A little over four weeks ago, I submitted the lithium-ion battery for my PowerBook 1.33Ghz 12″ to VR Tech, one of the local Authorised Apple Service Providers, as part of the Apple Battery Exchange Program. Apple determined that certain lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of Japan posed a safety hazard that could result in overheating. Affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4.
If I am not mistaken, over 18,000 (or was it 180,000?) affected batteries were recalled as part of Apple’s voluntary worldwide exchange program – to provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge. The flaming batteries, evidently, also affected Dell’s and Toshiba’s portable range.
It was quite a long-winded process which was initiated with a call to Apple Toll-Free. An Aussie-accented dude took my details and checked my battery serial number to make sure I was indeed eligible for the battery exchange. I was given a report number which was later shown to VR Tech, upon surrendering of my battery. Although Apple states 4-6 weeks, depending on availability of battery stock, the VR Tech technician told me “3 days.”
Fast forward four weeks and more, and a couple of phone calls in between, still zilch. Nada. No sign of a new battery. My poor PowerBook is relegated to my room table. The most immobile portable ever, I swear. More than once, I had accidently pulled the power cord from the ‘puter. I am confident the ‘book will fry after a couple more instances like that.
Needless to say I’m pretty pissed and exasperated. It’s been a looOOOOooong wait. Can I get some portability back to my portable please?
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