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http://www.macnn.com/articles/08/08/20/magsafe.adapter.problems/

Apple promises replacements for MagSafe adapters

updated 02:55 pm EDT, Wed August 20, 2008

 

MagSafe adapter problems


Apple has admitted faults in some of the MagSafe power adapters bundled with MacBooks, according to support documents. The company says that insular material on the cable -- particularly near the magnetic connector -- can tear prematurely, exposing the underlying wire. Aside from representing a possible safety hazard, Apple notes that the cable can eventually become discolored, and that its molding may deform.

The company thus says that people should take affected adapters to an Apple Store or an official service provider, and ask for a new one; free replacements, however, are only being given to people whose adapters do not show "signs of abuse." Service at a Genius Bar may also require an advance appointment.


by MacNN Staff

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 MacBook, MacBook Pro, troubleshooting, accessories, Apple

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Comments

  1. simdude

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2004

    +5
    08/20, 03:45pm | report spam | Reply |

    hmm

    I wonder how they will determine signs of abuse?

  1. rsande

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2004

    +6
    08/20, 03:48pm | report spam | Reply |

    happened to mine

    This fraying (and the discoloration too, nice sickly yellow-brown) happened to my original power adapter. It was one of the huge bulky ones from the original macbook pro line.Took it in to service (still under AppleCare at the time) and got a new one in no time. This was at least a year ago, perhaps more.As a side note - they gave me one of the newer, smaller power adapters. Woot!

  1. resuna

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2005

    -13
    08/20, 03:48pm | report spam | Reply |

    Tease!

    I was hoping that they were replacing the damn Magsafe design. I've never pulled a laptop off a table by the power cord, or the ethernet cable (which is actually locked in place by the tab)... but I've had my Macbook go flat and crash because the "Mag Unsafe" connector pulls loose too easily.

    If the old Powerbook/iBook connectors were so bad, why not go to the reliable barrel connectors that almost all other laptops use instead of this Microsoftian "innovation"?

  1. rmoody

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2008

    -6
    08/20, 03:49pm | report spam | Reply |

    not good enough...

    Now, excuse me, but most of these defective adapters that I have seen could easily be excused off as being abused. Not the response I was hoping for...try again Steve.

  1. QualleyIV

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

    +3
    08/20, 04:53pm | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    @resuna

    Well, I have actually knocked a laptop off of a table by tripping on the power cord. Conversely, I've been saved several times by the magsafe connector. Maybe you're just not as clumsy as I am, but I think magsafe is great.

    Oh, and how exactly is this "Microsoftian"?

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -6
    08/20, 05:16pm | report spam | Reply |

    magsafe

    It must be something about Apple, because their laptop power supplies seem to always be cause for complaint.

    I've found the magsafe to be fine for left-right pulls, but I've had my mbp half slide off a table because of a direct pull on the connector. It helps more than some, but it isn't perfect.

    I was thinking of getting another magsafe for work so I didn't have to keep taking it with me, but have you noticed the reviews on Apple's site for their adapters? I mean, people just hate the things!

  1. ariedana

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2008

    +1
    08/20, 06:05pm | report spam | Reply |

    About freaking time!

    Glad to know they're acknowledging this. The first time I had to replace it, the Genius tried to deny a free replacement because he said it was "normal wear and tear" (I'd had it for six months.) The second time (about 9 months later) they said they would only replace one per customer, so I had to buy another. Could I get my money back and an apology now?

  1. zaghahzag

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: Aug 2006

    +4
    08/20, 06:54pm | report spam | Reply |

    macbook pro too?

    My wife's MBP's adaptor looks exactly like this. Is it replaced under this service?

    BTW magsafe is awesome. It frees one from having to worry about breaking the adaptor and its easier to connect and disconnect

  1. todd

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Dec 2006

    +3
    08/21, 02:41am | report spam | Reply |

    Corporate comes through

    Just two weeks ago I brought my AC adapter with the melted wire into the Apple store in Palo Alto. The "Genius" was not very receptive to the idea of them replacing it. He claimed they had not seen anything like that before, and suggested I go to their www site and file a report.

    That was disappointing behavior for what could be a safety concern. It's good to see Apple corporate is smarter than the "Genius".

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