MacBook Pro Battery Exchange

sasquatch98 · Jul 30, 2006, 01:44 PM

https://support.apple.com/macbookpro...nge/index.html

I just applied for the recall for my MBP battery.

jessica. · Jul 30, 2006, 02:00 PM

What's up with that? Didn't the same thing happen with the PowerBook?

LoveMacMini · Jul 30, 2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessica.

What's up with that? Didn't the same thing happen with the PowerBook?

yes and the ibook too

do these guys never learn from their mistakes!

Makosuke · Jul 30, 2006, 02:21 PM

It's really not that uncommon; sometimes whoever makes the batteries screws up and makes a bad batch. Unlike some components, Apple and other manufacturers probably don't have any good way to check that they're going to have an abnormally high failure rate until they've already sold a few hundred thousand of them. It's not like they can dismantle the battery and say "Ooh, this is a bad design, it's going to have an 8% failure rate." or something.

Dell has had several battery recalls in the past few years--in 2005, 2001, and 2000. HP has likewise had two battery recalls in the past couple years, one this year and one last year. The recent HP recall, at least, was in response to several batteries actually causing damage and at least one actual injury.

This one doesn't even appear to be a full recall; if it was, they would be saying "Stop using the battery and get a replacement now." You'll note that the Apple page explicitly says it's not a safety risk, just that they're not performing well (probably an abnormal failure rate, but the failures aren't catastrophic enough to be a hazzard). They're probably doing it to prevent bad press about annoying failures, but it's also the right thing to do if the batteries aren't up to spec.

Batteries are just like that. Apple is so high profile they draw more attention with things like this, but it's hardly uncommon in the industry.

LoveMacMini · Jul 30, 2006, 02:22 PM

I've yet to see IBM or Lenovo have a battery recall, they've been making laptops since 1992

apunkrockmonk · Jul 30, 2006, 02:42 PM

I just signed up for mine as well. I thought my battery life was declineing at an unacceptable rate. I was right I guess.

Anyone know what happens if you don't send back the old battery to apple?

I wouldn't mind having two batteries

I'm sure there is no way around it though.

vv-tim · Jul 30, 2006, 03:13 PM

Darn... my battery isn't "affacted" :/
Oh well...

celebrian23 · Jul 30, 2006, 03:19 PM

I bought mine in early June and it says only february through may...hmmm

NATO · Jul 30, 2006, 04:09 PM

Did anyone notice the 'friendly' wording of this? Normally I'm used to reading things like 'Apple will replace these batteries free of charge', but this time round it reads like a happy engineer at Apple writing 'We will replace these batteries free of charge', and 'We recently discovered that ...'

I quite like it

P.S. If you don't believe me, check here

merc669 · Jul 30, 2006, 05:06 PM

I was definitly surprised...I am getting around 3 hours all the time with the exception of when I am playin Halo or something intensive. Its the best I have ever had "Hands Down" compared to any Windoze Laptop. I will be trying it out first before I send the bad one back!!

Bill.....

Texas04 · Jul 30, 2006, 06:30 PM

Does anyone note any better changes or effectiveness with these "newer" batteries

steve_hill4 · Jul 30, 2006, 06:52 PM

Think this needs bumping to Page 1 for people to see more visably.

Oh, and already filled the form in, so my replacement should be with me between 3-5 days time. My current battery has had no problems though. I run off the mains most of the time, but try to also run off the battery whenever possible to keep the juices inside flowing. I also keep a regular check, (sometimes daily), with Coconut Battery and generally it seems okay.

Have to say though, a week without monitoring and it seems to have taken a battering. I put this down to running near constantly during that period though, near exclusively off mains.

steve_hill4 · Jul 30, 2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveMacMini

I've yet to see IBM or Lenovo have a battery recall, they've been making laptops since 1992

Well, this isn't a safety issue apparently, merely a performance problem. Do you think other manufacturers think about performance problems with batteries the same as Apple do? My guess is they ignore any complaints unless big fires start to become common.

