View Full Version : Apple to Provide Refunds for Notebook Power Adapters?
MacRumors
May 9, 2008, 12:19 PM
http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)
In another class action suit settlement (http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-apple9-2008may09,1,7640101.story), Apple has reportedly agreed to give refunds of $25-$79 to as many as 2.3 million PowerBook and iBook owners who purchased faulty power adapters.Customers who bought certain replacement adapters for PowerBook and iBook computers are eligible for the settlement, according to documents filed in federal court in San Jose. U.S. District Court Judge James Ware granted preliminary approval of the agreement March 24.
The settlement has not yet been finalized with an approval hearing scheduled for September 8th.
One customer had posted a Youtube video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=JyLo397H3Pc) demonstrating a sparking power supply, though it was from a MacBook, so it does not appear that it would qualify for the settlement. Full details on the settlement won't be available until it is finalized.
Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/09/apple-to-provide-refunds-for-notebook-power-adapters/)
Eraserhead
May 9, 2008, 12:22 PM
What about magsafe?
Adokimus
May 9, 2008, 12:26 PM
How does one go about redeeming this?
flopticalcube
May 9, 2008, 12:28 PM
Hopefully this won't affect early MacBook/MBP customers from getting free exchanges on their fried magsafes.
forafireescape
May 9, 2008, 12:28 PM
What about magsafe?
Apparently they're not as faulty as the older ones :p
bigmc6000
May 9, 2008, 12:29 PM
I had this happen. I fried the first brick because I was playing a game and then I fried the replacement I bought from Apple. Since then I refuse to buy an Apple adapter...
kkat69
May 9, 2008, 12:33 PM
I gotta say good for the consumer on this and boo for Apple.
I'm all for producing products that look good, but I've always thought the power adapters were "to good looking" in regards to quality.
If you bend metal even a normal "Dell" power cord enough times, and even crimp it in tight bends for extended periods of time eventually wires will touch and it'll spark and melt.
But the Apple cords are TOO THIN thus making them MORE prone to this.
If you crimp or have the magsafe corde (within 1" of the actual plug) bent to sharp repeatidly or for extended periods of time, your 70% more likely to get the wires to work themselves closer to touching. I've done electronics work in the military and have had more than a basic understanding prior to my actual training so this is common sense to me. They'll eventually touch, faster than other manufacterer's plugs.
If Apple will beef up the cord a bit it would probably be less likely to occur.
The MagSafe concept is really nice, but the cord needs more 'beef' to it which will help eliminate this from happening.
I haven't manhandled iBook or Powerbook cables but from what a long time Mac User in my office has said regarding this, is that they are just as flimsy.
I do know that my wife's MB cord I'm always commenting to her not to allow it to stay in a bent position to long or to often or else it'll spark.
mtrctyjoe
May 9, 2008, 12:37 PM
What does this have to do with the new 3G, GPS iPhone 2.0? :p
How does one go about redeeming this?
Wait until it's finalized and details are posted. (after Sept 8th)
arn
Matthew Yohe
May 9, 2008, 12:38 PM
This is definitely an issue with Magsafe connectors as well. For all the things that the "loyal" Apple fans get pissed about, I'm surprised this hasn't been a bigger issue.
My magsafe also melted, and Apple will happily exchange a new one for free.
Want to see a ton of examples?
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=macbook+melt
KingYaba
May 9, 2008, 12:41 PM
What about international customers?
MrCrowbar
May 9, 2008, 12:53 PM
This is definitely an issue with Magsafe connectors as well. For all the things that the "loyal" Apple fans get pissed about, I'm surprised this hasn't been a bigger issue.
My magsafe also melted, and Apple will happily exchange a new one for free.
Want to see a ton of examples?
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=macbook+melt
I feel your pain. I have also fallen victim to spontanious combustion:
http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/6388/img0589qm0.th.jpg (http://img125.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0589qm0.jpg)
(Feel free to post the picture elsewhere, imageshack doesn't like too many hits)
Sent it to apple in warranty but it came back 3 weeks later with a notice not to bend the cables on it. I've always taken great care of my cable and usually didn't curl it up on the cable holders because, in my opinion, this puts too much stress on the cable where it comes out of the brick.
