Got my iPad exchanged in store however, Although it was factory built the components come from faulty units. So I ask myself this, if I've paid best part of £450 which was though the apples web site on finance have I been given a brand new replacement or a reconditioned model?? To be fair it works and my previous issue has been resolved but should I be happy with the model I have? It was boxed and wrapped in store not in an iPad box but it looks brand new, no cosmetic issues etc. I still have my 12 months warranty but they told me in store that apple care is separate to Apple?? So I should have dealt with them as they are only an online tech support!!! Says its apple, looks like an apple so I guessed it was an apple!!!!!
I'm not sure I understand you correctly. Do you know for sure this is reconditioned?
Personally, I would not worry about it being reconditioned as long as it looks perfect and functions fine and I have a full warranty. Many times reconditioned items are merely things that were bought, taken home and opened, and then returned, for a variety of reasons. If the outside was damaged, I doubt that part what ever show up as a product, because no one would accept damaged equipment as brand new. If it is cosmetically perfect and functions as such, then for all intents and purposes it is perfect. And there is no way anyone outside of an Apple factory could take several iPads apart and then take parts from many defective ones and put them into your unit and put it back together and have it appear perfect. iPad are not simple things to repair and it is doubtful any joe-blow has that kind of skill. It would have had to have been a unit that was returned, checked over carefully to be functional, and then offered up as reconditioned.
I don't see any good reason not to be happy. However, having said that, I do still feel you are entitled to a brand new model if you want one as it is still less than 1 month since the new iPad was offered for sale. I assume you are replacing a defect unit, not one you damaged (I assume) and are seeking a replacement for. New units that are defective should be replaced by new units, not reconditioned ones. Recondition items are offered for sale on Apples website for a lower price than new unit (another reason why I find it hard to believe they are giving you a reconditioned iPad).
So, did you damage your iPad and are getting it replaced using AppleCare +? Then this might be a different story altogether. If you are paying $50 for a replacement for an item you damaged, then I think they are within their rights to give you a reconditioned item, as long as it functions and appears in perfect condition.