In my nearly 2 years in retail, (since graduating, damn I need a writing job), the only other battery recall for models we sold was from HP. They listed about a dozen or more models and every one of them barring 2 were discontinued, some getting on a year earlier. Shows how much they value customer care.

benthewraith · Jul 30, 2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_hill4

Think this needs bumping to Page 1 for people to see more visably.

Oh, and already filled the form in, so my replacement should be with me between 3-5 days time. My current battery has had no problems though. I run off the mains most of the time, but try to also run off the battery whenever possible to keep the juices inside flowing. I also keep a regular check, (sometimes daily), with Coconut Battery and generally it seems okay.

Have to say though, a week without monitoring and it seems to have taken a battering. I put this down to running near constantly during that period though, near exclusively off mains.

That's ironic, my battery isn't one being recalled, is yours? Apparently it is, I wonder if my battery's bad too.

It's A1175, but the serial doesn't end in U7SA/B/C.

treblah · Jul 30, 2006, 07:45 PM

Hrm, I seem to have one of the affected batteries yet I have had great performance out of it. Oh well, I'm sure a new one can't hurt.

Makosuke · Jul 30, 2006, 10:08 PM

I like the new "Kinder, friendlier press release" style, too. Might be because it's not a safety recall, but an underperforming part that they're replacing to head off complaints. It would probably sound a lot more official and noncommittal if it were an actual recall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveMacMini

I've yet to see IBM or Lenovo have a battery recall, they've been making laptops since 1992

Actually, they apparently had a sort of stealth recall of 600E batteries back in 2001, but that, like this, was for batteries that performed poorly, not a safety hazzard, so it wasn't made a big deal of.

They also had that half-million AC adapter recall that *was* for a safety hazzard a while back.

Not to say that they're not well-built, reliable machines. They're just not immune to issues, either.

MacRumors · Jul 30, 2006, 10:29 PM

Apple has announced a worldwide Battery Exchange Program for its 15" MacBook Pro. According to Apple, the affected batteries do not pose a safety risk, but rather "do not meet [Apple's] high standards for battery performance... You may continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives." Arstechnica speculates that the cause of the exchange may be due to random system shutdowns that some users have been experiencing with faulty batteries.

The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.

RichP · Jul 30, 2006, 10:43 PM

Thanks for the headsup! I qualified for a new one, so the form has been filled out.

Yeah, I wonder what happens if the old battery doesnt find its way back to Apple..would be nice to have a spare. (I havent noticed any major issues, then again, battery life has never been a strongsuit of this machine)

MacRumoron · Jul 30, 2006, 11:07 PM

apple already replaced my battery a while ago :P

i hope it doesn't happen again though

coryp420 · Jul 30, 2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apunkrockmonk

Anyone know what happens if you don't send back the old battery to apple?

I wouldn't mind having two batteries

I'm sure there is no way around it though.

I was just wondering the same thing. I just put in for my replacement, and wanted to keep the original one around for a backup. The webpage says the return shipping is provided so that the battery can be "properly recycled."

Though I doubt Apple would send an invoice of anykind for failing to return the battery, i'm affraid they could use this information against me if i were to ever need tech/AppleCare/hardware support in the future since they have my MBP serial number as part of the exchange program.

Anyone actually contact Apple to see if the return is "required" as part of the exchange program?

mmmcheese · Jul 30, 2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treblah

Hrm, I seem to have one of the affected batteries yet I have had great performance out of it. Oh well, I'm sure a new one can't hurt.

Or it could...

I'm sure the recall will be on for a while....I would do a wait and see...

treblah · Jul 30, 2006, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmcheese

Or it could...

I'm sure the recall will be on for a while....I would do a wait and see...

According to a forum post on ArsTechnica you are given a year to return it…

Xander562 · Jul 30, 2006, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coryp420

I was just wondering the same thing. I just put in for my replacement, and wanted to keep the original one around for a backup. The webpage says the return shipping is provided so that the battery can be "properly recycled."