My cable smoked, sparked, then briefly burnt in pretty green and blue (shield and rubber make cool flames). I was serisouly pissed off but managed to sell it on eBay for 26 Euros to a guy with the same problem but on the magsafe connector. He'll try to weld the 2 together. I for one won't tolerate sparkling electronics connected to 230V mains power, thank you.
EDIT: This was a 60W Magsafe power brick, the one that came with my generation 1 2.0 GHz Core Duo black Macbook.
Dagless
May 9, 2008, 12:56 PM
Awesome. They've already given me a free battery for my PowerBook and soon I'll be getting another charger? Le smile.
bumfilter
May 9, 2008, 01:08 PM
I went through about 5 power adapters on my PowerBook and I've went through two MagSafe on my MBP on in my third now. Luckily Apple have replaced them each time at no cost to me.
But something tells me there is some fundamental design flaw with them.
For the record, I'm not doing anything mental with them, they mostly sit on my desk.
I've never had this with any other power adapter on any other device.
iam:Caine
May 9, 2008, 01:17 PM
What about magsafe?
Ya what he said! I just had the power supply for my MacBook Pro melt at the point where the cord goes into the brick. I went into the Apple Store (Victoria Gardens- Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and was met with indifference (and arrogance) for my problem, because it was 1 month beyond the 1 year warranty.
I was then told that I could either get a replacement for the old style adapter @ $61.99 and wait 2-3 days, or they would give me 10% off of a new one, @ 7. The later offer was only after I got a bit irate, because I rely on using the computer every day. I have been an Apple customer for 10 years and have never had anything go wrong.
I am glad that all of you got a replacement for free, but I ended up having to pay for something that I did nothing to cause.
iam:Caine
May 9, 2008, 01:20 PM
What a ridiculous response from Apple. Isn't that how they are designed with the little wings that pop out so you can wind it up?
Darkroom
May 9, 2008, 01:25 PM
let me guess, you gotta spend the $25-$79 at the apple store :rolleyes:
DickArmAndHarT
May 9, 2008, 01:28 PM
my sisters ibook, my brothers ibook, my ibook all have replacement power adapters due to a tearing at the end of the cord. two broke while applecare was still in effect and were replaced free of charge. another was purchased at full cost.
all of our non-magsafe power adapters now have a very attractive piece of electrical tape reinforcing the weak area.
FINALLY THIS ISSUE IS BEING ADDRESSED!
tonybeyondo
May 9, 2008, 01:35 PM
My mom's 2001 TiBook power adapter frayed and sparked, but I always assumed she got a faulty one :eek:
Glad to see :apple: has addressed this issue.
thestaton
May 9, 2008, 01:44 PM
WTF. My MBP magsafe adapter melted on the end and they made me pay for a new one, because it was 'out' of warranty... hopefully we get covered as well.
MrCrowbar
May 9, 2008, 01:46 PM
let me guess, you gotta spend the $25-$79 at the apple store :rolleyes:
In Germany, they're 89 Euros, that's $137 US. Had to pay it because I needed a powerbrick immediately and Apple sent back the broken one after 3 weeks, telling me not to bend the cables...
kylos
May 9, 2008, 01:54 PM
I'm curious if this is just for the yo-yo adapters, or are the block designs covered by the lawsuit as well? I had a yo-yo adapter fail quite a while ago (sparking and so forth), but I can't recall if they replaced it under warranty or not. I'll have to see if I have any records from back then.
BornAgainMac
May 9, 2008, 02:01 PM
And I thought this was normal for it to spark.
[Edit] I just saw the video. I meant the plug. Nevermind.
BongoBanger
May 9, 2008, 02:15 PM
Macs. They just work.
Until they explode. :D
sananda
May 9, 2008, 02:18 PM
my sisters ibook, my brothers ibook, my ibook all have replacement power adapters due to a tearing at the end of the cord. !
me too. i'm on number three. number two only lasted 5 months. and number one caught fire.
inkswamp
May 9, 2008, 02:36 PM
This is definitely an issue with Magsafe connectors as well. For all the things that the "loyal" Apple fans get pissed about, I'm surprised this hasn't been a bigger issue.
