In this article I would like to bring you an update about the issues I have had getting a resolution to my faulty Apple iPad 2. I won't go over old ground, other than to say if you want to know what the issue's were you can read my first article here. There will also be a follow-up article to this one, as I am awaiting Comet's official response to what happened, so keep checking back for an update.
I would also like to begin by saying a big thank you to all my followers and for your encouraging words and tweets. If I missed any of you personally, thank you!
Pretty early on in my problems with the iPad 2, Apple were always helpful. They did offer to help direct, albeit at some inconvenience and expense to myself. It was for this reason I wanted to exercise my consumer rights and take my problem back to the point of purchase. If the only good thing that comes from sharing my experience is that it shows others they do not need to take the crap that some retailers hand out, then it has all been worth it.
So, a busy day today, with calls to Apple, emails to Mac User Magazine and phone calls to and from Comet. This all resulted in two main things. Firstly, Comet were 'finally' very responsive, with calls to update me, plus the involvement of their Director's team. This eventually resulted in the store contacting me and offering a refund. It is a shame this response was not forthcoming from store level in the first place, as a lot of headache could have been avoided. The second awesome news was that an Apple sales rep turned up at the Comet store whilst I was on the phone to the manager. I clearly heard him say that he was there to sort out an iPad 2 issue… how cool is that.
What all of this goes to prove is that the general public have the right to exercise their consumer rights. Under the Sales of Goods Act 1979, if a product they have purchased is not as described or fit for purpose they have the right to reject it within a reasonable time. A reasonable timeframe is up to 3-4 weeks. If a replacement is not available, then they have a right to a refund. It is not up to the purchaser to prove the fault either. This is what I insisted on, it is just a shame I had to shout so loud on Twitter, my website and via emails and phone calls to get the appropriate action.
One last positive thing that happened is that Mac User Magazine might feature my plight in a forthcoming article. I hope that they do, so that others can learn from my experience.
My iPad 2 is now a car exhaust
So, I got my iPad 2 refund and my intention was to wait a couple of weeks and then reorder a replacement, happy days… However, there is a sad note to end this article on (or a blessing, depending on which way you look at it). This morning I got a call from Toyota. The family car broke down late on Saturday, after all this iPad 2 business had kicked off. The call from Toyota was to inform me of a £1,400 repair bill. So now my iPad 2 has transformed into some brake discs and an exhaust system :( Oh well, I guess the iPad 2 will have to wait!