That's it, I'm done with Apple

[pprior]

Now that is priceless.

There is no difference between the government protecting people from chemically toxic foods that kill people and MacBook Pro batters that swell up. Awesome...

Coming from someone with Obama in his username, somehow the degree of support for any governement "protection" is not surprising.

Government has a role. That role is not to keep me supplied with fresh laptop batteries just because one fails. Simple enough?

Edit: he was right about the language, and I apologize for that. I got a bit inflamed I guess.

I

Not the best comparison, seeing as how McDonalds was found liable for burns caused by serving their coffee too hot, after hundreds of reports of serious burns. Kind of like the hundreds of reports of swelling/exploding batteries that eventually forced the battery recalls.

No actually it's a GREAT comparison as it points out the absurd degree to which the nanny state feels it must go to "protect" us.

I've known since about 6 years old that I shouldn't spill burning hot coffee on myself. If I do, well then it's my freaking fault.

The OP knows now that swelling batteries are a risk. If he doesn't fix it and something happens, well then it's his freaking fault.

If the batteries were shown to suddenly blow up without any warning whatsoever then a defect clearly exists and I would support a recall of the lot shown to have the issue. However what we are seeing here is a clear failure over time and so the OP has every opportunity to replace the failing part and since it is out of warranty it's his responsibility to do so.

Don't misunderstand, I would be annoyed at having to replace it, but you have to realize that batteries do have a failure rate and it's part of life.

 

[Runt888]

However what we are seeing here is a clear failure over time and so the OP has every opportunity to replace the failing part and since it is out of warranty it's his responsibility to do so.
Don't misunderstand, I would be annoyed at having to replace it, but you have to realize that batteries do have a failure rate and it's part of life.

A swelling battery is not a simple "failure over time." It's a defective battery, and it is a serious safety risk. A swollen battery is a ticking time bomb, and should be replaced if for no other reason than it is a safety risk.

As for the politics, feel free to express your views here: http://uspoliticsonline.com

 

[pprior]

I guess we're somewhat arguing over semantics, but how do you define "defective"?

To my line of thinking, the product functioned normally during its warrantied period. There were no problems during that time. Now it is past warranty and it has failed.

To me, it's a product failure and like any other thing, it won't last forever and needs to be replaced.

To you, it's defacto proof of defective manufacturing.

I guess that is the difference in our positions, as I see it.

Would you feel the same way if the battery worked for 5 years and then swelled? 10 years? Is there some point in time that you'll give up?

 

[edblor]

I guess we're somewhat arguing over semantics, but how do you define "defective"?

To my line of thinking, the product functioned normally during its warrantied period. There were no problems during that time. Now it is past warranty and it has failed.

To me, it's a product failure and like any other thing, it won't last forever and needs to be replaced.

To you, it's defacto proof of defective manufacturing.

I guess that is the difference in our positions, as I see it.

Would you feel the same way if the battery worked for 5 years and then swelled? 10 years? Is there some point in time that you'll give up?

I don't think so. The issue for me, and how I read the complaint of the OP, is that the product has shown signs of defect. It may be out of warranty, but that is not his complaint, nor is it mine.

It is true that the battery aged, and has lost usefulness. However, the swelling, is NOT a sign of age or use. The swelling is a sign of a defect, and that is where the complaint lies.

When the car analogy is used, I think it is quite appropriate. If Ford sells something, and many years down the line, a product is deemed to be defective, not by use, but by design, and can become dangerous, it is recalled.

The battery recall a few years ago was for this very reason. Certain batteries were found to contain defects...a recall was ordered.

As for your comment of 5 years or 10 years down the line, the same applies. These batteries are designed NOT TO EVER SWELL. The swelling is a sign of a defect. I have 10 year old batteries from older laptops that are not swelling. They won't hold a charge, but they don't swell either (regardles of what type they are - Li-On, metal-hydride...).

 

[pnyc]

I guess we're somewhat arguing over semantics, but how do you define "defective"?

To my line of thinking, the product functioned normally during its warrantied period. There were no problems during that time. Now it is past warranty and it has failed.

To me, it's a product failure and like any other thing, it won't last forever and needs to be replaced.

To you, it's defacto proof of defective manufacturing.

I guess that is the difference in our positions, as I see it.

Would you feel the same way if the battery worked for 5 years and then swelled? 10 years? Is there some point in time that you'll give up?