Well... spend some time around these forums. You'll discover that "loyal Apple fans" don't get pissed at Apple for anything. :rolleyes:
AtariAge
May 9, 2008, 03:25 PM
I've owned two iBooks, a Powerbook and now a Macbook and I've had to replace the power supply on each of these machines at least once. The old iBook and Powerbook connectors were horrible in this regard. The cable just outside the connector on my Macbook power supply melted only a month after I purchased the computer. I brought it into an Apple Store and they replaced it, but I was a bit dismayed, having thought that Apple may have moved beyond their power supply issues with the introduction of the MagSafe design :(
I'm dumbfounded that a company capable of engineering such great computers seems entirely uninterested in building reliable and (more importantly) SAFE laptop power supplies. Frankly I'm amazed someone's house or business hasn't burned down yet as a result.
Go take a look at the reviews in Apple's store for their laptop power supplies--these issues affect a great many people:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA938LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/power&mco=MTA4MTcx
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA538LL/B?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/power&mco=ODgxNDg
http://store.apple.com/us/product/M8943LL/A?fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/power&mco=MTA4MTcy
..Al
daschor
May 9, 2008, 03:27 PM
I have noticed sparks on the wall plug end of the adapter, but no trouble otherwise. I don't use the tabs to wrap the cord - they break too easily when extended, so I just wrap the cord around the brick.
I'm not too shocked to see that some people have trouble with the adapters, but the reinforcement on the cords is sufficient to prevent this problem in my experience. Of course, I would be happy to receive a refund - but I'm a little surprised that this is enough of a problem to be a class action.
I've had my PowerBook replaced under warranty (screen recall), and a new battery (after recall) as well. No big complaints here - Apple takes great care of customers, and their warranty service is tops. YMMV.
tveric
May 9, 2008, 03:42 PM
What about international customers?
As is so often pointed out by usually-smug non-Americans..... US law (and thus, lawful out-of-court settlements), does not apply in other countries.
billystlyes
May 9, 2008, 04:14 PM
What about magsafe?
I think they are unsafe. I see more lawsuits coming down the road.
chickenninja
May 9, 2008, 04:23 PM
i never would have suspected powerbrick technology to fail, that technology is as old as the hills. and its an awesome way to cut down on computer noise because powerbricks dont have fans, it also reduces heat and bulk. i think magsafe is a good idea, but just like magnetic latches it involves a magnet and i dont want that anywhere near my computer. i hope these recalls dont affect the use of powerbricks in future products because i think there pretty slick.
MrCrowbar
May 9, 2008, 04:34 PM
i never would have suspected powerbrick technology to fail, that technology is as old as the hills. and its an awesome way to cut down on computer noise because powerbricks dont have fans, it also reduces heat and bulk. i think magsafe is a good idea, but just like magnetic latches it involves a magnet and i dont want that anywhere near my computer. i hope these recalls dont affect the use of powerbricks in future products because i think there pretty slick.
Magnets won't harm our hard drive. In fact, Macbooks have 2 big magnets on the lid to keep it shut when closed. When closed, the left magnet is right above the hard drive. there's also a magnet on the left side of the display bezel, supposedly to hold the apple remote.
But the strongest magnets are in your hard drive itself. Pry open a broken hard drive and get the 2 magnets out, those things are very string but necessary. The only thing that could damage your hard drive is strong changing magnetic fields, think power converter house and the like.
The magsafe magnet is actually in the Macbook itself, the power brick connector is merely a piece of metal that is attracted by the magnet. No moving magnetic fields here :-)
PS: X-rays are harmless too.
chickenninja
May 9, 2008, 04:53 PM
Magnets won't harm our hard drive. In fact, Macbooks have 2 big magnets on the lid to keep it shut when closed. When closed, the left magnet is right above the hard drive. there's also a magnet on the left side of the display bezel, supposedly to hold the apple remote.
But the strongest magnets are in your hard drive itself. Pry open a broken hard drive and get the 2 magnets out, those things are very string but necessary. The only thing that could damage your hard drive is strong changing magnetic fields, think power converter house and the like.
