Figuring this was as good a time as any to rectify my mistake, I asked about getting the Verizon model instead.

"I'm sorry, but we have to exchange this for the exact same model. I understand why you'd want the other one, but we can't do that."

This has always been Apple's policy, even back to the days of the iPod. So I wasn't surprised but thought I'd give it a shot.

: For $99 you can purchase . That gives you an additional year of coverage (so, two years instead of one) and it also includes two accidental damage incidents (which is what the + indicates). So, as in my case, if the iPad takes a tumble and the screen cracks, the replacement cost is $49 rather than $299.

: Albert offered me the opportunity to purchase AppleCare for my replacement iPad, but with a condition. Although I could pay the same $99 for the AppleCare, one of those accidental damage incidents would be wiped out due to the original iPad's injury.