SquareTrade torture tests the iPad 2 by dropping it on cement

Personally, I wouldn't deliberately drop my iPad 2 on cement, but the folks at SquareTrade were crazy enough to let not one, but two iPads fall to a sidewalk. The first drop was waist-high and included both a bare iPad 2 and one encased in a Smart Cover. As expected, the naked iPad suffered a cracked screen so bad that it will make you cringe. The iPad with the Smart Cover, though, survived unscathed.
Taking the test one step further, the group dropped the Smart Cover iPad from shoulder height, which is about a 4 to 5 foot drop. Sadly, the second trial ended poorly for the iPad 2. The Smart Cover popped off from the impact, and the screen suffered some peripheral damage. It wasn't a total loss as the screen was not shattered, but the cracks on the edge and in the center would make it difficult to use. Read on to check out the video of the tests in action.
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Personally, I wouldn't deliberately drop my iPad 2 on cement, but the folks at SquareTrade were crazy enough to let not one, but two...
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In the first test, it landed flat on the cover. In the second, it landed on the bottom corner (which, unsurprisingly, is where the the cracks formed and why the magnets "didn't hold").
A completely pointless test, and a waste of two perfectly good iPads. (And meanwhile they're still in such short supply that people that want one can't find one.)
So they really did this. Ok, um ,well this has to be one of the dumbest things I have seen someone do.
May 24 2011 at 1:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAbout 2 weeks after buying my iPad 2, I dropped it in my garage. Even with the smart cover on, the screen shattered and the aluminum case was dented. While it still functioned, it was obviously unusable.
Fortunately, my credit card offered a 90 day protection plan and credited my account within about 48 hours, with minimal effort on my part.
I now use a protective sleeve when I'm transporting my iPad.
Guys, stop crying. You think they wasted a lot by busting up 2 iPads, image how many apple went through in testing.
May 24 2011 at 11:11 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAnd people wonder why FoxConn workers are offing themselves at work, on a pretty much daily basis.
May 24 2011 at 10:10 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI dropped my neoprene wetsuit encased iPad 1 4-5' onto a marble floor.
I was washing my hands in the Delta Skyclub men's room and forgot it was under my arm. It dropped and hit the marble floor. I internalized my panic, remained manly, and finished washing and drying my hands and then slowly picked up my precious and placed it under my arm.
In the comfort of my borrowed cubical I examined it for damage.
Not a scratch, dent, fracture. The iPad 1 was built very well, very solid. And the ugly corners of the iPad 1 Apple case probably saved it.
This is not just iPad murder... It is actually a very calculated move for these guys to get business. If you pay attention to the end of the video it clearly states who these guys are. They sell warranties. If you all go and buy warranties for your iPads they'll make enough to buy several iPads and keep their business growing.
Not just a random waste of an iPad. I'm sure they repaired them and got them back to 100%. Pretty cheap way to get some press if you ask me
Torture test? Testers stupidity test....
May 24 2011 at 6:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyA complete waste of two good iPads. They should be ashamed of making this into a video that's supposed to be informative. Their only goal is to have more hits, not to inform people.
May 24 2011 at 5:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI am in complete agreement with waste of two functioning iPads, not to mention the waste of valuable resources that went into making them, these people need to be sectioned by mental health officials!!!
May 24 2011 at 8:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhilst having breakfast this morning I dropped a slice of toast and it fell butter side down. I'll post a video later today.
May 24 2011 at 2:50 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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