Belkin IPod and ipad covers, and lifetime warranties

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mattwnz

20147 posts

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#95807 13-Jan-2012 16:49

Anyone had any issues with Belkin covers for ipods and ipads?

I purchased a ipod silicon back cover, with a life time warranty a few years ago for my ipod, and within the first year the black top surface started to wear off. Since then it has lost it's elasticity and often the ipod just slips out, and it is now looking very shabby. As it came with a lifetime warranty, I thought they would just replace it eventually, and it would be a simple process. However when I contacted them, they said that was just wear and tear, and I would need to buy a new one. There is no information about the lifetime warranty in the packaging and exclusions, so I wonder what exactly it is supposed to cover, as there isn't exactly much else that can go wrong with with a silicon sleeve. It has also only had general use, and it has caused scratches on the stainless steel surface, which is ironic since that is the surface it is supposed to protect.
I also purchased a ipad back snap shield for an ipad before xmas. The first one had a crack out of the box, so I returned it. The second was ok for a few days, until I noticed cracks in all 4 corners of it. I did a google search on the problem, and there were many people with the same compliant. So I will be returning it for a refund. But it does make me wonder about the quality of Belkins ipod/ipad protectors. I have however found their electronic stuff to be good.

alasta

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#568548 13-Jan-2012 18:08

It sounds like their warranty is supposed to only cover faulty workmanship, but how you're supposed to distinguish between that and general wear and tear when the product starts ageing is anyone's guess.

I have a Belkin case that I bought with my iPad about 18 months ago. The zip is now stuffed but I'm not sure whether it had a lifetime warranty and frankly I can't be bothered battling for a replacement given the low value of the product and the fact that I will probably want or need a new case when the next generation iPad is released this year anyway.

mattwnz

20147 posts

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#568549 13-Jan-2012 18:20

alasta: It sounds like their warranty is supposed to only cover faulty workmanship, but how you're supposed to distinguish between that and general wear and tear when the product starts ageing is anyone's guess.

I have a Belkin case that I bought with my iPad about 18 months ago. The zip is now stuffed but I'm not sure whether it had a lifetime warranty and frankly I can't be bothered battling for a replacement given the low value of the product and the fact that I will probably want or need a new case when the next generation iPad is released this year anyway.?

Yes probably not worth the time, but it is more the way it is marketed. I did specifically purchase it over other brands based on the fact that it was advertised as 'lifetime warranty', and it doesn't say what it excludes . It also wasn't cheap, over $30, when I could have purchased a cheap one off deal extreme for a fiver, that would have lasted as long if not longer. One problem is that 2nd gen ipod touch cases don't seem to be available in retailers, but I am sure belkin have stock of them to switch it with. I think a product loosing its elastic properties over time is a material and durability failure, so it should be covered by a warranty.
I have got a fancy can opener that cuts into the fold which had a lifetime warranty, and every few years it breaks (the cutter wears out), and I get it replaced by the retailer no questions asked.