Though I doubt Apple would send an invoice of anykind for failing to return the battery, i'm affraid they could use this information against me if i were to ever need tech/AppleCare/hardware support in the future since they have my MBP serial number as part of the exchange program.

Anyone actually contact Apple to see if the return is "required" as part of the exchange program?

I just filled out an application as well, i would really like to keep mine, even if it doesnt, "Meet the high standards of Apple." just as a backup, or for extra long trips.

you could always try sjobs@apple.com

EDIT: uh oh, ok so when i clicked Place order for the replacement, it was taking forever to load so i went back and tried it again, (i did it about 3 times) and now it says that my serial number has already been used for a replacement, i guess it went through??

, and i also got 3 confirmation e-mails, i wonder if i'll get three

fcodc · Jul 30, 2006, 11:50 PM

My whole story is published for everyone to see.

At least Apple is starting to take up responsability for their mistakes.

Lepton · Jul 31, 2006, 12:18 AM

I had the 'swollen battery' problem. The middle part of the battery only got a few mm thicker, but this was enough to push up against the trackpad button and keep it stuck in a pressed condition, and the battery would cut out on occasion. I got an immediate replacement, no problem at my nearby Apple store. But I see the replacement has an affected serial number here, so I'm going to apply for this too.

Jul 30, 2006, 01:44 PM	#1
sasquatch98 macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2006	15" Macbook Pro battery recall https://support.apple.com/macbookpro...nge/index.html I just applied for the recall for my MBP battery.

Jul 30, 2006, 02:00 PM	#2
jessica. macrumors Demi-Goddess Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NC	What's up with that? Didn't the same thing happen with the PowerBook? __________________ persona non grata

Jul 30, 2006, 03:19 PM	#8
celebrian23 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Under the sun	I bought mine in early June and it says only february through may...hmmm __________________ C'est la vie !

Jul 30, 2006, 04:09 PM	#9
NATO macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Ireland	Did anyone notice the 'friendly' wording of this? Normally I'm used to reading things like 'Apple will replace these batteries free of charge', but this time round it reads like a happy engineer at Apple writing 'We will replace these batteries free of charge', and 'We recently discovered that ...' I quite like it P.S. If you don't believe me, check here __________________ iMac 27" 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo 4GB RAM MacBook Pro 17" (Unibody) 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo 4GB RAM Mac Mini 1.66Ghz Core Duo iPhone 3G S 32GB

Jul 30, 2006, 06:30 PM	#11
Texas04 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas	Does anyone note any better changes or effectiveness with these "newer" batteries __________________ My Computers- MacBook Pro 2.0 GHZ~ 1.25 GB Ram MacBook 1.86 GHZ 2GB Ram 30GB iPod Won from NASA (its engraved) Texas04's Website!

Jul 30, 2006, 02:21 PM	#4
Makosuke macrumors 68040 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: The Cool Part of CA, USA	It's really not that uncommon; sometimes whoever makes the batteries screws up and makes a bad batch. Unlike some components, Apple and other manufacturers probably don't have any good way to check that they're going to have an abnormally high failure rate until they've already sold a few hundred thousand of them. It's not like they can dismantle the battery and say "Ooh, this is a bad design, it's going to have an 8% failure rate." or something. Dell has had several battery recalls in the past few years--in 2005, 2001, and 2000. HP has likewise had two battery recalls in the past couple years, one this year and one last year. The recent HP recall, at least, was in response to several batteries actually causing damage and at least one actual injury. This one doesn't even appear to be a full recall; if it was, they would be saying "Stop using the battery and get a replacement now." You'll note that the Apple page explicitly says it's not a safety risk, just that they're not performing well (probably an abnormal failure rate, but the failures aren't catastrophic enough to be a hazzard). They're probably doing it to prevent bad press about annoying failures, but it's also the right thing to do if the batteries aren't up to spec. Batteries are just like that. Apple is so high profile they draw more attention with things like this, but it's hardly uncommon in the industry.