I think that's exactly right. Additionally I'd say that even if a product is defective but you do not replace it during the warranty period then the manufacturer is no longer required to replace/repair the product for you. What would the purpose of limiting a warranty to one year be if you could use the warranty to replace your defective battery beyond the stated one year warranty period.

From Apple :

Your one-year warranty includes replacement coverage for a defective battery. You can extend your replacement coverage for a defective battery to three years from the date of your notebook purchase with the AppleCare Protection Plan. However, the AppleCare Protection Plan for notebook computers does not cover batteries that have failed or are exhibiting diminished capacity except when the failure or diminished capacity is the result of a manufacturing defect. Apple offers a battery replacement service for MacBook Air and 17-inch Aluminum MacBook Pro. You can purchase replacement batteries for late models of Apple notebooks directly from the Apple Store

Source : http://www.apple.com/batteries/replacements.html

 

[Runt888]

I would call a product defective if it doesn't work as the manufacturer intends. And you're right, there has to be a point in which the manufacturer can say "this product has worked for a long time, we wash our hands of it."

However, with the case of a swollen battery, it was defective since the day it was made. It just took some time for the defect to be readily noticeable. As such, a defective battery wouldn't last 5 or 10 years.

 

[pnyc]

My understanding of defective would be product is defective if it doesn't work as the manufacturer intended. My understanding of Apple battery warranty coverage is that they will replace the battery only if it's defective i.e. doesn't work as the manufacturer intended within the warranty period. In my understanding if a defect manifests itself after the warranty expires the battery will not be replaced.

 

[smiddlehurst]

Yikes, I was expecting this thread to have died....

Okay, update for you and it's good news! Went in for a genius bar appointment today at my 'local' store (might only be 15 miles away but it's two of the worst roads in London, at rush hour...) and the difference between them and Apple's telephone support was night and day. The short recap:

Sat down, guy asks me what the problem is. I pass him my battery. He asks what exactly the issue is. I ask him to have a look and see what he thinks (this is all done very friendly by the way, not confrontational at all). He puts it down on the counter and spins it like a top. We laugh, he comments it's a neat trick, I tell him it's got another one, turn it over and.. yes it'll do exactly the same thing on the side that normally meets the inside of the laptop. His next words are, and I quote, "that shouldn't be like that". I confirm it's a fault and that it's the same fault that Apple have issued a full-on recall for on other models and still have an outstanding notice about on their web site. He asks about other problems and I rattle off the usual (machine shuts off around 40% charge remaining, massive decrease in battery health in short time, trackpad button stopped working, bottom row of keyboard dodgy) and he nods, obvious he's seen it before. He checks my laptop, confirms it's out of warranty and immediately tells me not to worry and sorts out a warranty override. About 20 minutes later I'm out of the store with a brand new battery fitted, no arguing whatsoever.

Now there's two points here. First, why the HELL did tech support give me the run around on the phone like they did? Two seperate geniuses looked at this and both instantly said it needed replacing regardless of warranty. That it was faulty and, frankly, dangerous (look up the Material Safety Data Sheet for a lithium ion battery... if it leaks it'll burn skin on contact, potentially irritate or burn the lungs if inhaled and if you get water on it you end up with Hydrogen and if you're in an enclosed space with something that sparks, *boom*). End of story and what SHOULD have happend in the first place. The second point is more important though - the genius confirmed it's a fault with the product.

Under UK law we have something called the Sale of Goods Act. Actually, it's about four different bits of legislation but whatever. One of the topics covered in that legislation is that goods must conform to contract, i.e. they must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality which is interpreted as not inherently faulty at time of sale. For up to six years after purchase customers can demand damages in the form of a repair or replacement if goods do not conform to contract.

An inherent fault may not become apparent immediately but if it was present at time of sale the product was not of satisfactory standard. There is a requirement to prove that the good failed before the point that a reasonable person would consider they should have but this is simple as Apple themselves have extended their battery warranty on certain models to 2 years regardless of warranty.

As SOON as they confirm there's a fault with the battery (and frankly there's no way a Lithium pack should bulge without being faulty) if you're in the UK and have had the product less than two years legally you're covered. If they really kick up a stink go to small claims court but there's no way it should get that far as it's almost certain you'll win. If you're over two years you can probably still make a good argument for it but you may find it harder going. Whatever happens though, if you feel you have a strong case, pursue it. Far too often companies get away with passing the cost of their mistakes on to the consumer. We downtrodden masses do have some rights (for now anyway) and it's important that we don't just lie down and take it when obvious cock-ups hove into view.

