August 24th, 2006
More battery misery - This time affecting Apple users
[Updated: August 26, 2006 @ 2.35 pm]
Apple narrows down the serial number range if the batteries recalled. For more information see: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=78
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Apple is recalling 1.8 million lithium ion notebook batteries after receiving reports of nine units which seriously overheated, resulting in two users receiving minor burns.
This is the second biggest recall in U.S. history, coming a little over a week after Dell recalled 4.1 million lithium ion batteries for an identical issue (which, coincidentally, was the biggest recall in U.S. history) because of a similar fault. This recall affects the iBook G4 and Powerbook G4 series, sold between October 2003 and August 2006 (these use PowerPC CPUs made by IBM Corp. and Freescale Semiconductor Inc). The recall does not affect the MacBook and the MacBook Pro.
At the root of this recall again are lithium ion batteries manufactured by Sony. The recall involves 1.1 million systems sold in the U.S. and 700,000 sold overseas.
Here are the details that I currently have:
The recall is for batteries used in the following notebooks:
- 12 inch iBook G4
Battery model number: A1061
Battery serial number: ZZ338 to ZZ427, 3K429 to 3K611, and 6C510 to 6C626 - 12 inch PowerBook G4
Battery model number: A1079
Battery serial number: ZZ411 to ZZ427, and 3K428 through 3K611 - 15 inch PowerBook G4
Battery model number: A1078 and A1148
Battery serial number: 3K425 to 3K601, 6N530 to 6N551, and 6N601
How to identify a recalled Apple notebook battery
If your system is affected you should stop using the battery immediately! Remove the battery and contact Apple for details of how to get a replacement (you can continue to use the notebook using the AC adaptor).
Apple contact details:
- http://support.apple.com/batteryprogram
- (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT
Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations
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| 08/24/06
