Apple to replace batteries

Apple is presenting MacBook and MacBook Pro owners who experience performance problems related to batteries after installing the company's battery update with three options. Notebook owners can make an appointment at the Genius Bar of a local Apple nearest Apple Store where a technician will arrange the battery's replacement, or can receive a replacement battery through an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP). Alternatively, MacBook and MacBook Pro owners can get in touch with the Apple Support Contact Center (1-800-275-2273) to discuss the issue as well as potential solutions.

Before asking for a new battery, customers are asked to check that their computer qualifies. Only MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops purchased new between February 2006 and April 2007 are said to be affected. Notebook owners experiencing one or more of the four following symptoms are urged to choose one of the above options:

• Battery is not recognized causing an "X" to appear in the battery icon in the Finder menu bar.
• Battery will not charge when computer is plugged into AC power.
• Battery exhibits low charge capacity/runtime when using a fully charged battery with a battery cycle count (as shown in System Profiler) of less than 300.
• Battery pack is visibly deformed.

Apple notes however that customers are responsible for transportation costs, and some delivery costs if the new battery is shipped vis airmail -- the original must be sent to Apple for recycling. By accepting a replacement battery installation, battery repair coverage for Core Duo-based MacBooks and MacBook Pros is extended up to two years past the date of purchase.

by MacNN Staff