Incident matches reports from Apple online store

MacNN reader Robert-Anthony Bunoan has voiced frustration with Apple after the battery in his 17-inch MacBook Pro reportedly swelled to the point of rupturing the case. The notebook was approximately two years old, with a removable battery instead of the integrated lithium-polymer design featured in the latest aluminum-unibody models.

Bunoan claims he ran a Disk Utility scan as a potential remedy for a trackpad problem. Several hours after the scan was finished, the MacBook housing was still hot and the device appeared to be lifted in the front.

"I quickly turned the laptop over and noticed a huge bump of 8 mm in height, coming out of the computer, on the battery's surface as if it was hit from the inside," says Bunoan.

After contacting Apple Support and sending along photos, the company allegedly refused to replace the faulty component. The customer service representatives recommended that he purchase a new battery, as it is not considered "part of the computer."

The swelled battery does not appear to be an isolated incident. The replacement battery has received a variety of similar reviews on Apple's online store. "Count me in as another victim of the battery bulge," writes BB from Santa Fe. "And it's not one, but TWO 17" MacBook Pros."

Apple has been similarly criticized for its handling of iPod batteries that have reportedly exploded or ignited. The company's lawyers allegedly attempted to block a Freedon of Information Act request for documents relating to the fires. Over 800 pages of relevant material described at least 15 different incidents, despite the denial of such problems when customers contact Apple following issues with burning iPods.

by MacNN Staff