So to recap - Apple telephone care and customer support, crap. Apple store genius bar, great. Batteries that bulge, faulty in either manufacture or design (doesn't matter which really). Check your local legislation before you go to the genius bar so you know what your rights are, stick to your guns and you should get it replaced without charge which is what Apple SHOULD be doing publiclly and obviously.

Hope that this helps someone out there, if I get time tonight I'll write up a proper recap on how to pursue this case (and, indeed, every hardware fault that's an inherent fault such as the Nvidia chips that failed en mass) and pop it up as a seperate post that's more informative and not so ranty.

 

[smiddlehurst]

Heh, I've also just noticed while typing that... my keyboard is lying perfectly flat in the case for the first time, well, ever! It's been replaced once before, wonder if the underside of the battery had swollen a little very early on and I never thought to check (although it should have been checked when it had the keyboard replaced a year ago).

 

[iLog.Genius]

My understanding of defective would be product is defective if it doesn't work as the manufacturer intended. My understanding of Apple battery warranty coverage is that they will replace the battery only if it's defective i.e. doesn't work as the manufacturer intended within the warranty period. In my understanding if a defect manifests itself after the warranty expires the battery will not be replaced.

I think those who don't agree with Apple not replacing it are more concerned that it could've been a serious safety hazard. A defect is defect, if you don't have coverage, unfortunately, that's too bad for you - you can't believe that everything will come out and work 100%. But with that said, Apple should really replace it. They replace bad MagSafe connectors that have frayed cables and melting MagSafe heads which is less of a hazard than a swelling battery.

 

[smiddlehurst]

I think you need to rethink your argument on being done with Apple.

First, why not show your battery to Apple before going off the deep end? A phone call, a discount, and you're done with Apple?

I have read stories of people sending back eight MBPs before getting a perfect one, and I think they're a little anal at a minimum. At the same time, I think people should get what they pay for, and at these outrageous prices, we all deserve a perfect Mac.

You spent thousands of dollars on your MBP and you're mad you have to buy a $100 battery after NOT a year-and-a-half, but 22+ months.

This is why people should buy AppleCare, and it really costs very little compared to the overall value, especially if you buy it on eBay.

I just cannot believe you would really be done with Apple over a $100 part which is designed to need replacing anyways. It seems like a terrible argument to me. You are going to give up OS X on principle over a battery that is 22+ months old? I think after you switch to a PC, you will shortly be right back on a Mac. Probably spending thousands to replace the Mac you hastily sold.

Sure, send some photos to Apple. Or go to an Apple store with your battery and show them, but they are a company in business to make money. And this is a 22+ month old battery in the first place. I think you have a right to complain, and you even have a right to dump Apple. But do you really want to give up all of the great things about Apple and the Mac over a $100 battery? It just doesn't make sense to me over such a small issue.

It's not just this issue, it's the fact that every piece of Apple hardware I've had has experienced some form of hardware fault. This is the straw that broke the camels back really. Again, I don't want to go away from OS X but the hardware build quality is simply not what it should be considering the price we pay for it.

I also (and forgive me, I'm putting this in here because I can't be arsed going through each comment individually) don't really care about spending £100 (yes, pounds) on a replacement. If the battery dies so be it. But not when it's a fault that's existed for over three years and has been the subject of numerous recalls. It's not a cost issue, it's a case of forcing Apple to live up to its obligations to the consumer.

 

[DoNoHarm]

to the OP: sounds like you're no longer "done with Apple". I knew it would work out this way. Any issue I or my friends have had with Apple has been resolved with a similarly positive outcome. It is regretful that you had to get the runaround a couple of times, but most of the time, Apple customers seem to get a positive outcome. No company can have perfect products 100% of the time - it's the good companies that are distinguished by what they do when the inevitable hiccups occur.

 

[smiddlehurst]

to the OP: sounds like you're no longer "done with Apple". I knew it would work out this way. Any issue I or my friends have had with Apple has been resolved with a similarly positive outcome. It is regretful that you had to get the runaround a couple of times, but most of the time, Apple customers seem to get a positive outcome. No company can have perfect products 100% of the time - it's the good companies that are distinguished by what they do when the inevitable hiccups occur.