Jul 30, 2006, 02:22 PM	#5
LoveMacMini Banned Join Date: Jul 2006	I've yet to see IBM or Lenovo have a battery recall, they've been making laptops since 1992

Jul 30, 2006, 02:42 PM	#6
apunkrockmonk macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Rochester, NY	I just signed up for mine as well. I thought my battery life was declineing at an unacceptable rate. I was right I guess. Anyone know what happens if you don't send back the old battery to apple? I wouldn't mind having two batteries I'm sure there is no way around it though.

Jul 30, 2006, 03:13 PM	#7
vv-tim Banned Join Date: May 2006	Darn... my battery isn't "affacted" :/ Oh well...

Jul 30, 2006, 05:06 PM	#10
merc669 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Southern MD, USA	I was definitly surprised...I am getting around 3 hours all the time with the exception of when I am playin Halo or something intensive. Its the best I have ever had "Hands Down" compared to any Windoze Laptop. I will be trying it out first before I send the bad one back!! Bill.....

Jul 30, 2006, 06:52 PM	#12
steve_hill4 macrumors 68000 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Propping up the bar.	Think this needs bumping to Page 1 for people to see more visably. Oh, and already filled the form in, so my replacement should be with me between 3-5 days time. My current battery has had no problems though. I run off the mains most of the time, but try to also run off the battery whenever possible to keep the juices inside flowing. I also keep a regular check, (sometimes daily), with Coconut Battery and generally it seems okay. Have to say though, a week without monitoring and it seems to have taken a battering. I put this down to running near constantly during that period though, near exclusively off mains. Attached Thumbnails __________________ If I had all the money I've spent on drink, I'd spend it on drink. - Vivian Stanshall

Jul 30, 2006, 07:45 PM	#15
treblah macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 29403	Hrm, I seem to have one of the affected batteries yet I have had great performance out of it. Oh well, I'm sure a new one can't hurt. Attached Thumbnails

Jul 30, 2006, 10:29 PM	#17
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	MacBook Pro Battery Exchange Apple has announced a worldwide Battery Exchange Program for its 15" MacBook Pro. According to Apple, the affected batteries do not pose a safety risk, but rather "do not meet [Apple's] high standards for battery performance... You may continue to use your current battery until a replacement arrives." Arstechnica speculates that the cause of the exchange may be due to random system shutdowns that some users have been experiencing with faulty batteries. The affected batteries have model number A1175 and a 12-digit serial number that ends with U7SA, U7SB or U7SC.

Jul 30, 2006, 10:43 PM	#18
RichP macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Motor City	Thanks for the headsup! I qualified for a new one, so the form has been filled out. Yeah, I wonder what happens if the old battery doesnt find its way back to Apple..would be nice to have a spare. (I havent noticed any major issues, then again, battery life has never been a strongsuit of this machine) __________________ "My ultimate vocation in life is to be an irritant" – Elvis Costello

Jul 30, 2006, 11:07 PM	#19
MacRumoron macrumors 6502 Join Date: Sep 2005	apple already replaced my battery a while ago :P i hope it doesn't happen again though __________________ I am the MacRumoron Click Here For Proof Told you I'm a moron..

Jul 30, 2006, 11:50 PM	#24
fcodc macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: The Collective	It happened to me My whole story is published for everyone to see. At least Apple is starting to take up responsability for their mistakes. __________________ MacRecon.com

Jul 31, 2006, 12:18 AM	#25
Lepton macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Long Island, NY	I had the 'swollen battery' problem. The middle part of the battery only got a few mm thicker, but this was enough to push up against the trackpad button and keep it stuck in a pressed condition, and the battery would cut out on occasion. I got an immediate replacement, no problem at my nearby Apple store. But I see the replacement has an affected serial number here, so I'm going to apply for this too.

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