Note: This is not a paid endorsement.

I just got off the phone with Heather at Apple Care–I will be getting a replacement iPad for less than $300! I’d like to thank Heather for her great customer service. She was empathic, and made the whole experience a lot better than I thought it would be. She answered my questions, and even told me I wasn’t her first call about a smashed screen. I was her second! Small consolation, but there it is.

FYI, the AppleCare service plan doesn’t cover accidental damage, but it does offer immediate replacement.

Apple will be sending me a return box, and the shipping cost (FedEx) is covered. Once they get my iPad, they will ship me a replacement.

Thanks, AppleCare!

Edited to update: This story has taken a sour turn; Read what happened next: The Bad. And for my email to Steve Jobs, my long-winded vent session.