Nope, sorry, but I'm still going to be replacing this laptop with a Windows machine when it shuffles loose the mortal coil. It may, indeed, be a hackintosh with a legal OS X but it won't be Apple hardware. Too many bad experiences, too many trips back and forth to the Apple store, too many faults that are clearly wide spread that aren't acknowledged and the support if you can't get to an Apple store is utter crap compared to other companies.

I REALLY don't want to do that, I love Apple design and the user experience. I love the quality of packaging and the way it makes you feel like you've spent your money on something special. OS X is fantastic and it's going to be painful to move away if I can't find a laptop that'll play nice with OS X. But there's no way I'm going through this AGAIN. No, not the battery issue, but the constant little quirks and glitches from premium hardware that simply shouldn't be there.

Here's the thing, I know that Dell, HP etc don't come up to the same standard. But they also have FAR cheaper machines and while I was happy to pay the premium for Apple design on my last two laptops that's no longer the case. I'll step away, try Windows 7 (more than likely this MBP will be replaced within the lifecycle of that OS) and keep an eye on Apple. If they seem to sort out the quality issues then I'll consider coming back.

Apple at the moment remind me a lot of Mercedes Benz. In the 80's and early 90's they build, quite simply, the best cars in the world. Engineered like nothing else, utterly bomb proof and with all the latest and greatest tech. Sure they cost more but it was easily worth it if you had the funds. Then, in the mid 90's, they lost their way and started buiding unreliable crap. Sure it was still full of tech, it was the same brand and if you got a good 'un they were still very very good cars. But the ratio of lemons to good 'uns went up massively and the brand suffered as a result. Apple have done the same for me, somewhere around the time of the Intel transition (no idea why and not blaming the intel switch) build quality seemed to take a major dip (example - the first LED-lit screens on the 15" MBP). I hope they come back up to meet the premium image, I really do. I would LOVE to be able to justify buying another one. But right now? Nope, sorry.

 

[drewsof07]

somewhere around the time of the Intel transition (no idea why and not blaming the intel switch) build quality seemed to take a major dip (example - the first LED-lit screens on the 15" MBP).

This was the time when iPod was on top of the world. People were getting interested in Apple tech and started buying like crazy. Production numbers increase, they have "less time" for QC checks.

 

[smiddlehurst]

This was the time when iPod was on top of the world. People were getting interested in Apple tech and started buying like crazy. Production numbers increase, they have "less time" for QC checks.

Good point, well made...

 

[DoNoHarm]

Nope, sorry, but I'm still going to be replacing this laptop with a Windows machine when it shuffles loose the mortal coil. It may, indeed, be a hackintosh with a legal OS X but it won't be Apple hardware. Too many bad experiences, too many trips back and forth to the Apple store, too many faults that are clearly wide spread that aren't acknowledged and the support if you can't get to an Apple store is utter crap compared to other companies.

I REALLY don't want to do that, I love Apple design and the user experience. I love the quality of packaging and the way it makes you feel like you've spent your money on something special. OS X is fantastic and it's going to be painful to move away if I can't find a laptop that'll play nice with OS X. But there's no way I'm going through this AGAIN. No, not the battery issue, but the constant little quirks and glitches from premium hardware that simply shouldn't be there.

Here's the thing, I know that Dell, HP etc don't come up to the same standard. But they also have FAR cheaper machines and while I was happy to pay the premium for Apple design on my last two laptops that's no longer the case. I'll step away, try Windows 7 (more than likely this MBP will be replaced within the lifecycle of that OS) and keep an eye on Apple. If they seem to sort out the quality issues then I'll consider coming back.

Apple at the moment remind me a lot of Mercedes Benz. In the 80's and early 90's they build, quite simply, the best cars in the world. Engineered like nothing else, utterly bomb proof and with all the latest and greatest tech. Sure they cost more but it was easily worth it if you had the funds. Then, in the mid 90's, they lost their way and started buiding unreliable crap. Sure it was still full of tech, it was the same brand and if you got a good 'un they were still very very good cars. But the ratio of lemons to good 'uns went up massively and the brand suffered as a result. Apple have done the same for me, somewhere around the time of the Intel transition (no idea why and not blaming the intel switch) build quality seemed to take a major dip (example - the first LED-lit screens on the 15" MBP). I hope they come back up to meet the premium image, I really do. I would LOVE to be able to justify buying another one. But right now? Nope, sorry.

