First two weeks I was familiarizing myself with the iPad, playing games, seeing how the browser works, etc. I have not yet viewed movies. It would be down around 69 -70% in the evening and I would recharge to 100% before going to bed.
Then after almost exactly two weeks I got up and the screen was totally black, plugged it in, down to 2%. Recharged it, checked a couple hours later after not using it at all, down to 40% and then down to nothing a couple hours after that.
Called Apple. The rep told me that the Smart Cover doesn't actually turn it off (is that what the ad said?) and told me how to also turn off all the apps. So I did all that and the battery continued to drain very quickly for the next couple days even though I was rarely using the iPad.
They said send it in, we'll look at it. They got it on Monday (yesterday) and I received it back today (Tuesday) at 2:00. I installed the backup from iTunes, played two or three games, put the Smart Cover on and it is now down to 75% at 3:55 p.m. Does that seem right? The note said they were not able to duplicate the problem. Could I have imagined it? Don't think so.
I will say their service method is wonderful. Put in a day and time for them to call you and they do, exactly on time. Someone I could understand who did not treat me like an idiot (which I may be regardless).
So I will give it about three days, turn down the backlight, etc, and then should I turn it off since the Smart Cover doesn't seem to be doing that?
Thank you