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Apple Recalls iBook, PowerBook Batteries

Fire Hazard in Batteries Used in Earlier Models

August 24, 2006

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Just weeks after a massive Dell Computer recall, Apple is recalling about 1.1 million battery packs used in some iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebook computers because the lithium-ion batteries can overheat and start a fire.

Besides the 1.1 million units sold in the United States, another 700,000 battery packs were sold outside the U.S. As in the Dell recall, the batteries were manufactured by Sony.

Earlier this month, Dell recalled 4.1 million laptop batteries, the largest electronics recall ever handled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

On August 3, ConsumerAffairs.com reported the story of Thomas Forqueran, stranded at Lake Mead State Park in Nevada after a Dell laptop set his vintage truck ablaze.

Apple said it has received nine reports of batteries overheating, including two reports of minor burns from handling overheated computers and other reports of minor property damage. No serious injuries were reported.

The recalled lithium-ion batteries were used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit.

The recalled models are:

Computer model name	Battery model number	Battery serial numbers
12-inch iBook G4	A1061	ZZ338 through ZZ427 3K429 through 3K611 6C510 through 6C626
12-inch PowerBook G4	A1079	ZZ411 through ZZ427 3K428 through 3K611
15-inch PowerBook G4	A1078 and A1148	3K425 through 3K601 6N530 through 6N551 6N601

The recalled computers were sold through Apple's online store, Apple retail stores nationwide, and Apple Authorized Resellers from October 2003 through August 2006 for between $900 and $2300. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

Consumer Contact: : Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple’s Web site at support.apple.com/batteryprogram to check the battery’s serial number and request a replacement battery.

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