The magsafe magnet is actually in the Macbook itself, the power brick connector is merely a piece of metal that is attracted by the magnet. No moving magnetic fields here :-)
PS: X-rays are harmless too.
they say if you put magnets on your fuel-in line of your car's engine, it will polarize the carbon chains, and the gas will burn better. so i was taking apart a HDD and i got the magnets out of it and they are like you say REALLY strong, and i put them on my fuel line. General motors owns the pattent for the magnet-fuel-line technology so i presume its not a farse. but back on topic, in the macbook manuel it says not to keep any electronics within 1" of the magsafe port. and i use SD cards with a usb card reader so they float around my desk pretty close to 1" from the port. Hard drive magnets like speaker magnets are "iron clad" which means they're shielded in a U shaped sleeve that redirects the magnetic field where they want it. greatly reducing rogue field lines, and electromagnetic induction in other electronics. I assume magsafe and the latches use it too.
SimonTheSoundMa
May 9, 2008, 06:45 PM
I'm now on my second MacBook Pro power adapter after the first did the same.
My other half has had four iBook adapters, all suffered the same, however the last one also took her logic board with it too, therefore the iBook was a write off.
Apple's power supplies have always been poor. They have no decent tension restraints.
Oh, and to add to insult. Retail power adapters only have a 90 day warranty. This includes if you have Apple Care. It is like Apple knows they will fail. Oh no, it gets worse, if you buy a replacement service part from Apple (comes in a brown cardboard box), not a retail part (in shiny plastic packaging), it has ZERO warranty. I felt the wrath of first buying the service part and was pissed off with zero warranty, then getting a retail one with 90 day warranty I got pissed off again. Trading Standards in the UK got involved and the fourth iBook charger was replaced for free as the damage after 4 months I deemed unreasonable and Apple could not prove it was accidental damage. Slammed Sales of Goods Act in their face, so Apple is breaking some laws in the UK over the power adapter fiasco.
I'm over Apple Stores and there Genius Bar staff, I decided to sit an Apple service technician exam last week for £75 and passed. I can now sign warranty papers. Apple wanted £70 to upgrade my hard drive in my MacBook Pro so I was advised to sit the exam meaning I can do it myself. Worth doing he exam if you can, you may need to do the full course to be able to sit the exam, I did mine through university which is a national Apple training centre so I nabbed an exam voucher.
The only other component that has a 90 day warranty is the battery, which is understandable as it is a "wearable part" and for heavy users may not last more than a year.
Wild-Bill
May 9, 2008, 07:12 PM
Original Powerbook adapter still going strong here....
What's with the 19 negatives??? Why would anyone possibly vote NEGATIVE about Apple having to reimburse Powerbook and iBook owners for busted AC adapters?? :rolleyes:
eRondeau
May 9, 2008, 07:15 PM
Shocking (pun intended!)
I've a 2003 iBook G4 with the original power adapter. I've used it continuously since the day I got it -- on a table, on an iCurve, in bed, and travelling for weeks at a time without so much as a hiccup. It still looks absolutely brand new. What are you people doing to your power cables?
wheelhot
May 9, 2008, 07:22 PM
Wow, I never knew such problem existed (I just got my MBP). Well lets hope Apple will fix it and like some other poster said, maybe by beefing up the cable cord a bit it will prevent the cable from over bend. Or maybe then can get the internal wires longer so it will extend when the cables are bent.
Damn I hate when Apple got these kind of problems when they release good products. I guess this is the cost of being unique to the others, you will get problem that is not faced by others. But hey, in order for a product to have improvement it must not be perfect, (of course it must not be that bad until it makes the user angry at it for a couple of days like what Vista did)
mac.rumors
May 9, 2008, 07:27 PM
Sorry to be off-topic, but just wanted to know if there are any class action lawsuits for compensating customers that bought the early 2006 batch of 17" Intel iMacs with the dreadful LCD lines issue.
Thanks.
MLeepson
May 9, 2008, 08:05 PM
Finally!
