Apple will recall nearly two million power devices believed to cause a risk of overheating risk. Sony's stock — they manufacture the batteries in question — sank today; recent recalls of its product may cost up to $258 million. Link to news story (Thanks, darkman424).
Here's a snip from the battery recall info page at apple.com, with instructions on how to apply for the exchange program:
Apple has determined that certain lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of Japan pose a safety risk that may result in overheating under rare circumstances. The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4.
Reader comment: John D. Verne says,
It isn't clear if you just scan the recall details, but if you (like me) purchased a replacement battery for a G3 iBook, you may still have a problem battery. I noted that the replacement was slightly more powerful than the original battery.
"If you participated in a previous battery recall for any of these computer models or recently purchased or received from Apple an extra battery for an iBook G3, please check your battery serial number in case you received a replacement battery that is affected by this program."
Unfortunately, the iBook I need to check is in Ghana right now! Anyway, unless you read all the way down you may not realize that G3s are also affected.
Also worth underscoring: none of Apple's current-generation notebooks are affected. If you walk into an Apple retail store and toss your credit card in any direction — your plastic won't plunk down on any product involved in this recall, according to the Apple rep I spoke with earlier today. Unless, like, you aim at someone with an older laptop who happens to be standing in line at the Genius Bar…. but work with me here.