I guess everyone has their own priorities and expectations. Good luck with your next PC. By the way, in case it's been a while since you last used PC's, here is a little cheat sheet to get you started with your new machine:

1. Remove unneeded bloatware
2. Configure security settings
3. Download and install OS security patches
4. Restart
5. Download / install extra security programs
6. Restart
7. Download / install drivers for peripherals
8. Restart
9. Remove optional Windows components
10. Update new virus list
11. Run full system virus scan
12. Update new malware list
13. Run full system malware scan
14. Download / install application updates
15. Restart
16. Clean out system registry
17. Repair corupt system registry
18. Defragment hard drive
19. Free up disk space
20. Scan disk for errors
21. Run system file checker
22. Read online instruction manual
23. Cross fingers

joking aside, if you are able to get a good solution, let the boards know as I'm sure there will be some people that may also may find it optimal.

 

[JForestZ34]

Would you feel the same way if the battery worked for 5 years and then swelled? 10 years? Is there some point in time that you'll give up?

It not the fact that the battery went bad, it's the fact that it swelled... They are not supposed to swell AT ALL....

Say instead of it just swelling it decided to explode at the same time. That could have happened.. That's why it's defective...


James

 

[UltraNEO*]

Yes batteries die, I understand that thanks. But they do NOT swell up until they're pushing so hard on the underside of the case the trackpad button stops clicking. They do NOT do it for over three years on multiple itterations of mac hardware. And when Apple acknowledge this self-same problem as covered by a recal for the 15" models but not the 17" something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

Let me be clear, I NEVER complain about stuff like this, this is the first time in over a decade I've done so. But if you're seriously telling me that a MBP battery should last 18 months with light useage and then look like this:

(note, not my battery and it's swollen on both sides)

then my idea of acceptable differs from yours.

Some batteries do it within months of ownership.. while others do it later in their life cycle. Here's more examples from other people, so don't feel like it's only happening to you, cause your not alone.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/melzphotos/2628568290/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thehappiestprincess/3340909297/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerons/399164718/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisamac/439515886/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominiqueb/657444292/

Only pushing on the trackpad huh
... that's NOTHING!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/josh_gray/180956528/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designerbrent/2701573537/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidthulin/456516246/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/browngeek/1664212599/


but what gets me is this...

How come they ONLY seem to happen with our MacBooks? I've never seen batteries swell up that way on other laptops/notebooks, anyone else seen it happen? Does it happen with Dell's, Sony, Toshiba, Fujutsu lifebooks?

 

[smiddlehurst]

Some batteries do it within months of ownership.. while others do it later in their life cycle. Here's more examples from other people, so don't feel like it's only happening to you, cause your not alone.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/melzphotos/2628568290/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thehappiestprincess/3340909297/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerons/399164718/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisamac/439515886/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominiqueb/657444292/

Only pushing on the trackpad huh
... that's NOTHING!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/josh_gray/180956528/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/designerbrent/2701573537/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidthulin/456516246/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/browngeek/1664212599/


but what gets me is this...

How come they ONLY seem to happen with our MacBooks? I've never seen batteries swell up that way on other laptops/notebooks, anyone else seen it happen? Does it happen with Dell's, Sony, Toshiba, Fujutsu lifebooks?

I have a pet theory on this one. From my very basic understanding of the subject these cells swell up because they overheat. Let's assume, for a moment, that the faulty batteries have a manufacturing defect that causes them to overheat at, say, half the temp that they should do. Let's further assume that it's not just Apple machines that suffer from this defect but that it does just seem to be Apple machines that swell up.

I can't help but wonder if it's got something to do with the fact that Macbook Pro batteries are held in metal enclosures in a metal laptop and therefore become part of one giant heatsink. As a result the odds of these batteries reaching that critical point becomes FAR higher than a typical, plastic case laptop.

Of course that's 99% certain to be utter bollocks

 

[followme]

I had the "bulging battery" problem with my cellphone through the Japanese Softbank company (previously Vodafone).

I brought it in, they looked at it, said, "Yup, it's bulging," and gave me a brand new battery on the spot. They apologized for the inconvenience and I walked out the door.

A battery should never bulge under normal usage, even at the end of its life cycle.

