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.
hmm
08/20, 03:45pm reply
I wonder how they will determine signs of abuse?
simdude
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2004
happened to mine
08/20, 03:48pm reply
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!
rsande
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2004
Tease!
08/20, 03:48pm reply
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"?
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
not good enough...
08/20, 03:49pm reply
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.
rmoody
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2008
@resuna
08/20, 04:53pm (1 reply) reply
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"?
QualleyIV
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
magsafe
08/20, 05:16pm reply
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!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
About freaking time!
08/20, 06:05pm reply
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?
ariedana
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2008
macbook pro too?
08/20, 06:54pm reply
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
zaghahzag
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Aug 2006
Corporate comes through
08/21, 02:41am reply
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".
todd
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2006