirl]

My guess is that those would be refurbished and exchanged in the genius bar when somebody needs to exchange their defective iPads.

Why do you think this? Unless you just mean from the purchasers' standpoint, that they got a free ride (which I agree with).

There is no evidence that the iPads would be resold as new.

I do agree those that want to do this should pay the restocking fee (10%?) as the 'rent' for the almost a month of free use.

 

[traylorc]

My guess is that those would be refurbished and exchanged in the genius bar when somebody needs to exchange their defective iPads.

Techiegirl that is exactly what I mean....that's it exactly what happened to me when I had a defective iphone. They told me I would receive a "new" iphone, but when I pressed the guy he admitted it was really a refurbished phone. No reason to believe Apple would do anything different with the Ipad.

 

[pbellamy]

I'm happy with my tethering, but it kills the battery on your phone. I can't get my phone to last more than a few hours with tethering on.

Agreed. My iphone drain is signiifcant as is the heat. Again, I think it's worth having the flexibility to sign up to ATT from the pad on occasion.

 

[swy05]

I really don't think Apple should allow this. This might sound kind of ridiculous, and it doesn't really bother me that much, but is anyone else kind of miffed at all these WiFi owners returning their iPad's for the 3G? As someone who waited for 3G, but didn't preorder, it's kind of annoying that people doing this will make it harder for us to get the 3G when it comes out. Not to mention, it just seems like selfish behavior that people are buying WiFi models with the full intent to use them and return them in 14 days. It kind of bothers me that people might end up buying 'new' iPads that were actually used by someone else for two weeks (unless the returns don't go back out this way). If people want to try the iPad, there are demo units in stores that they can use.

Again, just a thought, not something that keeps me up at night.

This is what I've been saying as well. ****ing prima-donna's need to have their cake and eat it too.

If you knew full well you wanted the 3G version, why would you purchase a wifi model. Because you oh-so need to have and sample the latest and greatest?

Because of you prima-donna's, you've created a supply shortage not only in the US, but a international delay as well. And now the the poor sob who really wanted a wifi model will have to wait even longer.

At times like this I wish there was a 50% restocking fee for you ****ers.

 

[10smom]

I am using my wifi on tether via my iphone jailbreak a lot.

I will migrate to the ipad 3g though as I'm worried about tethering being tougher to do with iphone 4 OS.

For me it's about future proofing

Were you able to use Mywi if have the 3.1.3 3gOS?? I went to rockmy site and says there is not download for this yet. New to this jailbreak stuff so not sure how to do this.

Also, Is there really a need to buy a 3g ipad if can just tether ipad wifi? I have the iphone 3gs. Seems like overkill to buy ipad 3g if can just tether usings mywi etc...

 

[tbayrgs]

This is what I've been saying as well. ****ing prima-donna's need to have their cake and eat it too.

If you knew full well you wanted the 3G version, why would you purchase a wifi model. Because you oh-so need to have and sample the latest and greatest?

Because of you prima-donna's, you've created a supply shortage not only in the US, but a international delay as well. And now the the poor sob who really wanted a wifi model will have to wait even longer.

At times like this I wish there was a 50% restocking fee for you ****ers.

Sounds like somebody needs a timeout.

Seriously, Apple's return policy is common practice. Have any numbers to back up your claims? I suspect it's a pretty small percentage. I'd also guess a greater number of people who returned theirs either did so because they just weren't happy with the product or weren't sure if they could exist on wifi only and ultimately decided they needed 3G.

And while I don't disagree that there are people doing this, Apple didn't give them any advantage when it came time to purchase--had to wait in line or preorder just like the rest of us. If you didn't want to wait in line or preorder ahead of time and are are now upset because you have to wait a bit, nobody's fault but your own.

 

[aperry]

If you knew full well you wanted the 3G version, why would you purchase a wifi model. Because you oh-so need to have and sample the latest and greatest?

Pretty much, yeah. And it's their right to do so. Besides, if it's so easy to wait a month then I'm sure those still waiting for a Wifi version don't "oh-so need to have" it either.

 

[Dr Kevorkian94]

waiting for the 3G......... . . . . . . .

 

[ScubaCinci]

I'm happy with my tethering, but it kills the battery on your phone. I can't get my phone to last more than a few hours with tethering on.

Don't forget the 5GB cap on iPhone data plans. That tends to throw a wrench in the works.

 

[fishmd]

I think you missed the point of Nausicaa's post.....

... it puts a bunch of "pre-owned" units back into inventory that will essentially be re-packaged as brand new....

Just to stop what I have now read a few people say, about used units being re-packaged and sold as new. That is in fact illegal. I am just saying.

 

[swy05]

Sounds like somebody needs a timeout.

Seriously, Apple's return policy is common practice. Have any numbers to back up your claims? I suspect it's a pretty small percentage. I'd also guess a greater number of people who returned theirs either did so because they just weren't happy with the product or weren't sure if they could exist on wifi only and ultimately decided they needed 3G.

And while I don't disagree that there are people doing this, Apple didn't give them any advantage when it came time to purchase--had to wait in line or preorder just like the rest of us. If you didn't want to wait in line or preorder ahead of time and are are now upset because you have to wait a bit, nobody's fault but your own.

Why would I be upset? I'm not waiting for a Wifi model. I've already ordered a 3G.

It's just the sick mentality people have of having to sample the latest and greatest. And yes, because of these people, domestic supplies are short as well as the international delay.

If you want to sample the latest and greatest, fine, by all means. But don't try and weasel your way out of paying the restocking fee.

Not to mention people conveniently returning their Wifi ipad for a 3G because it conveniently has Wifi issues.

Disgusting.