I have had about 8 power adapters for my PowerBook, each having a problem. The last few were sparking, , burning, smoking, and just not charging. I got in contact with Apple Exectuive Relations and I got a replacement, which started sparking, and then when I called t complain, I was told it was my fault.They told me to keep my laptop on the desk at all times to keep the wire straight. :rolleyes:
Do only the people in the suit get the money or can anyone with issue get the refund?
ParisParamus
May 9, 2008, 08:33 PM
What about people who just bought a PowerBook with the crappy adaptor that came with the Computer?
sebastianlewis
May 9, 2008, 08:40 PM
Ya what he said! I just had the power supply for my MacBook Pro melt at the point where the cord goes into the brick. I went into the Apple Store (Victoria Gardens- Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and was met with indifference (and arrogance) for my problem, because it was 1 month beyond the 1 year warranty.
I was then told that I could either get a replacement for the old style adapter @ $61.99 and wait 2-3 days, or they would give me 10% off of a new one, @ 7. The later offer was only after I got a bit irate, because I rely on using the computer every day. I have been an Apple customer for 10 years and have never had anything go wrong.
I am glad that all of you got a replacement for free, but I ended up having to pay for something that I did nothing to cause.
That's strange, when the Magsafe on my Macbook stopped working (just stopped working, no frying or combustions or anything), they gave me a free replacement even though I was prepared to pay for a full replacement since I was beyond my warranty. Was in and out in 10 minutes.
Sebastian
white pilgrim
May 9, 2008, 10:32 PM
Ok, I'll just wait for my magsafe to quietly sweep my room with blue flames. Crikey, i just realised they named it 'safe'. Balls.
digitalbiker
May 9, 2008, 11:11 PM
Sorry to be off-topic, but just wanted to know if there are any class action lawsuits for compensating customers that bought the early 2006 batch of 17" Intel iMacs with the dreadful LCD lines issue.
Thanks.
I'm not sure about this specific issue but Apple did just settle a class action law suit due to advertising the displays as producing "millions of colors" with the imac, macbook, and macbook pro displays. However in reality Apple was using an inferior 6 bit display and dithering it to produce a simulated "milllions of colors". This dithering did in some circumstances result in visible lines on the LCD display.
Hopefully Apple learned it's lesson and is now using full 8 bit displays like everyone else.
SiliconAddict
May 10, 2008, 12:59 AM
But but but....I thought Apple was flawless? :rolleyes:
Seriously though does anyone keep track of these class action lawsuits. Is it just Apple gets more publicity on theirs, because I NEVER hear about this from Dell, gateway, Toshiba. Or is it that it they aren't required to be dragged kicking and screaming to the point that a lawsuit is required to "do the right thing".
PS- On a side note, also having to do with Apple's response to their customers: Apple disavowed my Apple Care because someone forgot to transfer it to the MBP that they sent me after the first one was taken in 4 times for repairs. Per the Apple store's request I contacted Agreement Admin and they told me that they can't transfer it after this period of time. They refuse to give me the remaining 9 or so months left on my MPB so I'm now left without burning capabilities on my Mac because of someone's F-up. Well unless I want to spend however much it costs for a new DL DVD burner.
Someone was telling me I'm a MS fanboi. No I'm a disgruntled Apple user who keeps getting shafted further and further as I continue to "enjoy" the benefits of the "It just works" world of Apple. Maybe I'm just one of the massively unlucky few, but frankly if I have any worse bad luck an optical disk is going to fly out of the drive at 600MPH and saw me in half.
iam:Caine
May 10, 2008, 03:57 AM
That's strange, when the Magsafe on my Macbook stopped working (just stopped working, no frying or combustions or anything), they gave me a free replacement even though I was prepared to pay for a full replacement since I was beyond my warranty. Was in and out in 10 minutes.
Sebastian
Then you got lucky. My beef wasn't really with having to pay for a new one, but how I was treated like an idiot for the problem. Yet if you google "Magsafe problems", or anything similar you get http://www.appledefects.com/?cat=33 so I'm guessing that this is a big problem.
thaytis
May 10, 2008, 04:02 AM
Every PowerBook owner should get a free power adapter.... they look nice but they are built like crap. I'm on my third one, and they aren't cheap.
