Apple settlements: Canadian iPod credit, notebook adapter refunds

Apple has agreed to settlements in two longstanding class action lawsuits over allegations that earlier iPod models failed to live up to their battery claims, and that replacement adapters for some of its PowerPC notebooks were hazardous.

Canadian iPod Credit

As part of the first settlement, Apple Canada is offering $45 credits to Canadian residents who own a new first-, second- or third-generation iPod purchased before June 24, 2004.

The proposed settlement, according to The Gazette, is a result of two iPod owners suing because the built-in rechargeable battery in their iPod's would last only for about three hours after the first year of use, rather than eight hours Apple had advertised.

As many as 80,000 Canadians, including 11,310 Quebecers, could be eligible for the credit, which is good towards a future purchase at the Apple online store. Lawyers for the plaintiffs had originally sought $137.77 from Apple for a replacement battery, plus shipping and handling, $50 for inconvenience and $400 in exemplary damages.

The deal is set to be finalized in court in Montreal on May 26 and in Toronto on June 20.

Power Adapter Refund

As part of a proposed settlement in the second class-action suit, Apple has agreed to pay cash refunds of $25 to $79 to as many as 2.3 million PowerPC-based Mac notebook owners to resolve claims that some of its power adapters were prone to spark.

The Los Angeles Times reports that customers who bought certain replacement adapters for PowerBook and iBook computers are eligible for the settlement.

The suit, originally filed in 2006, alleged that Apple misrepresented problems with the power adapters, which could dangerously fray, spark and prematurely fail to work.

A hearing on final approval of the settlement is scheduled for September 8.