Don’t worry, iPad 2 users on the Verizon network. Your tablet is probably fine. Apple is recalling an “extremely small number” of them due to a manufacturing defect that could cause problems with connecting to a 3G network.
“Duplicate MEID codes were flashed onto an extremely small number of iPad units for the Verizon 3G network,” an Apple spokesperson told Reuters. Every tablet is hardcoded with an MEID, or mobile equipment identifier, which works sort of like a serial number for accessing a wireless network service. The code is sent out to the carrier, which verifies its authenticity before allowing the tablet online. The trick, of course, is that no two devices can share the same MEID.
Apple caught the issue, but not quickly enough to prevent a few affected units from slipping out. The actual numbers haven’t been revealed, but suffice to say, if you recently purchased a 3G iPad 2 from Verizon and find yourself unable to connect or getting kicked offline quickly, you might well have a bum MEID. Apple is of course replacing any malfunctioning devices, so just give a buzz to the help line or stop by your nearest retail store to secure your replacement.
