iPhones are reliable devices. However, we use them a lot. Buttons wear out. Charging and earphone jacks get messed up. Speakers and mics just quit. Software issues happen. Some phones like to swim in funny places (and not so funny places). Obviously, broken glass in the most common problem. Here's a simple guide to when NOT to repair:
Few repair places specialize in Apple devices (other than the Apple Store) and they are unlikely to bother with crushed devices or devices which have been swimming (alone, or in your pocket). Few repair shops are willing to take a look at your device without charging for their opinion.
If you find a reputable brick and mortar repair shop which specializes in Apple devices, and is willing to open it up and give you an estimate for free, go there, you have nothing to lose. If you can't find such a shop, please follow the guide below.
2G:
The 2G is the first iPhone and they are getting old. They are the best built of the iPhones. However, they are difficult to repair, and the parts are expensive. Virtually any repair will cost more than the phone is worth. Older Apple devices can become valuable. An early Apple computer recently sold for $250,000 at auction. If you can, just keep the 2G and move on, SIRI is waiting!
3G and 3GS:
These two are relatively easy to repair, parts are cheap, and they are still viable as phones (the 3GS is still in production as of this writing). However, if you have a 3G which needs more than one repair, you may want to sell it for parts at an online auction, or Craigslist. If you have a 3GS that needs more than two repairs, the same advise holds true.
Generation 4 and 4S:
The 4 and the 4S are likely to have very long lives. This is because the technology is reaching a point of maximum practical viability. The introduction of SIRI (which can be loaded on a 4) is the true beginning of all of us talking to all devices. The iPhone 4 and 4S can go from looking like junk to looking like new in an hour and at a cost which is roughly equal to 1/3 the cash value of the phone.
iPod generation 1, 2, 3, 4:
The first generation is not worth repairing. (keep it as an antique). The gen 2, 3, and 4 can be worth repairing. However, the Generation 4 device is among the most difficult of all Apple devices to repair. Here's the rub: If you 1,000 songs on it, you have a lot of money invested, so yes, if it is repairable, repair it.
iPad 1 and 2:
Many people have a crush on the iPad. However, a crushed iPad is worth just about zero and is just about impossible to bring back to life. If the glass is cracked, it is a reasonable repair, and should be done. If it is crushed because a car ran over it, you're done.
Swimmers:
If your Apple device has been submerged, find a shop which charges nothing if they cannot save it. Otherwise, the odds are against you. Yes, the device should go into Minute Rice right away, but it needs to be opened or you're kidding yourself, so find a shop, and they'll get it in rice for 24 to 48 hours before they try to revive it. Also, be aware that is common for a wet device which is resurrected to work for weeks or months and then fail.
No matter how badly damaged your iPhone, iPad or iPod, consider its' value. Even crushed or submerged, it probably is still worth something to someone, so put it up for sale and turn it to cash, even if it can't be repaired. Be honest about the condition and say it is just for parts.
What should you do next?
Please, ask questions. We'll answer any question you have about any Apple device. It is our pleasure to answer it for you, for free and without any obligation of any kind. We have done thousands of repairs. We are a family run business with two locations in Southern California. You can contact Kort, Julie or Scott Linden at: http://www.itechrepairplus.com/ Thanks for reading this - Scott R. Linden
No comments:
Post a Comment