Apple To Replace iPads With Bad Batteries -- For A Fee

In an FAQ on Apple's Web site, the company spells out its iPad return policy: "Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as result of an accident, liquid contact, disassembly, unauthorized service or unauthorized modifications, or if the product is not operating correctly as a result of a component failure."

Customers will be able to set up the iPad battery replacement service at their local Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by calling Apple Technical Support, according to the FAQ.

Since customers will receive a brand new iPad, Apple is warning them to back up all their data before exchanging a faulty device.

"Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad," Apple says in the FAQ.

Apple last week started taking online orders and reservations for the Wi-Fi-only iPad models, which come with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of storage. 3G-equipped iPads are slated to arrive in late April.