Cracked Kindle

[Melissa]

DD used her Christmas money and allowance to buy a Kindle, I suggested to her not to take it to school until she got a case. She knows far more than me at 13 so she took it to school now after having it about 2 weeks she took it out of the front pocket of her laptop bag and it has a big crack in the screen you can't see the bottom half of the screen. I know they won't replace it for that, why should they. But are the repairable? Also is there some kind of insurance you can buy for things like this, for the next one I mean. I thought I read on here about some place you could buy insurance for small electronics. She has 2 friends who also have new Kindles that have cracked. She has a cell and I touch, laptop and has never had problems with breaking them so I do think they must be kind of fragile. Though I don't think the place she was keeping it was very smart. Has anyone one else had a crack problem and is it fixable?

 

[Millermom0606]

you'd be surprised, call them and ask, I got a new one after my DH broke his (we replaced it before calling about a possible replacement) and all I have to do is mail in the broke one.

 

[Pakey]

You need to get a case for the next one. I've had mine for 2 years and it's been to several countries with me with hundreds of books. They aren't that fragile but I always keep mine in a cover when I'm not reading it.

 

[angwill]

They used to offer insurance on the Amazon site to add an extra year since they are warrantied for the first year through Amazon. I don't think that damage like a cracked screen is covered though because of it being neglect that caused it and not a defect but it is worth a call. Amazon is pretty easy to deal with. I have also heard of others being able to buy a new one (refurbed) when theirs has had probelms for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

 

[RitaE]

Actually they probably will replace it. I've seen many, many people report they've been replaced. Amazon is pretty good about things like that. They replaced my son's out of warranty Kindle for free when he knocked it off his desk and cracked the screen. Overnighted him a refurbished one as a replacement.

Call Kindle Customer Service - not the general CS line
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You can reach the Kindle support team directly by phone by calling 1-866-321-8851 or via email at kindle-cs-support@amazon.com. Kindle customer service associates are available from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, seven days a week.

 

[RitaE]

There are a couple of different warranty services. Square Trade is pretty well known. I bought that one back when Kindles cost over $350 but since prices are so low now I don't think it is worthwhile. I just have a cover and take my chances.
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Also - if Amazon doesn't cover you, did you pay with a credit card? My Amex has 90 day accidental damage.

 

[RachaelA]

The warranties through square trade can be as low as like $20. Definitely worth it to buy. I got 3 years for my nook for maybe $22.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

They will take it back!!!!

Call Amazon. I bought mine in September and at the end of December I turned it on and I could not see the bottom of the screen and it had lines going through it. I bought the leather case for it, and it always stays right by my bed.

When I called the customer service, the rep said that what I was describing was a classic case of the screen being cracked in some way. The only thing I can figure is that my 3 year old must have stepped on it when it was laying in the basket by my bedside.

The rep said it was under warranty, mailed me a new Kindle that I received less than 36 hours after my call and a postage paid ticket to mail the damaged Kindle back.

I could not be happier about the customer service that I received from Amazon and Kindle.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Melissa]

I called they were super nice and the replacement will be here tomorrow! I was so surprised. And DD do you think she will know learn from this and learn I do know things?! Probably not.

 

[wide awake]

They'll replace it. They want you buying the books. I broke mine 2 days before a vacation and they had one to me the next day.

 

[PatMcDuck]

My DX cracked on the side, not the screen, it was from the Amazon brand cover they sold initially for the DX........ The was not that bad, but the thing was one month old, and I paid so much for it (the DX's were over $400 when they came out).

They replaced it quickly, and refunded the $$ from the cover, too. Then I got a leather Oberon cover, it is beautiful and protects it well. i take it all over, to Drs, on plane trips, etc.

 

[Green Tea]

Square Trade sells the warranties. You can usually find a coupon discount code.

Your credit card might offer replacement within the first 90 days or something, if she paid you her cash and you ordered it.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Amazon is incredible about things like this..that's why I still recommend the Kindle ( even though I have a Nook Color that I like too.)

All my electronics are in a case or cover. Kindles aren't exceptionally fragile but a case or cover is still a good idea.this goes for any of the ereaders. You can get Kindle cases under 20 dollars too.

 

[NotUrsula]

For future reference, a screen protector can be helpful for warding off impact cracking in glass touchstreens. They won't help if the screen is being pressure-stressed, though -- which is what happens if you carry it around at the bottom of a pile of heavy books (even WITH a case.)

If she's going to carry it with her schoolwork, it would be a good idea to insist that she have something to carry it in that will keep it positioned vertically. It's best to store it that way, too, so that nothing heavy lands on top of it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I called they were super nice and the replacement will be here tomorrow! I was so surprised. And DD do you think she will know learn from this and learn I do know things?! Probably not.

Well...why are she and her friends carrying them to school with them to begin with? My mom would have never allowed me to bring pleasure-reading to school. Sounds like it gets to be put in a certain spot as she's on her way out the door...

You could also tell her that it DID cost money...

 

[pintamino]

My mom would have never allowed me to bring pleasure-reading to school.

Really!? I can't tell you how many books I read at school -- in study hall, after I was done with my assignments, at lunch and while waiting for homeroom or to go home (and on the bus, when I was an underclassman). Reading is a great thing, not something to be discouraged by the nature of the book!

 

[PixieTl]

That's great they replaced it! and good to know for future reference!!
I'm with pintamino, reading is the only way i got though classes, great way to block out all the annoying people!

 

[LisaTC]

It doesn't hurt to ask...but I concur with the Square Trade...warranties much better and much cheaper than bestbuy or other stores warranties, even Amazon.

 

[pintamino]

Also worth noting, I had a nook that cracked and they did a "rapid replacement" as well. My friend had a Kindle that broke and they replaced it for her too. There don't seem to be many customer service issues with eReaders, at least not yet!

 

[RitaE]

How lenient Amazon is with the return policy is really another reason that I decided against the Warranty. But I agree - it's about $25 so by all means if it makes you feel better then go for it. Amazon is really great when it comes to those types of things.

I'm glad they helped you out Melissa. But get that girl a cover! Or at least a padded mailing envelope.

I send my kids to school with the digital readers if they want to also. It is a risk but I'd rather they be reading and risk a $100 than NOT reading.