Apple: Get a brand new iPad for $99 if your battery dies

Like it or not, your iPad will eventually give up the ghost. Lithium-based batteries don't hold their charge forever, and you'll eventually need to send the dead device back to Apple.

However, unlike with the iPhone, where Apple replaces the battery and sends your device back, the support centre will simply bin your old tablet and send back a spanking new iPad in its place. As you can imagine, Apple urges you to back up your data with iTunes and isn't accepting any responsibility for lost data.

The service costs $99 (about £66) and can be arranged via your local Apple store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or Apple Technical Support.

The company is picky about the circumstances under which it will replace your iPad. If your iPad's battery is knackered due to 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," you're out of luck.

Apple says the iPad is coming to the UK in "late April".