DukeSnyd
May 10, 2008, 04:14 AM
I went through about 5 power adapters on my PowerBook and I've went through two MagSafe on my MBP on in my third now. Luckily Apple have replaced them each time at no cost to me.
But something tells me there is some fundamental design flaw with them.
For the record, I'm not doing anything mental with them, they mostly sit on my desk.
I've never had this with any other power adapter on any other device.
You're lucky, with my powerbook I am on my fourth power supply, the first three all sparked before crapping out.
joepunk
May 10, 2008, 07:59 AM
What a ridiculous response from Apple. Isn't that how they are designed with the little wings that pop out so you can wind it up?
I've wondered about that as well (about don't bend the cables). I understand that one is just wrapping/rolling the cord in a tight oval. But, as in MrCrowbar's picture that spot is where most of the problems would occur and it gets nastily bent up.
ParisParamus
May 10, 2008, 09:08 AM
I own three or four non-Apple adaptors: one for the office, one for my bag, one for home. They're 40% less expensive, and don't crap out easily.
madmax_2069
May 10, 2008, 10:35 AM
Apple needs to put allot more quality into these power bricks. cause the look of them and the feel of them are generic. the cords are even more generic feeling and looking. its only a matter of time before everyone with a Apple notebook (G4 - current) will have to get a replacement PSU due to there lack of quality and craftmanship.
and these Apple stores that are being buttholes and making you pay for a replacement PSU even after the warenty is up, especially when its a flaw in the parts and its craftmanship and not due from abuse.
DaBrain
May 10, 2008, 11:25 AM
What a ridiculous response from Apple. Isn't that how they are designed with the little wings that pop out so you can wind it up?
Sure is! I was very surprised to find out NOT to wrap around these wings which of course is their sole purpose. They need to fix this once and for all. I personally like the design with the wings, BUT they need to use better quality wiring so this does not happen.
In all the electronics I have ever had I have never had an external power cord just melt and spark and at my age I have had and have currently many external wall warts/power bricks.
One would think Apple would have nipped this in the bud a longggggggggg time ago.
My worst fear would be a fire caused by this. :(
lazyrighteye
May 10, 2008, 11:27 AM
I'm curious if this is just for the yo-yo adapters, or are the block designs covered by the lawsuit as well? I had a yo-yo adapter fail quite a while ago (sparking and so forth), but I can't recall if they replaced it under warranty or not. I'll have to see if I have any records from back then.
FWIW, my old iBook/500's original yo yo adaptor freyed at the base (no sparking or melting) and Apple replaced it with the square model a solid 2 years after warranty expired. For free. I simply called Apple, explained my situation & they took action.
That said, I find both power adaptor designs to be pretty poor.
If function leads design (as it should), then these designs are faulty.
My $.02.
Marlon_JBT
May 10, 2008, 11:27 AM
My PowerBook is on its 3rd power adapter... original, replacement, replacement 2.
My MacBook Pro is on its 4th power adapter... original, replacement, replacement 2, replacement 3, and now the one I just purchased.
Maybe Apple's next generation computers will have some quality (read: THICK) components. Screw thin.
DaBrain
May 10, 2008, 11:38 AM
I own three or four non-Apple adaptors: one for the office, one for my bag, one for home. They're 40% less expensive, and don't crap out easily.
Can you provide a weblink where one can buy one of these for a macbook? Thx! ;)
briansolomon
May 10, 2008, 12:37 PM
It's about freakin' time. I wonder how I will account for my power adapter since I have sold my iBook. Apple power adapters are the worst.
Matthew Yohe
May 10, 2008, 01:04 PM
It's about freakin' time. I wonder how I will account for my power adapter since I have sold my iBook. Apple power adapters are the worst.
You won't. You are no longer the owner of the iBook. You transferred that right when you sold it.
MrCrowbar
May 10, 2008, 02:05 PM
Can you provide a weblink where one can buy one of these for a macbook? Thx! ;)
Apple doesn't license the Magsafe connector at all, so good luck getting a third party Macbook power brick.
DaBrain
May 10, 2008, 02:17 PM
Apple doesn't license the Magsafe connector at all, so good luck getting a third party Macbook power brick.