 

[smiddlehurst]

I guess everyone has their own priorities and expectations. Good luck with your next PC. By the way, in case it's been a while since you last used PC's, here is a little cheat sheet to get you started with your new machine:

1. Remove unneeded bloatware
2. Configure security settings
3. Download and install OS security patches
4. Restart
5. Download / install extra security programs
6. Restart
7. Download / install drivers for peripherals
8. Restart
9. Remove optional Windows components
10. Update new virus list
11. Run full system virus scan
12. Update new malware list
13. Run full system malware scan
14. Download / install application updates
15. Restart
16. Clean out system registry
17. Repair corupt system registry
18. Defragment hard drive
19. Free up disk space
20. Scan disk for errors
21. Run system file checker
22. Read online instruction manual
23. Cross fingers

joking aside, if you are able to get a good solution, let the boards know as I'm sure there will be some people that may also may find it optimal.

You know, and this is the first time I've thought about it, I just did an install of OS X (more of which in a second) and there's some interesting similarities:

1. Remove unneeded bloatware (languages, non-intel binaries)
2. Configure security settings
3. Download and install OS security patches
4. Restart
5. Download / install extra security programs (currently optional but getting less so)
6. Restart
7. Download / install drivers for peripherals (network drivers for HP all-in-one)
8. Restart
9. Remove optional Windows components (turf out unwanted applications)
10. Update new virus list
11. Run full system virus scan
14. Download / install application updates
15. Restart

16 through 23 are just silly and can be discarded. Not that much different really......

Anyway, that OS X install I mentioned. That was a legit version of 10.5 getting put onto a Dell Mini 9 and you know what? It's perfect. System update works properly, every bit of hardware works as it should, it boots faster than my MBP, the wireless seems to wake up and find the network quicker than my MBP etc etc etc. The only snag is the screen res is a little low for OS X to be totally comfortable and of course the hard disk isn't exactly huge (ah network storage, how do I love thee).

Thing is, if I can get a netbook that cost just £150 to run OS X that well then there MUST be a laptop out there that'll do the same thing. Granted it may only be a 10.5 machine but that'll do for a few years yet.

 

[TurboFan]

Edit:
For constructive purposes I will add this.
Just get an Acer, its so cheap you can afford to replace it every time something breaks! And its so freaking crappy that you wont feel bad for wasting another computer!
All i need on my vista computer is spybot, check for updates maybe once a month if i remember to, and scan a couple times a week. If you do that and dont click on all the dirty links you see and dont download without reason or checking the source you will be fine.
So what's the deal now?

 

[groove-agent]

The funny thing with my 17" SR (I posted the second picture of the swollen battery) is that my new battery it a tough fit inside the case. It's almost if my case is warped or something because of the swelling.

In addition my 17" is becoming increasingly annoying. It seems the fan comes on and turns off if the CPU usage is high and NOT if the temperature is high (I monitor using SMC). So if I'm watching an XVID movie, my fan is going full steam. How annoying!

 

[PDE]

It's always amazing to see so many people defending Apple. The battery is defective and has always been defective. If it were not, it would not have swelled up and come apart like that. Normal, non-defective batteries stop working, but they don't swell and come apart after just two years. So this is not about whether the battery is still providing functionality -- it's about safety and about the fact that it is a well-known problem. Apple has identified certain serial numbers as being defective, yet obviously this one has the exact same defect and is outside the range. Of course they should replace it, if nothing else to make the customer happy.

My mother's powerbook G4 had the infamous and extremely well-documented defective ram slot (one slot did not recognise the module) and Apple had extended service for a specific range of powerbooks for a very specific period of time. Unfortunately my mother's pb was both outside the range and time since we didn't notice the problem until we wanted to upgrade the ram in the 3rd year of ownerhship. Apple refused to fix it. Reasonable? I really don't think so given that it was very obviously the same problem as they had identified and literally thousands of users outside the serial number range were experiencing the exact same problem, and given that the problem is not immediately obvious and may take time to detect.


Anyway, luckily the EU has better consumer laws than the US and perhaps it can fall under the 3 year rule. the battery is clearly defective and potentially dangerous.

good luck!

 

[DoFoT9]

i donno what your problem is, you are blaming apple for an issue that wasnt their doing?? you are aware that they DONT make the batteries right??

they outsource them from either sony and/or other companies. its their fault that the batteries are stupid - not apples.

i do, however, agree that apple should of said "ok, your serial number isnt on the list but its clearly been effected by the problem too so we will swallow our pride and fix it for you."....

in regards to the "getting treated like an idiot" - its stupid right? i applied for a job there. i got kicked back. i was most likely the most tech savvy bunch of them all. yet they didnt want me? nooo they took the photoshop savvy people and nubs who didnt know A THING about hardware - that is why the tech support sucks

END RANT.