Another
laptop battery problem has hit Apple. This
time the problem, in MacBook and MacBook Pro lines, is not said
to pose a fire hazard.
Apple recalled 1.8m laptop batteries
manufactured by Sony last year because they posed a fire
hazard, an exercise that also had to be followed by other major
laptop manufacturers.
The latest problem involves laptop batteries not charging
properly from a power outlet, and other symptoms.
Apple said it “has recently discovered that some batteries used
in its MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks may have battery
performance issues. Apple is offering a software update that is
designed to improve battery performance”.
Apple added, “The factors causing the performance issues do not
present a safety risk. You may continue to use your current
battery.”
But the software update does not guarantee a return to normal
working, admitted Apple, and it has promised to replace batteries
where necessary.
Symptoms of a faulty battery, even after the software upgrade,
are: the battery is not recognised causing an “X” to appear in the
battery icon in the Finder menu bar; the battery will not charge
when the computer is plugged into AC power; and the battery
exhibits a low charge capacity/runtime to the user when using a
fully charged battery. The battery pack may also be “deformed”,
said Apple.
The battery problem potentially affects all MacBook and MacBook
Pro computers and extra batteries that were purchased between
February 2006 and April 2007.
Laptop battery recall sees Sony's profits
nosedive >>
Battery recalls aren’t free
>>
Airlines prevent laptop use because of battery
fire hazard >>
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