Apple recalls 1.8 million batteries
The batteries can overheat and cause damage to the computers.
Published Aug. 25, 2006
A recall announced Thursday by Apple Computer could affect many MU students. Apple will recall almost 1.8 million batteries from its G4 laptop computers.
The recall affects 12-inch iBook G4 and Powerbook G4 and 15-inch Powerbook G4 computers.
According to a news release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the problem stems from overheating of the batteries, which has led to minor damage to the computers and burns to the users. The computers were sold from October 2003 until the recall.
According to Mark Ross, a spokesman for the CPSC, the problem was discovered after a similar recall on Aug. 15.
"Last week, we did a recall with Dell of 4.1 million batteries, and these Apple batteries were provided by the same manufacturer: Sony," Ross said. "This was basically a follow-up to that recall."
Ross said students whose batteries are affected by the recall should remove the battery immediately and use the power cord until a new battery arrives. Ross said Apple will be providing new batteries free of charge to those affected by the recall.
Apple spokeswoman Teresa Weaver said those affected by the recall can get information about returning the battery in two ways.
"The exchange program is being conducted by the battery exchange Web site, and if a customer doesn't have access to the Web site, they can call the 800 number," Weaver said.
Those who need replacement batteries for their affected laptops can call 1-800-275-2273 or go online to support.apple.com/batteryprogram.
Terry Robb, a spokesman for Information and Access Technology Services, said IATS keeps a record of how many students at MU use Apple computers.
"We have a current sample, because residence hall students registered their computers when they first attached to the network this past week," Robb said.
Robb said that of the computers registered last week, 5,969, or 79 percent, were laptops. At MU registration, 23 percent of all computers registered were Apple. According to the School of Journalism's Web site, as many as 99.5 percent of journalism students use Apple laptops. It is unknown how many of those computers would be affected by the recall.