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Apple Recalls 1.8 Million Batteries

OK, I can't get it to take my battery serial (only my computer's), as others have mentioned.

But now Apple's site says 12" Powerbook batteries with the range of 3X446 – 3X509. Did MR just get it COMPLETELY wrong or something? WTF??

My battery # begins in 3K527, which is perfectly in range of the posted "3K428 - 3K611", but that's not what Apple's site now says, and Apple won't take my battery #. Anyone else having this problem?
 
My battery is 6N549 right in the middle of the range and it won't take either. If you call the 800 number you get transferred to a busy signal. Very annoying Apple.
 
OK, finally talked to Apple support and they're sending a new battery out. I ended up hitting zero on all the prompts (including when they asked me what product I wanted support for) and waiting on hold for about an hour and a half.

It looks like the support people do have the ability to override the form and send out replacements to people who are in the range but getting invalid serial errors. It just may take you a while to get through. As far as I know going through the apple portable or battery recall support just gets you hung up on, though.

Andrew Beard
 
Alright, apparently there is an identical page that has a different grouping of serial numbers.

Anyone who's still having trouble, try this page: https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/index.html

They list the correct # that Macrumors posted. And it even took my serial--but wants my City/State (New York, NY 10006) to be... "New York, NY 10006".

Interesting dilemma. Perhaps I should move to the apartment downstairs? :)
 
Hmmm....I entered my computer and my spare battery...it says I am only getting one back. I think I am just going to take my spare in the box to the Apple Store and let them handle it.
 
bartelby said:
BBC seem to bad mouth Apple at any opportunity. They can't even be bothered to make sure photos are the right way round...

Code: 
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41829000/jpg/_41829878_applelogopa_203.jpg

_41829878_applelogopa_203.jpg
Click to expand...

That's taken from the inside of the store, and is therefore the right way round.

Hattig said:
Sheesh, the BBC suck up to Apple all the time. Get it right.

Sky News is the 'chav' of news channels, all bling and hype, no honest substance or impartiality.
Click to expand...

Exactly. See !
 
deepisland said:
The one that came with my iBook.
Click to expand...
Call Apple support like I did and tell them to help you. Worked like a charm for me. However, the confirmation email that I got from Apple said it would take 4 to 6 weeks before I would get the new battery.

I am so using my old battery, this self-combusting story is way overplayed. It is all about protection against lawsuits. You are probably more likely to get hit by a car than have your laptop in flames.
 
According to Coconut Battery, I still have 81% capacity after 20 months of use and 343 load cycles. I'll take a new anyways...:D
 
swindmill said:
According to Coconut Battery, I still have 81% capacity after 20 months of use and 343 load cycles. I'll take a new anyways...:D
Click to expand...

That tells me how little I've been using my machine outside the house. I've had mine 20 months but I have only 34 load cycles and 94 % of the original capacity.
 
This is actually kind of cool... I get a new battery for my almost three year old iBook, my backup machine since I got the MacBook. But I plan on taking the iBook for trips etc. so the fresh juice comes in very handy. The old battery was starting to deteriorate...

I just checked today, it was in the recall range and a new one should be on its way... :)
 
I just got a Newer Tech Battery for my 12" 2-3weeks ago. :(

But I'm still excited. It is basically a free extra battery!!! My last one had 27 months of use and only carried 12% of the maximum charge (about 25-30mins).

4 to 6 weeks isn't very speedy, but I'll live.
 
I called Apple Canada support about my iBook battery not validating (but being in the range). Took only about 10 minutes to get through, and she processed it right away :)
 
I hope this hasn't already been posted in the thread (I lost track around page four! :p ) but my iBook G4/800 was one of those that, the day this broke, listed as "valid" by serial number for the iBook but not for the battery that came with it, even though the battery met the serial number range criteria.

Anyway, I was going to call today and re-entered, and the form worked for me today.

So if you had the same experience and haven't called yet, you may want to try the form again. :)
 
This most likely accounts for my previous battery problems. However, the replacement battery they gave me is on this list...time to exchange again.

Wish I could work an angle to get a Macbook Pro upgrade :D.
 
Airport security and batteries

I have not flown anywhere in about three years but the last few times I did travel I had to turn on my laptop at the airport security. Does this still happen? if so how will this work if we don't have a battery in our computers? I have a trip planned in three weeks and will need to take my iBook.
b
 
Mine's affected too.

Oh well, i'm just gonna have to kick a.s.s running on AC power!

Rich.

EDIT: Both numbers have been accepted by Apple, 4-6 weeks until the new one arrives.
 
Got mine to take on the website no problems first try. Can't wait for my new battery. I will also agree that all this blowing up batteries catching on fire nonsense is just blown way out there!

Nevertheless, i'll still take my new battery :)

Z
 
He-he... just tried my girlfriend's almost year-old iBook, too... and, guess what, she will also get a new battery... :)

This is actually good.

I almost feel bad for Sony, who may loose a fortune (20 to 30 billion yen according to Nettavisen) on Apple's and Dull's recalls... almost... just almost... :D
 
aprilfools said:
I have not flown anywhere in about three years but the last few times I did travel I had to turn on my laptop at the airport security. Does this still happen? if so how will this work if we don't have a battery in our computers? I have a trip planned in three weeks and will need to take my iBook.
b
Click to expand...
You need your battery... I fly a lot, and I would never put myself in the situation where I had to explain to the security control that I cant start my computer because my battery might torch the computer.
 
Magical! my PowerBook gets a new battery. I was looking forward to getting mine replaced last year during the last recall. I always took good care of my battery too! monthly calibrating, unplug when using AC power for a long time etc. nonetheless I'm going to abuse this battery now... mwhahaha... how can I abuse it before it goes back?

might as well use this time to buy a new BT Mighty Mouse too.
 
I did the battery validator and it told me my computer serial number is valid and acceptable for the program but my battery serial number is invalid. That is the (1 digit, 1 letter, 3 digits) number on the battery in the indicated spot and it is in the range they specify on their site. Something is screwed up at Apple. This makes my fourth current customer service problem that is ongoing with Apple.
 
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