That is one reason why I asked for the link from the below post:
Originally Posted by ParisParamus
I own three or four non-Apple adaptors: one for the office, one for my bag, one for home. They're 40% less expensive, and don't crap out easily.
LizKat
May 10, 2008, 02:35 PM
You're lucky, with my powerbook I am on my fourth power supply, the first three all sparked before crapping out.
Maybe I'm the lucky one, I have four powerbooks and all the power supplies still work without providing any, uh, interesting lightshows.
bpl323
May 10, 2008, 04:58 PM
Glad I never had issues with this.
sebastianlewis
May 10, 2008, 06:59 PM
Then you got lucky. My beef wasn't really with having to pay for a new one, but how I was treated like an idiot for the problem. Yet if you google "Magsafe problems", or anything similar you get http://www.appledefects.com/?cat=33 so I'm guessing that this is a big problem.
Yeah, I was, or maybe that store is just really bad. :(
I never looked for it but I could guess that Magsafes were a problem for Apple, I don't remember where I read this or why I was reading it (it was Summer 2006 before I bought my first Mac) but I remembered a story of a Magsafe frying someone's Mac and Apple gave him a new one in exchange for taking the photos down. I also saw someone else walking out with a new Magsafe when I was arriving at the Genius Bar for a new one, which of course gave me hope that it would be replaced easier but didn't give me much hope for it lasting long, the other one's LED would turn off all the time, and on both magsafes it always seems like the wire between the magsafe port and the brick is going to peel off of the brick. I don't think they're random problems either, I think the wire is just well, fragile. After obtaining the new one I've treated the wire as if it were more fragile than glass and so far it's been OK.
Sebastian
briansolomon
May 10, 2008, 10:39 PM
You won't. You are no longer the owner of the iBook. You transferred that right when you sold it.
Good to know
dummptyhummpty
May 11, 2008, 04:05 AM
Sweet! I had this problem. Scared the crap out of me when it happened! Had to get a new one for Xmas.
Fidgetyrat
May 12, 2008, 01:45 PM
Im curious as to what sort of proof they are going to require. I'm still using my Tibook daily and in its 6 year lifespan is now on its 3rd power adapter. Both caught fire and apple refused to replace them.
Unfortunately, this is about 4 years ago. I certainly don't have any receipts from the new adapters from 4 years ago and they won't have me in the system since I did not have apple care.
Reminds me of the last time the iPod battery had a recall and they wanted my original purchase receipt from 2002.
hihi2u2
May 20, 2008, 04:29 PM
I got a macbook with the magsafe and it completely burnt through my cable good jopb this post made me look at my adapter otherwise my house would have burnt down by now. I'm just wondering if it is possible for me to complain to apple and get some kind of compensation for the near burnt house experience ?? I had my macbook for two years, replaced it once, I had to send my macbook in 7 times, I think that is just too many for a laptop. Never buy an apple when it just came out during the first week! What do you guys think would they be kind enough to replace my macbook again? Cause I want to change to macbook pro if they do and I'll pay extra for it. (it is what I'm hoping for at least :P)
twoodcc
May 20, 2008, 04:43 PM
well i hope they get this settled
suzy2008
May 26, 2008, 09:16 AM
http://www.gordonvapple.rosenthalco.com/index.html
They sent me an email this morning. I have a G4 Powerbook and I am on my replacement power adapater. The first one broke because of the cable snapping . It was still under apple care and they did nothing! So did anyone else get this email?
Suzy
mikeytrend
May 26, 2008, 01:32 PM
http://www.gordonvapple.rosenthalco.com/index.html
They sent me an email this morning. I have a G4 Powerbook and I am on my replacement power adapater. The first one broke because of the cable snapping . It was still under apple care and they did nothing! So did anyone else get this email?
Suzy
I got this email. I'm believing it's legitimate, but all this legal terminology goes right over my head. The good thing is that I practically save every box/gadget I have broken or not, so I still have the power adapter box, and recipt, and the broken power adapter is in the box. It says a bunch of stuff about if you have a UPC send that in. Do they want like one of many barcodes off the power adapter box or do they want a receipt or what?
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